From yoga and forest bathing to sound healing and seasonal dining, spa days are taking on different forms, offering more than just time in a treatment room.
A massage, a facial and a few hours away from the usual routine have long been staples of a successful spa day. Now, some venues are adding movement, mindfulness and time in nature to the mix, alongside food and other experiences. Rather than booking a single treatment, guests can spend an entire day exploring different ways to look after their physical and mental wellbeing.
Steenberg Farm provides a breathtaking backdrop for breathwork.
What goes into a wellness day?
One thing’s for sure: variety’s aplenty. Yoga and breathwork offer opportunities to focus on movement and breathing, while journalling provides time for personal reflection. Sound healing and meditation add further dimensions to the experience.
Nature is another important part of the day. Forest bathing, for instance, is all about spending time amongst trees, taking in your surroundings and stepping away from usual distractions. There’s no special equipment or complicated itinerary involved, just time outdoors and a chance to reconnect with nature. For those accustomed to fitting appointments and activities into a packed schedule, the appeal may lie in having several hours set aside for one purpose: making time for something that often gets pushed down the priority list: yourself.
Steenberg SPA’S NEW OFFERING
Steenberg Spa in Tokai, Cape Town, is bringing these elements together with the launch of its new Spa & Wellness offering. Its inaugural The Art of Wellbeing event takes place on Saturday, 28 November 2026, at Steenberg Farm.
Running from 08:00 to 15:00, the experience is planned as a full day of movement, mindfulness, nature-based activities and opportunities for reflection.
The programme includes yoga, breathwork, meditation, guided forest bathing, sound healing, journalling, a conscious dance journey and thermal suite experiences. Wellbeing workshops and guest speakers will also form part of the day. Steenberg’s stunning gardens, vineyards and natural surroundings provide an idyllic backdrop for a programme that brings together indoor and outdoor activities.
Food also features on the schedule, with guests enjoying a seasonal harvest table at Tryn. Wellness partners ila and Margaret Dabbs London will be involved, while guests will receive a gift bag on departure. Optional treatments can be booked in advance for those who would like to extend their visit.
An excuse to switch off
Taking a walk without checking WhatsApp, making time for a proper, uninterrupted lunch, trying a yoga class for the first time or spending a few minutes journalling are all ways to introduce small pauses into an otherwise busy week. For some, a traditional spa treatment will remain the preferred way to unwind. For others, the combination of movement, nature, food and mindfulness in one setting may offer a different kind of day out. And I’m all for it. With silly season just around the corner, this could be the perfect opportunity to give your nervous system a little breathing room before the festive rush begins.
Event details
The Art of Wellbeing at Steenberg Spa
Date: Saturday, 28 November 2026
Time: 08:00–15:00
Venue: Steenberg Spa, Steenberg Farm, Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
Cost: R1,750 per person
Bookings: 021 712 7481 or 076 419 1593 (WhatsApp)
Email: spa@steenberghotel.com
Advance booking is essential, as spaces are limited. Guests are encouraged to bring their own yoga mats.