Health & Wellness Retreat in South Africa & Mauritius - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town (South Africa), Free Time

Welcome to the charming and incredibly scenic port city of Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital. Upon arrival, meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel. After refreshing, the day is yours to spend as you wish. A good place to start is the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a bustling harbor area that blends historical charm with modern sophistication. Stroll along the promenade and browse the array of boutiques, eateries, and museums set against the backdrop of the iconic Table Mountain. Then, board a 40-minute ferry to the UNESCO-listed Robben Island.

Disembark and join a guided tour led by former prisoners for a firsthand account of the island's role as a political prison during the apartheid era. Follow your guide through the maximum-security prison, stopping at the cell where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in captivity. Back on the mainland, stroll to Bo-Kaap, Cape Town's Malay quarter, renowned for its brightly painted houses. Visit the Bo-Kaap Museum, housed in one of the pastel-colored houses, to learn about the formerly enslaved Malays and Indonesians who used to live here and turned the neighborhood into what it is today.

Day 2: Relax at SALT Boutique Guest House, Explore at Your Leisure

Get ready for a morning of relaxation at SALT Boutique Guest House, where you can choose three spa treatments from an array of options, including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and scalp massages. After your spa visit, enjoy lunch at Eden on the Bay Mall, overlooking the ocean and Table Mountain. When you're done eating, wander around the mall to shop for handmade goods, clothing, or souvenirs. Then, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. Consider a visit to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, renowned as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world.

Wander along the winding pathways through themed gardens showcasing the diverse flora of the Cape region. Then ascend to the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway for a bird's-eye view of the garden. In the evening, take a cable car up Table Mountain, where you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the cityscape, Atlantic Ocean, and surrounding peaks. Stay at the top until the sun begins to set so you can watch the sky transform into warm hues of orange and red. When darkness starts to fall, take the cable car back down and return to the waterfront to enjoy a meal overlooking the ocean.

Day 3: Morning Yoga Class, Half-Day Guided City Tour

Your wellness journey continues with a light-flowing yoga class, which blends traditional yoga, meditation, and Eastern approaches to healing. Once your mind and body are relaxed after the one-hour class, it's time to explore the city on a guided tour, starting at the Company's Garden, the oldest garden in the country. Follow the well-manicured pathways through the garden to see the array of native plants, centuries-old trees, and vibrant flowers. Around the corner is your next stop, the Iziko Slave Lodge, a thought-provoking museum dedicated to exploring the dark history of slavery in the region. 

Browse the meticulously curated exhibits to learn about the stories, struggles, and resilience of those who were enslaved here. After reflecting on the country's painful history, continue to Green Market Square to wander down the streets lined with stalls offering traditional crafts, artifacts, and souvenirs. End the tour at the Castle of Good Hope, a 17th-century fortress that stands as the oldest surviving building in the country. On the way, look out for memorials and monuments, like the We Are Still Here Memorial, dedicated to the displaced and marginalized Indigenous Khoi and San communities.

Day 4: Scenic Drive on the Cape Peninsula 

Set off on a scenic drive down the Cape Peninsula this morning to get to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, 1.5 hours south of the city. When you reach the Cape of Good Hope, the landscape becomes wild and untamed, giving you the chance to spot wildlife, such as baboons or ostriches. Stop at the historic Cape Point lighthouse to see where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. For lunch, enjoy a five-course meal made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and locally produced products. After refueling, continue to Simon's Town, nestled along the False Bay coastline.

Start your tour of the town at Boulder's Beach, home to a colony of African penguins. Wander down the wooden boardwalk and look out at the penguins waddling, swimming, and nesting amid massive granite boulders. Follow the scenic Chapman's Peak Drive to Maiden's Cove, a hidden gem nestled between Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Look out at the crescent-shaped beach before ending the tour at Paranga to enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired dinner while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. After dinner, drive 20 minutes back to your hotel in Cape Town.

Day 5: Relax at the Spa in the Cape Winelands, Tour Local Vineyards

Trade the bustling city for the quaint countryside this morning as you head 2.5 hours inland to one of the acclaimed wineries in the Cape Winelands. Here, you can enjoy a spa treatment, starting with a back and neck exfoliation using organic ingredients to rejuvenate and nourish your skin. Following this, surrender to the soothing effects of a back wrap, designed to detoxify and hydrate. Let your tension melt away as skilled therapists perform a pressure-point scalp massage, then an essential oil foot and leg treatment, ending with a back, neck, and shoulder massage for full-body relaxation.

After the invigorating treatment, meet your guide for a tour of some of the vineyards in the Stellenbosch wine region. Stroll through the meticulously tended vines as you learn about the art of winemaking, from the careful cultivation of vines to the meticulous harvest and fermentation stages. Engage in tastings at each winery, savoring a variety of rich reds and crisp whites paired with mouthwatering foods. In the evening, transfer back to your hotel in Cape Town.

Day 6: Learn About the San People, Transfer to a Cederberg Wellness Retreat

Say goodbye to Cape Town this morning as you transfer one hour north to the Khwa Ttu San Culture and Education Centre, where you can learn about the Indigenous inhabitants of South Africa. Upon arrival, enjoy a cup of tea made from freshly harvested herbs, then sit down for lunch in a beautifully restored farmhouse. Choose from a variety of traditional and modern South African dishes, from hearty stews to fresh salads, all made with locally sourced ingredients. After lunch, set off on a guided tour around the center's property on foot, mountain bike, or in a safari vehicle, depending on the weather.

Look out for fresh animal tracks as you make your way to a replicated San village to learn about the community's nomadic lifestyle as you admire their traditional dwellings. Visit the Dream Museum next for a glimpse into the dreams and spiritual beliefs of the San community before ending the tour with a drink back in the heritage center. After an educational day, travel to a secluded lodge in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, your luxury accommodation for the next three nights. Spend the rest of the evening enjoying the lodge's amenities and unique dining experiences.

Day 7: Morning Safari Drive, Relaxing Massage, Nocturnal Game Drive

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast at the lodge, then set off on a two-hour walking tour or game drive through one of the nearby nature reserves. Wind through the untamed landscapes, unveiling a diverse array of flora and fauna unique to this region. Look out for wildlife like Cape mountain zebras, baboons, or klipspringers—a type of small antelope. Stop at scenic spots along the way to admire the lush landscape, and enjoy a picnic under the shade of the Cederberg Mountains. 

In the afternoon, visit a secluded spa to indulge in a combination of soothing treatments that incorporate ancient African traditions. Start with a relaxing hot stone massage to melt away tension and prepare your muscles for ultimate relaxation. Then, enjoy a foot treatment, immersing your feet in a nourishing blend of rooibos, fynbos, and milk to revitalize your tired feet. End with a face and scalp massage to release facial tension and induce a state of tranquil bliss. 

When darkness starts to fall, head out on another game drive to spot the area's elusive, nocturnal wildlife. Guided by the expertise of seasoned trackers equipped with spotlights, look out for animals like aardvarks, porcupines, nightjar birds, Cape foxes, and the African wildcat if you're lucky. Don't forget to look up at the sky for unparalleled stargazing, uninterrupted by any city lights. After the game drive, return to your lodge to rest.

Day 8: Discover San Rock Paintings, Enjoy a Moroccan Mud Treatment

Delve deeper into the San people's history today with a visit to the Antediluvian Mountains to see their ancient rock art. Go from cave to cave to see the intricate paintings depicting scenes of daily life, rituals, and the region's abundant wildlife. Each stroke tells a story of survival and reverence for the land, which the San people are known for. After exploring the paintings in the wild, head to the Bushmans Kloof Heritage Centre to learn more about them and browse the collection of ancient artifacts, such as hunting kits, musical instruments, and jewelry. 

In the afternoon, partake in an ancient Moroccan healing ritual that involves the application of natural mud to all parts of your body and face. When you're covered in the mineral-rich substance, aromatic steam will be released, moisturizing your skin and softening the mud so your body can absorb the natural minerals. Rinse the mud off at the end, then enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. 

Day 9: Meditate in the Mountains, Enjoy a Foot Treatment, Transfer to Cape Town

Spend your final morning in the mountains relaxing in the natural pools nestled within this ancient landscape. Immerse yourself in the cool water to refresh, then lay out on the shore to dry off. When you're ready, find a secluded spot to meditate. Let the soothing sounds of the flowing water and the gentle breeze guide you into a serene state, allowing you to connect with the essence of the land and find a sense of inner calm. When you return to the lodge, a luxurious African foot ritual awaits you.

Start the ritual by soaking and exfoliating your feet in an energy-balancing copper bath, then enjoy a hot stone massage on the soles of your feet and calf muscles to reduce water retention and improve circulation. When the massage is done, a foot mask will be applied to soften any rough areas and moisturize the skin. After the treatment, grab your bags and set off on a two-hour transfer back to Cape Town along the west coast. On the way, you can stop in the fishing village of Paternoster to enjoy a fresh seafood dinner overlooking the Atlantic Ocean before completing the drive to your hotel.

Day 10: Fly to Grand Baie (Mauritius), Enjoy the Resort's Amenities

After a rejuvenating night in Cape Town, head to the airport to catch a five-hour flight to Grand Baie, a vibrant coastal town in Mauritius. Upon arrival, meet your driver outside the airport, and transfer to your resort, nestled on the northern coast. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the property's amenities, including a bar, spa, sauna, boutique, nightclub, nightly entertainment, and two swimming pools.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also partake in the resort's complimentary sports like windsurfing, standup paddleboarding, kayaking, or yoga. When you want to leave the bustling resort behind, wander down the nearby beach and find a quiet spot to soak up the sun. Once you work up an appetite, visit one of the resort's restaurants or buffets to take advantage of your all-inclusive package.

Day 11: Sightseeing Flight Over Mauritius, Steam Bath, Holistic Massage

Explore the island in style today as you set off on a sightseeing flight from an airfield in the Rivière du Rempart district. When you arrive, meet the pilot, and complete a short safety briefing before boarding the plane. As you ascend, look out at the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and the lush greenery of the island, revealing hidden lagoons, towering mountains, and pristine beaches. Listen to the pilot over your headset as he points out famous landmarks, like the surrounding islands of Coin de Mire or Ile aux Serpents.

After the memorable flight, return to your resort for lunch, and two spa treatments. Start with a steam bath to open your pores, promote detoxification, and enhance skin hydration. Then, enjoy a holistic massage that combines energy techniques, stretching, and warm oil. You can tailor the treatment to your needs, asking for more pressure if you feel tense, or a lighter touch to relax. Following the treatments, the rest of the day is yours to spend at your leisure. Swim in one of the resort's pools, head to the beach, or partake in different sports until you're ready for dinner. 

Day 12: Catamaran Cruise Around the Island, Stop at Île aux Cerfs

Transfer 50 minutes to Trou D'Eau Douce on the east coast, where you can board a private catamaran to cruise around the island. Jump on board, greet the crew, and start the journey along the coast to your first stop, the Grand River South East Waterfalls. When you reach the Grand River, board a small speed boat to get up close and personal with the falls, allowing you to soak up the beauty of the cascading water. Return to the catamaran and continue to a nearby lagoon, where you can take a break to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear water.

When you're underwater, look out for vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, eels, and even sea turtles. After snorkeling, enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch buffet on board or at a nearby beach. Once you're refueled, cruise to Île aux Cerfs to relax on one of the island's pristine beaches or swim in a turquoise lagoon. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also indulge in water sports like parasailing or kayaking. Around 4:00 pm, sail back to Trou D'Eau Douce, where a driver will be waiting to transfer you 25 minutes to a new hotel in the laid-back coastal village of Poste Lafayette.

Day 13: Transfer to Port Louis, Visit Chamarel Waterfall

After just one night in Poste Lafayette, transfer 45 minutes to Port Louis, the island's capital, on the west coast. Settle into your new hotel and enjoy lunch before venturing out to see one of the tallest waterfalls on the island, Chamarel Waterfall, standing at a height of approximately 330 feet (100 m). Start the journey with a scenic, one-hour drive down the coast to the village of Chamarel, then follow your guide into the lush Black River Gorges National Park to find the cascade. When you arrive, visit each viewpoint to take in the fall's natural beauty from different perspectives. 

You can then jump into the water to cool off or follow one of the trails deeper into the forest to discover the park's distinct flora and fauna. In the afternoon, return to your hotel for a spa treatment of your choice. You have plenty of options, from different types of massages to lymphatic drainage, which helps sculpt and re-balance your figure. No matter which treatment you choose, you're sure to enjoy the relaxing experience. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the hotel's amenities until you're ready for dinner at one of the on-site restaurants. 

Day 14: Depart Mauritius

Spend your final few hours in Mauritius discovering the island's southern coast, starting with a visit to the coastal village of Bel Ombre, just one hour away. When you arrive, you can wander down the waterfront or visit a 19th-century sugar mill, standing as a testament to the village's sugar-producing past. Explore the rustic charm of the mill, surrounded by lush sugar cane fields, and learn how the crop shaped the island's identity.

After exploring the village, continue 30 minutes east to Gris Gris Beach, known for its dramatic cliffs and powerful waves. You can't swim here due to the strong currents, but you can enjoy fresh seafood, cooked the Mauritian way, overlooking the water. When it's time, transfer one hour to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!