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    Spa retreats in South Africa for honeymoons, bachelorettes and pre-wedding escapes

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    In the midst of wedding planning, pre-wedding celebrations, or the transition into married life, taking time to pause can feel both indulgent and essential. Whether you’re planning a calming escape before the big day, a romantic honeymoon, or a restorative bachelorette getaway, spa retreats offer a meaningful way to reconnect, unwind and reset together.

    South Africa is home to an exceptional collection of spa retreats that lend themselves beautifully to wedding-related travel. Blending luxury with nature and indulgence with intention, these destinations range from secluded mountain hideaways to vineyard sanctuaries and refined city escapes, making them ideal for honeymoons, bachelorettes and pre-wedding escapes alike.

    1. Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa – Cape Winelands

    Tucked away in the serene valleys of the Cape Winelands, Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa is a sophisticated choice for couples or bridal parties seeking a structured yet luxurious wellness experience. Known for its comprehensive spa treatments and detox programmes, Santé combines tailored health assessments with holistic therapies designed to restore both body and mind.

    With world-class facilities including hydrotherapy, Pilates and yoga studios, sauna and a heated indoor pool, it is well suited to couples wanting a mindful start to married life, or brides looking to arrive at the aisle feeling balanced and radiant.

    2. Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat – Cederberg

    For couples or groups drawn to nature-led experiences, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve offers a deeply immersive retreat. Set high in the Cederberg Mountains, this escape pairs luxurious spa therapies with wide-open landscapes, ancient rock art and outdoor exploration.

    Riverside massages, open-air treatments and guided hikes make it a compelling option for adventurous honeymoons or intimate bachelorette retreats where nature, stillness and connection take centre stage.

    3. Healing Earth Transformative Wellness – KwaZulu-Natal Midlands

    Located in the rolling countryside of the Midlands Meander, Healing Earth Transformative Wellness is ideal for slower-paced celebrations or pre-wedding wind-downs. The spa’s bespoke treatments are inspired by nature and tailored to individual needs, offering everything from restorative massages to calming facial therapies.

    With an outdoor yoga deck, wellness pool and tranquil spaces for relaxation, this retreat works beautifully for small bridal groups or couples seeking quiet luxury in a countryside setting.

    4. Future Found Sanctuary – Cape Town

    Just outside Cape Town, Future Found Sanctuary offers a regenerative wellness experience that feels both secluded and accessible. Set against the slopes of Table Mountain, the retreat is surrounded by fynbos and sweeping mountain views, creating a serene backdrop for honeymoons or pre-wedding escapes.

    The spa focuses on sensory renewal, with treatments complemented by forest walks, meditation spaces and guided wellness activities. It is an excellent choice for couples wanting meaningful relaxation without straying too far from the city.

    5. Babylonstoren Spa – Cape Winelands Botanical Retreat

    For couples or bridal parties who appreciate refined, nature-inspired luxury, Babylonstoren is a standout destination. Set on a historic working farm, the spa draws heavily on the surrounding botanical gardens, offering herbal steam baths, botanical massages and open-air hot pools.

    Between treatments, guests can explore the gardens, enjoy farm-to-table dining or simply soak in the views of vineyards and mountains, making it particularly appealing for romantic honeymoons or indulgent pre-wedding stays.

    6. The Saxon Spa – Johannesburg

    For those planning a city-based escape, The Saxon Spa in Johannesburg offers an elegant urban sanctuary with five-star appeal. Known for its holistic, results-driven treatments, the spa combines advanced skincare and body therapies with classic luxury.

    Thermo-therapy suites, bespoke facials and tranquil gardens provide a polished yet peaceful environment, ideal for a short honeymoon stopover or a sophisticated bachelorette retreat without leaving the city.

    Tips for Planning a Wedding-Focused Spa Escape

    • Book well in advance: Spa retreats are popular for honeymoons and group bookings, particularly at sought-after properties.

    • Consider group-friendly options: Some spas offer tailored packages for couples or bridal parties, including private facilities or shared treatments.

    • Balance indulgence with experience: Pair spa time with gentle activities such as yoga, guided walks or wine tastings to create a well-rounded stay.

    ALSO SEE: Should you have a joint bachelor and bachelorette party?

    Should you have a joint bachelor and bachelorette party?

    Written by Zoe Erasmus for Getaway.

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    In Bachelorette Party

    Should you have a joint bachelor and bachelorette party?

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    For decades, kitchen teas, bachelorettes, and bachelors have been celebrated separately, but modern couples are rewriting the rules. Over the past few years, the idea of hosting a joint bachelor and bachelorette party has become far more common, especially among couples with overlapping friend groups or those looking to simplify pre-wedding plans. That said, separate celebrations are still the most common. Many brides love their girls-only moment, and plenty of grooms enjoy their own dedicated send-off. But with the rising cost of events, busy schedules, and couples wanting more shared memories, combined celebrations are definitely gaining momentum.

    Why combining your celebrations makes perfect sense

    1. More time with your favourite people

    Instead of splitting the wedding party for separate weekends, a joint celebration means you and your partner actually get to enjoy the build-up together. No FOMO, no separate plans. Just shared fun before the big day.

    2. It helps both sides bond

    A combined event brings bridesmaids, groomsmen, and mutual friends into one space. It’s the perfect ice-breaker before the wedding, especially if your groups don’t know each other well. By the time the big day arrives, everyone feels like they’ve been friends for years.

    3. It’s budget-friendly

    Two events often mean double the accommodation, transport, decor, and activities. A joint bash can cut costs for the wedding party and the couple. Think shared transport, split venue hire, and group discounts.

    4. Less pressure, more inclusivity

    Joint celebrations naturally avoid the stereotype-heavy, gendered activities some bridal parties want to avoid. They offer a more relaxed, everyone-welcome vibe. This is great for couples who prefer something low-key or who have mixed-gender friend circles.

    Fun ways to combine the celebrations

    If you’re leaning toward one shared event, here are ideas that work beautifully for co-ed groups:

    • A themed dinner party or backyard braai

    A relaxed, at-home celebration where everyone brings a dish or you hire a private chef. Add games or a DIY cocktail bar for extra fun.

    • A competitive game night

    Board games, trivia, or card games are perfect for mixed groups. Create teams that blend both sides of the wedding party for instant bonding.

    • A wine, gin, or craft beer tasting

    Great for groups wanting a more refined (or more adventurous!) outing. Non-drinkers can enjoy alternatives like coffee, cheese, or chocolate tastings.

    • A group activity day

    Think mini-golf, a cooking class, an escape room, or a friendly sports match. Something collaborative is ideal for building connections.

    • A party bus or boat day

    If you want high energy, rent a party shuttle or a boat for a few hours. It’s a simple way to keep everyone together without complicated planning.

    • A weekend away

    From glamping to a beach house, a shared weekend escape can be a cost-effective way to have both separate moments and joint activities.

    Why a combined celebration might not be the best fit

    Joint pre-wedding celebrations are fun and increasingly popular, but they don’t suit every couple or every friend group. Some people prefer the tradition of separate bachelor and bachelorette parties because they want the freedom to plan an experience that truly reflects the bride or groom individually.

    You also need to consider group dynamics: if certain personalities don’t mix well, or if your friends have very different ideas of what “fun” looks like, combining the celebrations could leave someone feeling out of place. And of course, if one side prefers a more relaxed experience while the other is expecting something wild and energetic, the compromise may dilute the excitement for both groups.

    Should you combine yours?

    In the end, it comes down to what feels most “you.” If your group is already close, you prefer shared experiences, or you’d like to simplify the pre-wedding calendar, a joint celebration might be perfect. If you’re dreaming of a more traditional girls-only or guys-only vibe, that’s just as valid.

    ALSO SEE: How to combine your bachelorette and kitchen tea

    How to combine your bachelorette and kitchen tea

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    In Bridal Shower

    Relaxing bachelorette party ideas for the chilled bride

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    Not one for the club scene? That’s perfectly acceptable. With all the stress of wedding planning, a nice relaxing weekend with your best girls is a great way to calm your nerves.

    Low-key brides wanting to do something a little different to the traditional bachelorette rager can opt for more serene experiences designed to soothe those frazzled nerves and get you ready for your big day. Here are a few fun activities to consider.

    Spa Day:

    Who doesn’t love a spa day? A fresh set of nails, a massage and a facial can do wonders, especially when you’re feeling tense from wedding planning.

    You can arrange for a group spa day at a local beauty salon or wellness centre, or you could even have them come to you. Allow your guests to pick from an assortment of treatments, and throw in some delicious light snacks and infused water to complete the vibe.

     

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    Yoga:

    Feeling tense? Maybe you need to work out those muscles! Yoga is a great way to ease stress and get your body moving in a low impact workout that will leave you feeling calm.

    You can have a yoga instructor come to you to host a yoga class, complete with breathing exercises, and guided meditation. If you want to add a unique element, you could even try goat yoga!

     

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    Staycation:

    Live the life of luxury without even leaving your city. There are so many incredibly Airbnb listings across South Africa, allowing people to book out entire villas overlooking mesmerising views.

    All your guests can pool together to book a place with enough space for everyone in a central area. You can spend the weekend chilling poolside, cooking up meals with your besties, and bonding.

     

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    A post shared by Mary Margaret (@simply_darlings)

    Wine tasting:

    Wine tasting is a national sport in the Western Cape. With so many wineries to choose from, locals are truly spoilt for choice.

    For a safe experience, we suggest taking a trip on the Franschhoek wine tram, a hop-on-hop-off service connecting you to six wine estates in the Franschhoek Valley.

     

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    A post shared by Franschhoek Wine Tram (@winetram)

    Yacht life:

    What’s more luxurious than lounging on a luxury yacht? Spend the day cruising away with 360° views and sunshine warming you up.

    You don’t need a specific destination, a local cruise is perfect. Most boats are equipped with sound systems so you can DJ the day while you work on your tan, and menu and bar options are typically available as well.

     

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    ALSO SEE: Nadia Jaftha announces her engagement

    Nadia Jaftha announces her engagement

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    How to combine your bachelorette and kitchen tea
    In Bachelorette Party

    How to combine your bachelorette and kitchen tea

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    Times have changed and so have traditions. If you’re getting married but don’t feel you need to have both a bachelorette and a kitchen tea, there are several ways to combine them into one awesome bridal event.

    There are loads of benefits of combining the two events into one. One bridal event will save time and energy, as well as money. It will also mean you get exposed to fewer people and environments, keeping your immediate bubble small and staying within that bubble instead of hanging out with different groups of people.

    Here are some ideas of ways your bridal event can include everyone from your mom and aunt to your besties. Activities that everyone will enjoy and don’t break the bank is the way to go.

    Private picnic

    Picnics never get old. It’s chic, low-fuss and absolutely yummy. You can choose a theme or let the theme be the food! Gather your closest ladies and avoid the crowds by finding a private spot. You can also book a picnic from a vendor so it can be all set up in a cosy little nook when you arrive, ready to dig in.

    Day by the pool

    It’s summer! Sun’s out, which means bikinis and sarongs are on. Plan a fun day of leisurely lounging by the pool if you have access to one. Make cocktails together and get your dose of Vitamin D. Remember to wear adequate sunscreen, hats and seek out some shade every now and then.

    Board and card games

     

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    Who doesn’t love a good games night? Collect all your favourite board and card games and let your competitive side take over. You can even go as far as to place bets so there’s real incentive to win, or take it easy and just have a good laugh with your mates for the sake of it.

    Cook or bake together 

     

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    A post shared by Amira Abdelaziz (@amiraabdelazizzz)

    Food, glorious food. Whether you’re an aspiring fine-dining chef or just a plain old sweet tooth, get everyone together for a day of creating a beautiful meal, dessert or even just snacks. You can go for a cooking class or go DIY, as long as you walk away with a full belly and happy heart. Oh, and don’t forget to open a bottle of wine.

    Spa day

    Look, we’re not saying it’s never been done before. But honestly, who wouldn’t want to do it again (and again and again)? Book a day at your favourite spa for some serious relaxation. Plus, it will leave everyone looking and feeling refreshed and in top form for the big day!

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    In Advice

    5 Unique bachelorette party ideas that don’t include a stripper

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    I recently found myself planning my cousin’s bachelorette party. Let me tell you something, there’s a lot of pressure to make sure that the bride and her guests are happy. It’s definitely not as stressful as planning a whole wedding, but I found myself obsessively scrolling through social media in search of the biggest and best bachelorette ideas out there.

    Anything that would live up to all those Hollywood bachelorette tropes. Stripper – check. Dildos – check. You know the list. This got me thinking, are there any bachelorette party ideas that will have tongues wagging while stepping outside of the box?

    There sure are! If you’re looking to throw an unforgettable bachelorette that doesn’t include a stripper bumping and grinding on the bride-to-be, here are a few ideas that may get the inspiration flowing.

    Bubbles and Brushes

    If you’re searching for something that screams: This is a sophisticated bachelorette, then look no further than a day filled with painting and bubbles. There are a ton of spots across South Africa, including Paint and Sip which offers online classes too. This is a great way to unleash everyone’s inner creative!

    Picture: Pinterest

    Sail off into the sunset

    You don’t have to put on your clubbing shoes to have a good time, the open sea is all you need! If you live close to the ocean, you’ll find countless sunset cruises that are perfect for an early evening spent sipping on champagne and enjoying good food and music. Take it a step further and rent a yacht for a few hours. This will allow you to soak up the sun and get down in your swimsuits like nobody’s watching!

    Picture: Pinterest

    A pampering weekend

    It’s always about getting tipsy and downing as many shots as you can. If you’re looking to avoid a booze-filled weekend, opt for something a little more relaxing like a wellness weekend away to your favourite spot. There are some incredible wellness hotels around the country, including the Mount Grace Hotel and Spa in Magaliesberg which offers gorgeous views and wonderful spa treatments.

    Picture: Pinterest

    Tea Party anyone?

    Fancy dresses and fine china, if the bride-to-be can’t seem to get enough of either of these things, then opt for a sophisticated tea party. Grab the bride squad, adorable teacups, and delectable scones, and get the party started! There are plenty of hotels that offer a tea party experience, including the Mount Nelson in Cape Town. However, you can opt to re-create something of your own.

    Picture: Pinterest

    Splurge on a luxurious Airbnb

    Head to the mountains or the sea, but just make sure that you make it fancy! There’s nothing like enjoying the company of friends while sipping champagne and enjoying the views from your mansion. The best part is that you’ll be able to split the costs, ensuring that the bride has a relaxing and cost-free time! Don’t forget the games!

    Picture: Pinterest

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