Red Magazine Spa Guide - Karkloof Spa, South Africa

May 2009

Spa Special: Rewind, reboot, relax by Lisa Johnson

Karkloof Wellness & Wildlife Retreat South Africa by May Frost

Most of us would settle for either a week of luxury pampering or an upmarket safari. At Karkloof, one hour northwest from Durban   in the KwaZuul Natal Midands, you get both. The tranquil spa and 16 private villas – notable for their giant beds – are set in a lush wilderness, surrounded by forest swirling with mist.

But that’s just the start of it. The landscape is teeming with a wildlife, and the property so well designed that wherever you sit, you can admire the flora and fauna, over a glass of wine. Daily game drives bring you closer to the zebras, giraffes, buffalo and white rhino, while walks and bikes rides maximise the views. By packing my mornings with activity, I felt I’d earned my downtime in the elegant spa. The thai-inspired treatments left me glowing – the Karkloof Intuitive massage turned my muscles to Play-Doh. In the restaurant, exotic delicacies, such as springbok and ostrich, as well as healthy ‘raw’ options, made my stay complete.

BEST THING: Watching a rhino suckle its young under an acacia tree.

WORST THING: The insects – don’t forget repellent.

DETAILS: Seven nights at Karkloof Spa cost from £2250 per person full-board, including flights, transfers and eight treatments, plus a daily game drive or walk and mountain biking. Valid until October 31st (0845 602 6202; wellbeingescapes.co.uk)