Here’s how to spend Christmas in Cape ...
From lunches and carols to markets and meeting Santa
It's Getting Hot In Here: Heated Pools To Warm You Up this Winter
From private wood-fired hot tubs to bubbling natural springs – these are the steamy spots you need to melt into
Heal yourself and connect with others at this spiritual retreat.
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The options for a warming winter escape in the Western Cape are endless. Like Caledon’s mineral-rich springs that heat naturally to 65 degrees, a renovated Roman-style spa pool at Santé in Paarl and the healing waters of a Karoo mountain. These are just a few of the places that prove summer isn't the only time to make a splash.
PAMPERING FOR HEALTH
The Roman-style indoor heated pool at newly refurbished Paarl spa sanctuary Santé Wellness Retreat is luxurious to say the least. Santé is ideal for detoxing, me-time and general health restoration. There's an adjoining plush hotel, health specialists on hand and the entire experience, including the food, is geared towards wellness.
Tip: They serve gluten-free and sugar-free meals, for lunch and for fine dining.
Distance from Cape Town: 50 minutes
Price: From R400 upwards for single treatments, R2950 for half-day packages, R4200 for full-day packages and up to R6200 for signature spa “journeys”.
La Bella Vita Estate, Simonsvlei Rd, Paarl | spa@santeretreat.co.za | +27 (0)21 879 1500
SWIM AT ONE OF SA’S OLDEST RESORTS
Travellers frequent The Baths resort in Citrusdal for its swimming- and rock pools fed from natural hot springs. Established in 1739, this 279-year-old resort actually has to cool the water from its hot springs down to offer cold-water options to guests.
Nice to know: They have a variety of accommodation to suit every pocket: from camping and caravan sites to and chalets to Victorian and Cape Dutch-style quarters.
Distance from Cape Town: 2 hours 20 minutes
Price: Day passes are R100/p for adults and R50/p for children. Must be booked one day in advance and you have to arrive before 2pm. For accommodation tariffs, visit www.thebaths.co.za
Citrusdal | +27 (0)22 921 8026 | www.thebaths.co.za | reservations@thebaths.co.za
THE HEALING WATERS OF A KAROO MOUNTAIN
The water at Warmwaterberg Spa near Barrydale in the Karoo, where the mountain naturally produces water 44 degrees at the source and high in iron, is another natural spring you’ve got to dip your toes into in winter. They have two hot pools and Roman baths and their chalets are homely and warm.
Distance from Cape Town: 3 hours 20 minutes
Price: Day passes are R80/p, but a limited number of day visitors are allowed, so check in advance. Accessible between 8am and 5pm. For accommodation tariffs, visit www.warmwaterbergspa.co.za.
Route 62 | +27 (0)28 572 1609 | www.warmwaterbergspa.co.za | book@warmwaterbergspa.co.za
MINERAL-RICH POOLS AND THE LAP OF LUXURY
One of the Cape’s most famous hot-spring resorts, The Caledon in the Overberg is home to a large number of mineral springs. High in iron, calcium, magnesium, sulphate, sodium and other minerals, the springs heat up to 65 degrees Celsius and have distinctive brown colour due to the high iron content.
Distance from Cape Town: 1 hour 30 minutes
Prices: Warm mineral pool access is R165/p when booking through Computicket.
1 Nerina Avenue, Caledon | +27 (0)28 214 5100 | www.tsogosun.com | caledon.spa@tsogosun.com
SPA AND ANCIENT ROCK ART
The crystal-clear water at Avalon Springs Hotel and Spa, in Montagu, reaches around 43 degrees Celsius. Other ancient wonders are the Khoi paintings on some of the rock faces near the springs. Enjoy the springs without letting your wallet run dry by staying at Montagu Springs self-catering resort, and dip your toes into the Avalon Springs for a discounted rate – just for being a guest at Montagu Springs.
Distance from Cape Town: 2 hours 40 minutes
Price: Between R70–R150/p (prices vary depending on weekday/weekend/public holiday)
Uitvlucht Street, Montagu | +27 (0)23 614 1150 | www.avalonsprings.co.za | riaanc@avalonsprings.co.za
CAVES, HIKING TRAILS AND FISHING
The Calitzdorp Spa near Oudtshoorn has plenty to keep everyone entertained, including hiking trails, a game reserve nearby, naturally heated pools, caves (and San rock art), fishing and various sports facilities. The Roman baths (both indoor and outdoor) are naturally heated and hover at around 30 degrees Celsius.
Distance from Cape Town: 5 hours
Price: Day visitor passes are R25/p, but there an additional charge of R40 per vehicle, too.
DR1688 Road, Calitzdorp | +27 (0)44 213 3371 | www.calitzdorpspa.co.za
MINERAL SPRINGS, POOLS AND A JACUZZI
Goudini Spa is one of the Cape’s most popular self-catering, camping and caravan spots, because it offers numerous hot-water activities, from heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools (one has a water slide) and bubbling jacuzzis to indulgent mineral springs. There is a licensed restaurant and a beauty clinic on the premises. Read more about Goudini Spa.
Distance from Cape Town: 1 hour 20 minutes
Price: Day passes ranges from R90pp for ATKV members and R150pp for non-members. For accommodation pricing, please visit the Goudini Spa website.
Wyzersdrift Road, Rawsonville | +27 (0)23 349 8100 | www.atkvgoudini.caravanparks.co.za
MORE THAN JUST A DIP
Skip the N2 and take the scenic alternative, Route 62, to Montagu. After passing several world-class wineries (this stretch is actually SA’s longest wine route and home to the Robertson and Breede River Valley wine regions), you’ll reach Montagu, a favourite family getaway destination that’s renowned for its hot springs. Montagu Guano Cave Resort has much more on offer than just it’s heavenly Roman bath (heated to 35 degrees to melt away all winter weariness). Visit the animal farm, go on a Jeep trip or take a tractor tour to see the guano caves.
Distance from Cape Town: 2 hours
Price: Day visitor passes for beach pool and Roman bath are R125/p; animal farm and Jeep/tractor trips start from R40. 
R62, Montagu, 6720 | +27 (0)84 553 4187 | www.montaguguanocave.co.za
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PLUS: Discover adventure, luxury and a whole new way of camping with glamping in Cape Town.
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Plan a sophisticated getaway at Mardouw Country House (all meals included).
Recharge at this family-friendly festival.
Take a roadtrip to one of these 10 must-try camping spots.
Take a well-deserved mid-year break with these winter weekend getaways.
Consider yourself an adrenaline junkie? Try these natural rock pools.
Looking for a luxury hotel getaway? Reward yourself with one of our exclusive Arabella stay, play and spa package deals.
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