A day of massage

After eleven hours in the air from Paris, there is nothing quite like a full day of massage before getting down to the serious business of exploring. We discovered the Mowana Spa three years ago, and since then we treat ourselves to this day of relaxation on every visit to South Africa. The price is genuinely reasonable for a full day — you would be doing yourself a disservice to pass it up.

From the moment you arrive at 8am, you will be welcomed with a cocktail. After changing in the locker rooms, slipping into your swimsuit and putting on the bathrobe provided, you will sit down to a generous breakfast — when booking, you will need to choose your dishes in advance. And then it begins. A full body massage with or without hot stones. A break, a small drink, and they attend to your back. Another break, followed by a relaxing massage of the head, neck and shoulders. Then it is time for lunch — as with breakfast, you will have made your menu choices at the time of booking.

The afternoon begins with a hydrating facial massage, followed by a break, then a massage of the feet and legs. Another pause, and finally a last massage of the hands and arms. After a few drinks and a selection of cakes, you will head off around 5pm. Needless to say, you will sleep very well that night. After this day of total relaxation, you will be perfectly ready to make the most of your holiday.

Our choice: Rejuvenation – Full Day Spa Pamper Journey

Depending on how far you are from the Mowana Spa, be sure to factor in the frequent traffic jams in Johannesburg. You need to arrive by 8am, to allow time to get changed and have breakfast.