The One & Only Spa, 12 Apostles Spa, Arabella Spa, Life Day Spa, and Camelot Spa all likely spring to mind when you think about top Cape Town spas. However, those of us who are local will likely agree that a spa trip to any of the above is an annual (or if you’re very lucky, bi-annual) indulgence. Their prices for treatments are quite steep and as much as I’d jump at the chance to go to them on a regular basis, that’s a day dream, not a reality.

So, where do you head to for unforgettable treatments, without breaking the bank? Keep reading:

1. Rouge Day Spa, Kenilworth

Offering affordable packages and divine massages, Rouge Day Spa is a local winner for those after a scented sanctuary. They offer Vitaderm facials starting at R200 and Environ facials starting at R310, sunbed sessions from R60, along with waxing, tinting, body wraps, manicures, and pedicures. Their Pure Bliss Package costs R900 and lasts 5 ½ hours; their Couples Package costs R1200 and lasts 2 ½ hours, and their Summer Glow package costs R400 and lasts 1 hour 45 minutes. They have a sparkling pool and bubbling Jacuzzi, so don’t forget your bathing costume. In winter, head to their cosy lounge and relax in front of the fireplace.
Contact: 021-797-9871.

2. Yemaya, Mouille Point

Though Yemaya Spa, named after the African ocean goddess, does fall in the “pricey” range, they’re well worth a visit. Offering a variety of beauty treatments, alternative therapies, and cosmetic dentistry, they meet your go-to beauty requirement. Their Optiphi Rejuvenation Skin peel costs R550 and you end up with glowing results almost immediately as opposed to raw, red skin ala Samantha from Sex in the City. Their other facials include products from the Guinot and Dermalogica ranges. A 30 minute Back and Neck massage costs R290, Reflexology for 45 minutes costs R390, and a full body Aromatherapy massage for 1 hour costs R510. Their 30 minute exfoliation costs R310, body wraps are R550, and they also have a variety of “Bootcamps” for trouble areas such as your tummy. Manicures, pedicures, haircuts, tanning, waxing, tinting, and IPL permanent hair removals are also offered.
Contact: 021-439-2266.

3. GojiSpa, Tygervalley

Providing guests with only organic and natural products, you can rest assured that a trip to GojiSpa will provide you with an eco-friendly and indulgent experience. A deep tissue/Swedish massage will cost R250 for 30 minutes, or R400 for 45 minutes; an aromatherapy massage will cost R320 for 30 minutes or R440 for 45 minutes; and a hot stone massage will cost R480 for 1 hour, or R600 for 1 hour 15 minutes. Their facials are wonderful, with their Hypoallergenic Facial costing R520 for an hour. Their body scrub and body wrap each last 30 minutes, and both cost R300 respectively. Manicures, pedicures, waxing, tinting, and even hypnotherapy sessions are available here, and they also have an on-site hair salon.
Contact: 021-914-8606.

4. La Femme, Fishhoek

The warmly decorated interior sets the tone for your experience at La Femme, where you can expect a personalised and tailored experience. Exfoliations range between R190 – R250, body wraps take about 45 minutes and start from R410, and specialised baths that soften your skin start from R200. Their mud massages are quite popular with a 45 minute Back, Neck, and Shoulders mud massage priced at R280, or their hour full body mud massage going for R340. Their 30 minute back hot stone massage costs R210, while their 1.5 hour full body hot stone massage costs R330 for women and R350 for men.  A 1 hour full body Aromatherapy massage costs R300 and includes complimentary tea or coffee afterwards.
Contact: 083-286-2128.

5. Annelie’s Health and Skincare Clinic, Tokai

Opposite Blue Route Mall lies a sanctuary that is hidden behind face brick walls. They offer a variety of packages, such as the Holistic Treatment, consisting of an aromatherapy massage, reflexology and head massage for R570. Beauty treatments are also abundant. A mini-facial will cost you R195, a Classique Facial (which includes a foot or neck massage and brow shaping) costs R420, and a Guinot Hydradermie facial will last an hour and cost R595. Manicures start from R120, pedicures from R140, and reflexology is available for R200. A Body massage will last 1 hour 15 minutes and cost R420, an aromatherapy body massage lasts 1 ½ hours and costs R400.
Contact: 021-712-3292.

Honourable Mention:

Relax and Rejuvenate Mobile Therapy

This incredible spa, owned by Faye and Ivy offers mobile therapists who can come to you (R100 additional travelling fee if 20km outside CBD). They’re a bit pricey, but if you think about the petrol you’re saving, this definitely works out. A 40 minute massage (Swedish, Thai Foot, Reiki, Lymph Drain, or Indian Head) will cost R500.
Contact:  084-729-2627.

*All prices listed were accurate at time of publishing.

Let us know your favourite Cape Town spa, and which other cost-effective spa you’d add onto the list?

Main image credited to  Glue Ricky Santonja (Creative Commons)