The best spa hotels in Garden Route

Hey! Indulge in the ultimate pampering experience at one of these luxurious spa hotels. Designed to provide relaxation, rejuvenation, and tranquility, these properties offer an array of wellness services that range from massages and facials to yoga classes and meditation sessions. To make your search for the perfect spa hotel in in Garden Route easier, I've compiled this list of top-rated properties for your consideration. So sit back, relax, and explore your options - your ultimate wellness retreat awaits!

• 1 Views Boutique Hotel & Spa Wilderness, South Africa

  

  Hotel. Situated in the heart of the Garden Route, Views Hotel offers luxury suites with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. It features indoor and outdoor pools, and free Wi-Fi access. The guest rooms at Views have ceiling-to-floor windows and are furnished in a modern, eclectic style. All rooms have a balcony, a flat-screen satellite TV, and a private bathroom with under-floor heating. A full English breakfast is provided in Views Restaurant, which serves cuisine made from only the freshest local produce. The restaurant features arguably the best view on the Garden Route – a dramatic Indian Ocean panorama. Views Wellness Emporium offers a full range of beauty treatments, and features a hammam, a sauna and a vitality pool. There is also solar-heated rooftop pool and a solarium. Guests can relax in the library or games room, and there are plenty of local sites of interest within a short distance of Views. Wilderness National Park is 5 minutes’ walk away, and Mossel Bay less than an hour’s drive. Views Hotel is a mere 20 minutes from George Airport. Free parking is available on-site Guest review score 9.4, rooms from around 4500 ZAR.

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• 2 The Lofts Boutique Hotel Knysna, South Africa

  

  Hotel. Situated at the tip of picturesque Thesen Island, The Lofts Boutique Hotel offers uniquely themed accommodation and an outdoor splash pool overlooking the Knysna Lagoon. Free private, covered parking is available on site. Once the site of an industrial boat-building shed, The Lofts Boutique Hotel marries history and modern design and offers contemporary designed rooms, decorated with exposed wooden beams. Some rooms have exquisite views of the Knysna Lagoon (suites) others have large sunny private balconies (standard double room) or self-catering facilities (apartments). All the rooms are equipped with 4-star amenities including satellite TV, tea/coffee maker and extra-long beds. A breakfast voucher for a choice of 2 restaurants (including famous bakery, Ile de pain) is included for our standard double room & lagoon suites. A large atrium with comfortable lounge areas and a service bar is open for guests to relax, work, eat & play. This area opens up onto the splash pool & terrace with a beautiful view of the Knysna lagoon and surrounding green hills. At Le Spa Tranquill, guests can enjoy treatments ranging from shower scrubs to hot stone therapy. The pool deck is almost all surrounded by the lagoon and offers a great way of digesting a day of spa treatments. Knysna Golf Club is less than 15 minutes of driving from the hotel. Thesen Harbour Town & the Knysna Waterfront with its bars and restaurants are within 1 km. Please Note: Due to our hotels 'boutique nature', each room has a unique layout & décor & not all rooms have lagoon views - to book a room with a lagoon view please select the 'suite' Guest review score 9.0, rooms from around 3390 ZAR.

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• 3 Simola Hotel, Country Club & Spa Knysna, South Africa

  

  Hotel. Located in the hills above Knysna, the 5-star Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa boasts a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course and a restaurant with lagoon views. The rooms at the eco-friendly Simola Hotel, Country Club & Spa have free WiFi, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a DVD player and a stylish bathroom with amenities. Some rooms have panoramic views of the lagoon or forest and include a kitchen and a cosy lounge with a fireplace. With a bistro-style meanu, Lungalo Restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner. Lunch and light meals are available at the golf club lounge. The Simola Spa features massages, face and body treatments. Guests can relax in the heated indoor pool or work out at the gym which overlooks the Knysna Heads and offers state-of-the-art equipment and personal trainers. The centre of Knysna is within 10 minutes' drive and Plettenberg Bay is 39 km away while George can be reached within 1 hour by car. Show full description Guest review score 9.0, rooms from around 3264 ZAR.

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• 4 Turbine Hotel & Spa Knysna, South Africa

  

  Hotel. This former power station is located in Knysna and offers sunny suites with an iPod docking station and views of the Knysna Lagoon. The spacious sun deck comes with an outdoor pool. The rooms at Turbine Hotel & Spa are elegantly decorated with light fabrics and parquet floors. The suites have a satellite LCD TV and extra long beds. A full English breakfast is available each morning at the Turbine Hotel. For light meals and drinks, there is a tapas bar and a fully stocked wine cellar. Guests of this hotel can undergo a hot-stone massage or enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool, which faces the lagoon. The sun deck offers a calm spot to read a book or magazine. The 24-hour reception staff can arrange babysitting and shuttles to George Airport, 65 km away. Lagoon and sea cruises can be arranged as well. Show full description Guest review score 9.0, rooms from around 2466 ZAR.

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• 5 Oubaai Hotel Golf & Spa George, South Africa

  

  Resort. Oubaai Hotel Golf & Spa in Herolds Bay features an 18-hole golf course designed by Ernie Els. The resort has 3 gourmet restaurants, an award-winning spa and panoramic views of the ocean and Outeniqua Mountains. All of the stylish rooms and suites at the Oubaai Hotel Golf & Spa feature a spacious marble bathrooms with glass-enclosed rain showers, separate baths and environmentally friendly bath products. Guests can relax in front of the 32-inch LCD TV with cable and satellite channels. Cucina serves breakfast in a contemporary setting with indoor and outdoor seating, while meals can be enjoyed in a cozy environment at Herolds Bistro and Bar. The more casual Clubhouse Restaurant offers views of the surrounding golf course. Oubaai Hotel Golf & Spa offers a range of traditional African remedies and European treatments in the Freesia Spa. Guests can also enjoy the swimming pool and the gym, which features sophisticated cardiovascular and weight-lifting equipment. Other facilities offered include a tennis and squash court, a business and conference centre, a whale viewing deck, and a Golf Pro shop. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from George Airport. Show full description Guest review score 7.6, rooms from around 1900 ZAR.

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• 6 Whalesong Hotel & Spa Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

  

  Hotel. Nestled on a hill above Plettenberg Bay, along the world-famous Garden Route, this deluxe hotel boasts breathtaking views of the coastline and the ocean beyond. Whalesong boasts 32 spacious, comfortable en-suite bedrooms, equipped for the discerning traveller and reflecting the serene blues and whites of the ocean. To make the most of the truly spectacular scenery, each room features its own private wooden viewing deck and offers breathtaking views of the Keurbooms coastline and the Tsitsikamma Mountain Range. The elegantly furnished hotel offers double and twin rooms. Relax in a tranquil setting while being pampered by qualified hairstylists. The spa offers rejuvenating beauty treatments, including hot stone therapies and aromatherapy massages. After a long day, you can go for a swim in the outdoor pool or marvel at the African night sky from the comfort of your private deck. A gourmet dining experience awaits the entire family when visiting Blue Whale Restaurant, with attentive service, gracious hospitality and contemporary South African cuisine. The large, covered sundeck with expansive ocean views offers an alternative, casual dining experience and is an ideal venue to enjoy cocktails and sundowners. Blue Whale restaurant offers fun-filled activities for our Little Legends during holiday periods. Guest review score 7.2, rooms from around 2160 ZAR.

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• 7 The Point Hotel & Spa Mossel Bay, South Africa

  

  Hotel. Set on the rocks below St. Blaize Lighthouse in Mossel Bay, this hotel overlooks the Indian Ocean. It offers spacious rooms with private balconies. Free WiFi and parking is provided. All rooms at The Point are equipped with air conditioning, a wardrobe, a safe and electric kettle. The modern bathrooms provide free toiletries. Guests can enjoy views of the ocean and Mossel Bay's Tidal Pool. Featuring dramatic ocean and rock views, The Point Hotel & Spa offers guests unlimited drinks, snacks and meals. Meals are served at the onsite Lighthouse Restaurant offering seafood dishes, buffet meals and a la carte menu options, all prepared with local ingredients. Guests have unrestricted access to Nirvana Spa which offers a variety of beauty and body treatments. The spa has 4 treatment rooms, a Jacuzzi and a steam room. Activities in the surrounding area include hiking up to the historic St. Blaize Lighthouse and the natural cave and golf at Mossel Bay Golf Club, 3 km away from the hotel. For the brave at heart, close by are professionally run sky diving and bungee jumping outfits. Shopping in town is a few minutes drive. The hotel is just a 30-minute drive away from George Airport. Guest review score 6.4, rooms from around 1155 ZAR.

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• 8 Tsitsikamma Lodge & Spa Stormsrivier, South Africa

  

  Hotel. Located in a tranquil forest setting, just 2 km from Tsitsikamma National Park, Tsitsikamma Lodge offers luxury accommodation in cosy log cabins. The wooden interior of each cabin is warmly decorated and modern. Designed to blend in with the natural surroundings, many are nestled amongst the surrounding trees and bush. Each cabin has a private deck. At Lodge Tsitsikamma, guests can enjoy home-style cuisine and fine South African Wine. The barbecue facilities provide a casual, outdoor alternative. Ideal for relaxing, Tsitsikamma provides lush, landscaped gardens and an outdoor swimming pool. This property offers spa and wellness packages. Show full description Guest review score 6.6, rooms from around 2080 ZAR.

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• 9 The Plettenberg Hotel Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

  

  Hotel. The Plettenberg is a 5-star hotel, located on a rocky headland in the heart of The Garden Route. It offers 2 infinity pools and the stylish SeaFood at The Plettenberg Restaurant. All 37 individually decorated guest rooms are equipped with a spacious en suite bathroom and a TV with DVD player. In addition, every room offers a refrigerator, a hairdryer and a telephone. Guests can spot dolphins and whales, and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. The Plettenberg offers a wide range of treatments at Fresh Wellness Spa. There are several golf courses within 3 km of the hotel. Sandbar, an informal yet sophisticated cocktail bar, is a relaxing spot for an evening drink and SeaFood at The Plettenberg restaurant serves progressive South African cuisine, whilst providing panoramic views of Formosa Bay. Guest review score 9.3, rooms from around 6449 ZAR.

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• 10 Fancourt Hotel George, South Africa

  

  Hotel. Nestled between mountains and forests in the heart of the Garden Route, Fancourt Hotel offers luxury accommodation and features 3 Gary Player designed golf courses and a wellness centre. George Airport is 7 km away. Guest rooms at The Fancourt have elegant furnishings and balconies with views of the Outeniqua Mountains. They come equipped with a minibar and satellite TV. Including a hairdryer and free toiletries, each room has a private bathroom with a bath and shower. The Fancourt has 4 restaurants that serve international cuisine made from fresh locally sourced ingredients. The hotel also has a bar that offers regional wines and a spacious garden terrace. The hotel's spa has an indoor heated Roman Bath as well as a leisure centre which is home to a kids club, fitness centre, cinema and outdoor swimming pool. Other activities include tennis, running and walking trails, bird watching and fishing. The Fancourt Hotel offers 24-hour front desk service and free on-site private parking. The hotel’s tour desk arranges sightseeing excursions to the picturesque coastal towns of Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Mossel Bay. Show full description Guest review score 9.1, rooms from around 5544 ZAR.

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• 11 Diaz Hotel and Resort Mossel Bay, South Africa

  

  Hotel. Rooms with private balconies and Indian Ocean views await guests at this 4-star resort in Mossel Bay. On the seafront, it offers an infinity pool and aqua park with water slides. Diaz Hotel and Resort provides elegant rooms. Each room has satellite TV and a private bathroom with bath and shower. Adorned with a large ceiling fresco, the hotel’s restaurant offers prepared with locally grown fresh produce. The complex also has a pizzeria and cocktail bar. Leisure options at the Diaz Strand Hotel include a spa with fitness centre. The hotel staff can help arrange helicopter rides and whale watching trips. Guest review score 8.3, rooms from around 1210 ZAR.

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• 12 Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays Knysna, South Africa

  

  Hotel. Stay in the heart of Knysna. With an outdoor pool facing the Indian Ocean, Protea Hotel Knysna has spectacular views of the Knysna Lagoon. The stylishly decorated rooms have free WiFi and satellite TV. All rooms at Protea Hotel Knysna Quays are decorated in warm tones and have large windows. They have a separate bathroom that comes with complimentary deluxe bath products. Some rooms have a lagoon view, others overlook the historic Knysna Railway Station or the Waterfront shopping complex. The hotel has a breakfast restaurant. For lunch and dinner, there are several restaurants within walking distance. At Knysna Quays Waterfront, Drydock Food Company Restaurant offers fresh seafood and fusion cuisine with beautiful views of the lagoon. 34 Degrees South serves fish, sushi and freshly harvested oysters. JJs Restaurant specializes in game and South African cuisine. The heated outdoor pool is set on a uniquely designed sundeck with a cocktail bar located adjacent to the terrace. Guests can enjoy a range of massages and aromatherapies at the hotel's own wellness therapist. Thesen Island is 1 km away. Guest review score 8.3, rooms from around 1650 ZAR.

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• 13 The Bungalow by Raw Africa Boutique Collection Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

  

  Bed and Breakfast. With garden views, The Bungalow by Raw Africa Boutique Collection is located in Plettenberg Bay and has a restaurant, a shared lounge, bar, garden, year-round outdoor pool and terrace. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the property. Some of the units include a cable flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, and a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. A à la carte, continental or Full English/Irish breakfast is available daily at the property. The bed and breakfast offers a barbecue. The Bungalow by Raw Africa Boutique Collection provides an ironing service, as well as business facilities like fax and photocopying. A car rental service and a range of water sports facilities are provided at the accommodation, and guests can go canoeing in the surroundings. Popular points of interest near The Bungalow by Raw Africa Boutique Collection include The Wedge Beach, Hobie Beach and Central Beach. The nearest airport is Plettenberg Bay, 6 km from the bed and breakfast, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service. This property offers spa and wellness packages. Show full description Guest review score 8.5, rooms from around 3960 ZAR.

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• 14 Soeteweide North B&B and Spa George, South Africa

  

  Bed and Breakfast. Soeteweide North B&B and Spa, a bed and breakfast, is a property situated in George. With barbecue facilities, the property also features a garden, as well as a shared lounge. At Soeteweide North B&B and Spa every room is equipped with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. The accommodation offers a sun terrace and a concierge service is available. The property offers various day tours and transfers at a surcharge. Activities in the surrounding area include golf and The Links, Outeniqua and Montagu golf courses are located nearby. The centre of George is 7 km away and George Airport is less than 10 minutes drive from Soeteweide North B&B and Spa. Show full description Guest review score 7.0, rooms from around 665 ZAR.

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• 15 Periwinkle Lodge Guest House Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

  

  Guest house. Situated right beside Robber Beach and over looking the Robberg Peninsula is this inviting 4-star guest house offering the very comfortable accommodation in a perfect location. Periwinkle Lodge Guest House provides individually and beautifully decorated rooms that reflect the bright surrounding area. 6 of the 7 rooms have private balconies that open to views of Robberg Peninsula to the right and the Tsitsikamma Mountains to the left. All rooms have bathrooms, heated towel rails, tea coffee facilities and bar fridges. After a busy day outside, return to the lodge and unwind at the spa or in the sauna. You can also relax on the balcony as you watch whales and dolphins swimming in the distance. There is much to keep you occupied here. Visit Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, near by golf course, or take a horse ride along green forests, or go canoeing, abseiling and hiking. The more daring visitor can enjoy Bungi Jumping over the Bloukrantz Bridge. Periwinkle Lodge is also perfectly situated for slow walks or lazy days spent on the beach. Guest review score 8.9, rooms from around 3045 ZAR.

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• 16 Alexander Guest House Knysna, South Africa

  

  Guest house. The luxurious, 5-star Alexander Guest House offers individually designed rooms and suites. A spacious sun terrace offers guests a place to relax beside the outdoor pool. The rooms are equipped with an en-suite bathroom, minibar, satellite TV and a surround-sound system. Each features a private deck and some feature a hot tub. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. The suites offer sea views. A fresh breakfast is provided daily, and there is a braai area for traditional barbecues while watching the sunset. The Knysna Waterfront restaurants are only a 10-minute drive away. Located on the Garden Route, there are many activities for guests to enjoy nearby such as fishing and scuba diving in the lagoon. Knysna Golf Course is less than 5 km away. This property offers spa and wellness packages. Show full description Guest review score 9.4, rooms from around 1500 ZAR.

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• 17 Head over Hills Knysna, South Africa

  

  Guest house. Head over Hills is an exclusive retreat in Knysna. Set on the jagged edge of the famous rocky cliffs of the Knysna Heads, this well-appointed guest house has a heated swimming pool. Each room here will provide you with a TV, air conditioning and a private balcony. There is also a small SMEG fridge in the room, and the en suite bathroom is fitted with a bath and a shower. You can enjoy a sea view from each room, while other rooms also offer a mountain view. At Head over Hills the kitchen will prepare a traditional South African barbecue or a la carte menu, organised with prior notice. The property also has a wide selection of hand-picked South African wines and a walk-in wine cellar. Other facilities offered at Head over Hills include free WiFi throughout, and free parking. Head over Hills is 3 km from Pezula Golf Club, 5.6 km from Linsay Castle by Noetzie Beach and 8.6 km from Simola Golf Course. This property offers spa and wellness packages. Show full description Guest review score 9.1, rooms from around 5800 ZAR.

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• 18 Waterside Lodge Wilderness, South Africa

  

  Guest house. Overlooking the Wilderness Lagoon, this lodge is at the heart of the Garden Route and offers guests stylish accommodation in a beautiful setting. Within walking distance of the beach, Waterside Lodge features 5 comfortable guest rooms, each named after indigenous birds found in the garden. Start the day with a quick dip in the pool. All of the guest rooms boast stunning views of either the lagoon or mountains. Wake up to sound of birds singing. Private patios and entrances ensure a truly intimate atmosphere, great for those seeking the ultimate in relaxation. This property offers spa and wellness packages. Show full description Guest review score 8.8, rooms from around 1020 ZAR.

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• 19 Lily Pond Country Lodge The Crags, South Africa

  

  Country house. This contemporary guest house is off the beaten track and away from the crowd. Set in a landscaped garden with a rim-flow pool and surrounded by indigenous forest. Lily Pond Country Lodge is situated 8 km from Nature’s Valley and 18 km from Plettenberg Bay, amidst walking trails and outdoor activities. Lily Pond boasts luxuriously decorated rooms and suites fitted with modern, African-style furniture and deluxe bedding. Each room’s patio has a gravel floor and comfortable deck chairs with views over the lily ponds. A restaurant with vegetarian options is available on site, and fresh Continental and full English breakfast options are served on the spacious patio.(dinner reservation upon on arrival is important) Guests can also relax on the veranda with a glass of wine or beer, and enjoy views of the infinity pool and colourful lily ponds. The lodge also offers massages on request. Lily Pond Country Lodge is less than 10 minutes’ drive from Nature Valley Beach and lagoon. Tsitsikamma National Park and natural rock formations at Arch Rock are less than 20 km away. Guest review score 9.4, rooms from around 2058 ZAR.

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• 20 Botlierskop Private Game Reserve Reebok, South Africa

  

  Lodge. Situated between the Outeniqua Mountains and the beaches of the Indian Ocean, in Mossel Bay, Botlierskop Private Game offers elegant accommodation. It features an outdoor pool, a sauna, and a tennis court. Botlierskop has spacious rooms, elegantly decorated in a colonial style with a 4-poster bed and mosquito net. Overlooking the river or the mountains, each of the air-conditioned tents has a private bathroom with a large oval bath and outdoor shower. Guests can start their day with a breakfast buffet, served in the open plan dining room that leads out onto a wooden deck. Botlierskop offers activities such as guided game drives, bush walks and horseback safaris. Botlierskop’s spa is situated on the riverbank, and offers professional massages. Diaz Museum and Old Post Tree are 24 km away, and free private parking is available on site the property. Show full description Guest review score 9.2, rooms from around 10080 ZAR.

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• 21 Garden Route Game Lodge Albertinia, South Africa

  

  Lodge. Garden Route Game Lodge is located near Albertinia, overlooking the Langeberg Mountain Range. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and various animals can often be seen. It features a pool and a restaurant. Each room and chalet at Garden Route Game Lodge offers either views of the mountains or the valley. They are elegantly decorated with thatched roofs and wooden furniture. All of them have TVs with digital channels and a safe. Guests have free half board treatment at the Lodge. The restaurant serves typical African dishes and offers panoramic views of the area. The bar is a perfect spot to enjoy some drinks. Guests can experience game viewing tours organized by the Lodge. The sun loungers by the pool allow guests to have a relaxing sun bath. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in public areas. Albertinia is just 5 km away and the nearest beaches are 33 km away, in Gouritz. Cape Town International Airport is 330 km away. This property offers spa and wellness packages. Show full description Guest review score 9.0, rooms from around 5010 ZAR.

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• 22 Old Post Office Lodge Wilderness, South Africa

  

  Lodge. Old Post Office Lodge is located in the village of Wilderness along the famous Garden Route. The town of George is just 15 minutes’ drive away and Knysna is 46 km from the property. Individually decorated, each room features a balcony overlooking the village. It comes equipped with a TV, tea-and-coffee-making facilities and the private bathroom includes a shower. Pomodoro’s Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and supper. A number of restaurants serving a range of local and international cuisines can be found within 1 km from Old Post Office. Wilderness Beach is a 6-minute walk away. Activities available in the area include abseiling just a 5 minutes’ drive away at Kaaimans Gorge and bungee jumping at Blaakrantz Bridge in Tsitsikamma, 132 km from the lodge. Wi-Fi is available and free private parking is available. The George Airport is a 20-minute drive from Old Post Office Lodge. This property offers spa and wellness packages. Show full description Guest review score 8.6, rooms from around 670 ZAR.

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I try my best to keep this guide up to date and I last refreshed it in December 2022. Did I miss a spa hotel that should be on this list? Send me an email and let me know!