We visited Steenberg Spa for a Breath of Life Massage and it was glorious

Earlier this year, Timeout Magazine ranked Steenberg Spa among the Top 12 spas in South Africa, while TripAdvisor named it the Top Spa in Constantia for 2024. What an accolade!

It recently underwent renovations and has launched its new spring-summer spa and wellness treatment menu, which focuses on refreshing and detoxing after the winter months. As much as the treatments are about pampering, they are also designed to help manage the effects of stress and exhaustion—something that is becoming increasingly prevalent among South Africans.

Monique Pereira, manager of Steenberg Spa at Steenberg Farm, says, “We get quite a few guests who are experiencing fatigue. These guests need to seek treatment when they are experiencing low energy levels, but if they are experiencing stress and anxiety, they should probably seek treatment every two- to four weeks.”

“We have a holistic approach to wellness – it’s not just about a massage and nails and ‘out you go’. We focus and address physical, mental and emotional well-being,” she says.

Two BeautySouthAfrica team members recently visited the spa to experience the Breath of Life Massage. This deep-tissue sports massage includes specialised stretching techniques and focuses on enhancing circulation and flexibility, increasing tissue elasticity, and reducing muscle tension.

While we expected a relaxing day with some much-needed pampering, we could not predict how much we would love and enjoy this treatment. Our editor still can’t stop raving about it:

“I absolutely love the Steenberg Spa, but until recently, I had only ever been there for pedicures. When the invitation for a massage came along, I could barely contain my excitement.

I love a good massage (I mean, who doesn’t?!), but this could not have come at a better time. I have recently been experiencing some back pain (a side effect of my scoliosis) and feeling the pressures of end-of-year deadlines. As a result, I’ve been carrying a lot of tension in my shoulders. 

While the spa itself is absolutely beautiful, I was delighted to find out that our massages would take place in the Secret Garden, an exquisite hidden garden surrounded by rose bushes and greenery. As luck would have it, we got the most beautiful day for it—it was lovely and warm, with no wind in sight.

When we arrived, we were greeted by the loveliest receptionist, who escorted us to the waiting room and brought us some sparkling wine to enjoy while we waited. We then met Monique, the spa’s manager, who took us around the premises and told us more about the spa and the treatments available.

Once our tour was complete, we were escorted to the most beautiful poolside room, the Pool House, where we dressed in robes and slippers. We took the short walk to the Secret Garden and met our therapists – who, I must say – were incredible. Friendly, knowledgeable and considerate, they took the time to ask about our massage preferences and to discuss any concerns we may have had. I love that my therapist checked on me throughout the treatment to ensure I was comfortable and that the pressure was right for me.

They informed us that the Breath of Life Massage would encompass some stretching, which I have not experienced before, and that it is usually performed with medium to firm pressure (we both selected medium).

I was in heaven from the beginning to the end of this 90-minute treatment. The pressure felt incredible on my tired and stiff muscles, and the stretching—despite my stiffness—felt great. I’m not usually the most supple person, but I was surprised at how far my muscles could go. I think this was a testament to how well my therapist massaged me because she definitely got my circulation going and softened the knots in my muscles.

The Breath of Life Massage is a full-body treatment, and we were given the option of having our scalps included, which we did. For me, the scalp massage is the best part—there is literally nothing like having your head massaged! That, and my hands. They work really hard every day, and I don’t often get them massaged, so it was a real treat.

By the time the 90 minutes were over, I was so relaxed I could barely get off the bed. Being outdoors for this treatment made it extra special. We could smell the flowers, hear the sounds of birds, and feel the gentle breeze through the trees… It was pure bliss.

After our treatment, we were given a glass of Steenberg 1682 Chardonnay Cap Classique (which is delicious!) next to the pool. The poolside setting is so serene, and you get access to these facilities when you visit the spa, so if you go during summer, a quick dip is definitely in order.

The day was nothing short of spectacular. The Secret Garden is probably the most beautiful place I have ever experienced a massage. The therapists were fantastic, and we were made to feel special and welcome from beginning to end.

I want to say a big thank you to Monique and her team for their hospitality. We will most definitely be back!”
Anien – Editor

Steenberg Farm is renowned as a sought-after tourist destination for its five-star hotel, award-winning wines, five-star restaurants and spectacular scenery. The spa is the perfect place for visitors wanting a luxury treatment experience. Visit their website to discover the various on-site activities available, or book at the spa, here.

Issued on Beauty South Africa | https://beautysouthafrica.com/we-visited-steenberg-spa-for-a-breath-of-life-massage-and-it-was-glorious/