There comes a time when you just have to spoil yourself, and what better way to that then to book yourself into one of the most beautiful wine estates of the Cape Winelands for a whole week of spa treatments.

Alluvia
So early morning, my dear old friend, Annette and I set off to the Alluvia wine estate for a week filled with some TLC. Situated just outside of Stellenbosch, Alluvia forms part of one of the most beautiful spots of the Cape Winelands. I’ve been here before for a wine weekend, but it was mostly work related, but this time, it was all play and no work.

Our week was scheduled to have at least one spa treatment per day, fine dining, doing some hiking trails and then of course, wine tasting. But first we booked into our self-catering unit, Avalon. It felt like a home away from home, just with much more scenery and a much more relaxed atmosphere. The first thing Annette and I did was enjoy an ice-cold beer while relaxing on the veranda and seeping in our view.

More than just a pretty face…
Waking up the next morning, we first enjoyed a quick walk before breakfast, after which we booked in for our first session at the spa. It is commonly said that beauty lies skin-deep, but after ninety minutes of an ultra deluxe relaxation massage, it’s easy to see why. If you are at ease and feel totally relaxed like Annette and I did, you can’t help but let that feeling of being totally contempt with life shine through. It’s almost like nothing can faze you, and if you’re not stressed, then less wrinkles and yes, shallow as it may seem, you do look more beautiful.

So feeling good like we did, Annette suggested we drive into Franschhoek for some fine dining. We opted for Reuben’s, a restaurant well known for not only winning quite a few awards, but also for the simple fact that they are a refined brasserie. I’ve always been one for simplicity, so with the minimalist décor I was really impressed with Reuben’s. And as expected our meal was absolutely unforgettable. You need to take your time with each course, savour every single bite, and sip on a fine wine that is product of this region.

Spoil yourself…
It was time for our second treatment, but this time we were at Zorgvliet for a whole six hours of pure bliss. We did everything from getting our nails pedicured and manicured, to bathing in a Pinotage Grapeseed Hydrotherepy Bath. The body cream wrap was nothing less than ecstasy. When it was eventually time for my Swedish massage, I think that I might’ve dosed off for most of the duration, a sure sign that I was exceedingly relaxed. Annette in turn, had somewhere along the line accidentally smashed one of her newly manicured nails. I can tell you this, if there is one thing that upsets any nail-specialist it would be a smashed up fingernail. So after getting it polished up again, we sat back for some yummy snacks and champagne.

This was the life. Not a worry in the world, no frills, no fuzz, just you with a good friend, tranquil surroundings that leaves you feeling nothing but exuberated with happiness and absolute contentment with life. The rest of our stay pretty much continued with this peaceful rhythm and both Annette and I experienced what it meant to be at peace with oneself here in this Winelands Spa.