South Africa’s top spas: The 2025 Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards winners announced

The Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards 2025, hosted recently in Cape Town, brought together the best of South Africa’s spa and wellness industry for an evening of recognition and celebration, acknowledging standout spas that are redefining luxury, wellness, and holistic healing in South Africa and beyond. 

These prestigious awards spotlight innovation, professionalism, and excellence across the spa landscape. 

This year’s awards featured seven diverse categories The 2025 Awards featured seven categories: 

Day Spas, Hotel Spas, Boutique Hotel Spas, Safari Spas, Unique Spa Concepts, Aesthetic/Medi Spas and Wellness Retreats.

Below are the winners and finalists across each category.

Hotel Spa Category

Winner: The Spa at Fancourt

Located in George in the Garden Route, Guests can enjoy a curated menu of treatments, from therapeutic massages to advanced facials using leading international skincare brands. 

Finalists: 

Fairmont Spa at Cape Grace Hotel  

Newly launched within the iconic Cape Grace Hotel, the Fairmont Spa introduces a modern wellness experience in the heart of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. The spa features state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated halotherapy salt room—a first for the property. 

Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa 

The newly reimagined Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa blends contemporary luxury with Japonica-inspired design. 

Signature treatments and bespoke rituals draw on Eastern healing philosophies.The spa features private treatment rooms, a relaxation garden, and a thermal suite 

Equilibrium Boutique Wellness Spa at Fairview Hotel

Set within the lush subtropical gardens of the Fairview Hotel in Tzaneen, Equilibrium Boutique Wellness Spa offers a tranquil, nature-inspired escape focused on balance and holistic healing. 

Day Spa Category

Winner: Aronia Day Spa 

In Houghton, Aronia Day Spa is a boutique wellness destination offering an escape in the heart of Johannesburg. The spa is set within a tranquil, landscaped estate and features nine treatment rooms, a Rasul chamber, hydrotherapy bath, floatation therapy and outdoor relaxation gardens.

Finalists: 

Spa de la Veille  

Located in Centurion, Pretoria, Spa de la Veille blends French elegance with holistic wellness. This luxurious day spa features seven private treatment rooms, two double suites, a manicure and pedicure lounge, relaxation area, and a heated Roman bath, Finnish sauna and a Himalayan Salt Room.

Rifumo Boutique Spa 

Located in the heart of Mbombela, Rifumo Boutique Spa offers a serene retreat of luxury and relaxation. This boutique spa provides personalized care and indulgent treatments in an elegant setting. 

Thai Sabai Day Spa 

In the suburbs of Somerset West, Thai Sabai Day Spa brings the ancient healing traditions of Thailand to Cape Town’s Helderberg region. Guests are welcomed into a serene, Thai-inspired space where skilled therapists deliver personalised massages, body scrubs, and beauty rituals.

Boutique Hotel Spa Category

Winner: Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa 

In the heart of Johannesburg, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa is a Balinese-inspired spa set amidst lush, tropical gardens, with private treatment salas, a heated vitality pool, and calming outdoor spaces. 

Finalists: 

Steenberg Boutique Hotel & Spa

Tucked among the historic vineyards of Constantia, the newly renovated Steenberg Boutique Hotel & Spa offers a refined blend of heritage and innovation. The spa features elegant treatment rooms, holistic therapies, and locally inspired rituals designed for deep relaxation. 

With a focus on personalised service, continuous innovation, and sensory indulgence, Steenberg delivers a boutique wellness experience that reflects the luxury and culinary excellence of one of Cape Town’s most iconic wine estates. 

The Featherhill Boutique Hotel & Spa

Located in Potchefstroom, South Africa, the hotel and spa offers a tranquil escape out of the city with luxurious amenities. The renowned Vista’s Restaurant, a hidden gem, boasts breathtaking hilltop views of Potchefstroom. 

Palm House Boutique Hotel & Spa 

Set in Wynberg, the 1920s mansion offers stunning views of Table Mountain and opulent luxury amid lush gardens. 

Safari Spa Category

Winner: Fijnebos Spa – Botlierskop Game Reserve & Villas

Nestled between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Fijnebos Spa is part of the exclusive Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, renowned for its rich wildlife and stunning landscapes. The spa offers superior hydrotherapy facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools, alongside African-inspired treatments in tranquil indoor rooms and open-air salas. 

Finalists: 

Amani Spa & Wellness – Radisson Safari Hotel, Hoedspruit 

Set in Hoedspruit’s scenic Lowveld, the newly opened Amani Spa & Wellness at the Radisson Safari Hotel offers a modern wellness retreat within a luxury safari lodge. The spa features serene treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, hydrotherapy pool, outdoor swimming pools, and dedicated yoga decks overlooking the bush. 

Dee’s African Spa at Kruger Gate Hotel

Dee’s African Spa is located at Kruger Gate Hotel which is on the banks of the Sabie River just 500 meters away from the gate of the world-renowned Kruger National Park. 

Services include facials, massage, body therapies and signature treatments that are inspired by the Tsonga/Shangaan traditions. 

Lion Sands - Narina Lodge 

Lion Sands Narina Lodge, nestled within the renowned Lion Sands Game Reserves along the Sabie River, offers an exclusive retreat deeply connected to nature. The newly introduced spa features sleek Scandinavian design, blending minimalist elegance with natural elements to create a calming sanctuary.

Unique Spa Concept Category

Winner: The Spa at The Twelve Apostles Hotel

Perched between the Twelve Apostles mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean, The Twelve Apostles spa is within a natural cave, discovered during construction. The hidden retreat features serene hydrotherapy areas painted in soft, light hues to enhance the sense of calm. A highlight of the experience is crossing the glass bridge, suspended over a rock chamber. 

Finalists: 

Gold Spa by Healing Earth – The Cocoon Collection, Zanzibar

Gold Spa by Healing Earth is a serene retreat inspired by Islamic architecture, with open spaces, tranquil courtyards, and elegant arches. Surrounded by palm-lined pools, soft sandy beaches, and shaded umbrellas, the setting invites total relaxation.

Verde Vita Spa – Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport

Located just 400 meters from Cape Town International Airport, Hotel Verde is Africa’s greenest hotel, renowned for its carbon-neutral operations and multiple sustainability awards. 

The Verde Vita Spa & Wellness Centre has evolved from a simple relaxation space into a cutting-edge facility designed with eco-conscious principles. Guests enjoy a sustainable wellness experience in a modern, green setting that aligns with Hotel Verde’s eco-friendly vision. 

Yadah Castle – Hammam Turkish Spa & Bath & À La Turka Restaurant  

At Yadah Castle, the Hammam Turkish Spa & Bath offers an immersive wellness journey with traditional steam baths, Persian carpets, flickering candles, and plush cushions that create a soothing, sensory escape. 

The spa’s authentic décor and artworks, imported from Turkey by owners Vanessa and Gokhan Hacisuleyman, add to the exotic ambiance. Just steps away, the adjoining À La Turka Restaurant complements the experience with rich, authentic Turkish cuisine. Together, they provide a harmonious blend of luxurious relaxation and vibrant dining, transporting guests to the heart of Turkish culture and hospitality. 

Glasshouse Rejuvenation

Located in Cape Town’s sleek Silo District, Glasshouse Rejuvenation is a cutting-edge grooming and wellness destination designed with the modern man in mind. The space features clean architectural lines, industrial finishes, and a calm, masculine atmosphere. Specialising in advanced skincare, tailored grooming, and therapeutic treatments,. 

Aesthetic Institute Category

Winner: Terre Paisible Medical Rejuvenation & Spa

Set amidst the serene beauty of Franschhoek, Terre Paisible is a haven of luxurious rejuvenation where advanced medical aesthetics meet elegant contemporary design. Private suite boasts separate entrances, ensuring utmost privacy and exclusivity. The bespoke, medically guided treatments are expertly tailored to enhance visors natural radiance within a setting of understated luxury. 

Finalists: 

SCINMed – Wembley Square

SCINMed at Wembley Square, Cape Town is a leader in preventative medicine and longevity, offering cutting-edge aesthetic and wellness treatments in a luxurious, clinical environment. Under the guidance of Dr. Kamlen Pillay, and in collaboration with InUWell (Institute of Universal Wellcare) SCINMed provides personalised health optimisation strategies rooted in the latest longevity science. 

With a focus on early intervention, cellular health, and graceful ageing, treatments are tailored for lasting, natural results. 

Revive Skin and Body Clinic 

Located in Waterfall, Johannesburg, Revive Skin and Body Clinic is a dynamic wellness destination dedicated to holistic skincare and rejuvenation. The clinic offers advanced, results-driven treatments tailored to individual needs. 

Professional Skin Care Lab 

Situated in Parktown North, Johannesburg, Professional Skin Care Lab is a leading aesthetic clinic known for its expert, results-oriented approach to skin health.The clinic blends clinical expertise with personalised care to treat a range of skin concerns—from acne and pigmentation to ageing and sensitivity.

Wellness Retreats

Winner: Maua Wellness by Healing Earth at Zuri Zanzibar 

Tucked away in the tropical serenity of Zuri Zanzibar, Maua Wellness by Healing Earth offers a transformative retreat where barefoot luxury meets holistic healing. Surrounded by vibrant spice gardens and majestic baobab trees, guests are immersed in nature through open-air treatment gazebos, a stunning ocean-view yoga pavilion, an outdoor gym, and tranquil wellness spaces.. 

Finalists: 

Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa 

Situated in a tranquil valley framed by the majestic Drakenstein mountains, Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa embodies serene elegance and refined hospitality. The retreat features exquisite villa and suite accommodations, complemented by a world-class day spa offering extensive hydrotherapy, indoor heated pool and jacuzzi, outdoor pool, fitness centre with yoga and Pilates studios and sauna.

Santé’s pioneering Bio-Energy Centre employs over 30 advanced technologies in its Health Optimizing program, providing comprehensive health assessments and bespoke treatments. 

The Fernery Lodge and Spa 

In the heart of Tsitsikamma Forest, Eastern Cape, The Fernery Lodge and Spa offers breathtaking sea views and the soothing sound of nearby waterfalls. This luxurious retreat invites guests to indulge in natural forest bathing, surrounded by ancient trees and lush greenery, creating a peaceful sanctuary. 

Isiphiwo Spa 

Located north of Pretoria, Isiphiwo Spa is an exclusive wellness retreat offering private, tranquil spaces surrounded by lush gardens. Guests enjoy bespoke treatments in intimate settings designed to restore balance and wellbeing.

 IOL Lifestyle