A Serene Escape

It's a Saturday morning, we’ve left Johannesburg behind and we’re travelling through the farmlands of Krugersdorp where there's nothing but land all around you. Getting out of the city is so important to me, perhaps it's because I grew up around mountains and quiet areas in Swaziland but whenever I can see grass for miles and miles - I am immediately at peace.

So anyway, the destination today is Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa. My partner and I were celebrating our fourth anniversary and decided this year needed a touch of decadence so we chose to have a spa day.

Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa is a five-star resort nestled at the foothills of the Zwartkops Mountains in the Cradle of Humankind, a comfortable forty minute drive from both Sandton and Pretoria. It offers accommodation, spa treatments, two restaurants and it is often used as a wedding venue.

KLOOFZICHT SPA: This is the spa building, it is separate from the hotel and the two restaurants on the compound.

The weather was idyllic: the sun was out, the sky was a striking blue - it absolutely set the tone for the day. We got to the entrance of the lodge, signed in and drove for a further five minutes into the compound until we reached the spa building. Upon arrival, the manager greeted us and led us to the outdoor balcony to sign some papers but honestly, she just wanted to give us a taste of the views and my oh my.

I was so struck by the amount of open space there was and the green of the vegetation contrasting with the blue sky, it left me breathless for a few seconds. After three months in Joburg, the stillness of the lodge was notable. It was like I could hear every single movement in the trees, the water and the humming insects. The relaxation had started already and nobody had touched me yet!

VIEWS: This was taken from the balcony of the spa building, capturing the spa lawns and the coveted dam in the distance. Breathtaking, right?

We made our way back inside the building and met our therapists, Phumeza and Beatrice who were so sweet and professional.

Our treatment for the day was called ‘’The Body Ritual” which consisted of a full body exfoliation, a full body massage and foot massage plus a complimentary scrub to take home with you.

Let me tell you, the use of the word ‘ritual’ isn’t for show: I truly felt like I was connecting with a higher power throughout that entire process - it was like nothing I had ever experienced before.

SPA BABY: This is the relaxation zone in the spa, you can enjoy the pool and a hot tub before/after your treatment.

So we started off with the full body exfoliation which required us to strip all the way down to our disposable underwear (provided for) and my therapist didn’t hold back on that scrub! Once done, we rinsed the scrub in a shower and the difference in my skin was already visible.

We settled back onto the massage tables and that is when the ritual truly began. The massage started on my shoulders, moved all the way down to my legs and then I was turned over and the process was repeated.

The cherry on top was the foot massage: aromatherapy scent bags were placed behind me and another was put on my eyes like a blindfold and that sent me dreaming. I don’t even know what contraptions were used on my feet, I just know they were warm and well taken care of!

At the end of it, my body had never felt that relaxed and calm and I wanted it to last forever. In our tranquil and serene state, we were invited to enjoy the sun on the lounge chairs out on the lawns and that was the cherry on top. I could have sat in that lounge chair all day as long as the sun didn't move, it was so peaceful and calming.

DO YOU SEE THE GLOW: This is me post-ritual, I think my face says it all - your girl was relaxxxed!

SUN BATHE: This is us sun bathing on the spa lawns enjoying the views, the sounds and the wonderful sunshine.

After getting dressed and sadly bidding the spa farewell, we had a quick lunch at the Overmeer Bistro, a restaurant on the resort property that is open to day visitors. We found large tables of families enjoying their Saturday at the picturesque getaway.

The bistro overlooks the much-loved dam that sits in the heart of the lodge.

The bungalows for hotel guests sit on the other side of the dam and look like absolute heaven. The lodge also offers hot-air ballooning which would be amazing to try out.

BUNGALOW FOR 2: Across the stunning dam, those are the bungalows one would stay in when staying overnight.

Everything about my visit was perfect and made the experience so much more memorable. I can’t wait to go back and enjoy a few nights at the serene and stunning Kloofzicht Spa & Lodge.

PICTURESQUE: This is the view you get to enjoy at the Overmeer Bistro surrounded by your favourite people.

All images were taken by me. Click here to view more photographs!