Think back. Ok, some of you may have to think back more than others. When was the last time you enjoyed some “me” time and treated yourself to a luxurious spa session? Or a relaxing spa day out with your girlfriends? If you’re like me, there is nothing I enjoy more than being pampered and spoilt with a heavenly massage or deluxe facial. I just don’t enjoy them as regularly as I’d like to.
I recently had the opportunity to experience a divine spa pamper session at the fabulous Steenberg Spa, hosted by Travel Chat SA. This stylish and tranquil haven is part of the exquisite boutique twenty-four room Steenberg Hotel. Situated in an idyllic setting on the Cape’s oldest registered farm, this world-class luxury destination is one of nine gorgeous wine estates on the Constantia Wine Route.
I met up with a lovely group of ladies and enjoyed a warm welcome from the Spa staff. I can honestly say that once I stepped inside the calm and relaxing oasis of the Spa, I felt my troubles and worries simply fade away. And that was before my treatment had even begun!
We were shown to the lavish changing room where we put on luxurious gowns and slippers. The beautifully decorated relaxation room, complete with a toasty fireplace, chaise lounges and a selection of teas, is where we met our lovely therapists. Our group would each receive a different treatment and I was over the moon to discover that I was about to enjoy a massage, my absolute fave!
* Image supplied by Steenberg Spa
My therapist, Kashiefa, explained that the one hour Magnesium Therapy Massage utilizes luxurious magnesium oil and heated Himalayan salt stones to re-energise the body while treating symptoms such as insomnia, pain and fatigue. It also aims to induce a state of calm and promises a good night’s sleep – yay! I love that they use the Africology range of products that are made with environmentally responsible manufacturing practices under fair trade guidelines and contain ingredients sourced from Mother Nature.
* Image supplied by Steenberg Spa
The treatment room provides a serene space to simply relax and enjoy every moment of the experience. Kashiefa is a highly skilled professional with a lovely, calming presence and I soon felt very calm and peaceful. I may even have drifted off a few times. This massage was exactly what my body, mind and soul needed to destress, recharge and feel revitalized. The treatment ended with a sublime Reflexology foot treatment. I was in a blissful Zen-like state by this time thanks to Kashiefa’s capable hands and would quite happily have stayed for another treatment! 😉
Treat yourself and indulge in winter bliss with Steenberg Spa’s July special!
The Intonga Infusion Massage utilises Intonga sticks to massage shea butter and essential oils into the skin, and with the added use of hot stones, this massage relaxes tight muscles and assists with the release of toxins.
The yellow wood sticks and hot stones aid in relief of tight muscles and congestion without straining the muscles. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate after your treatment – yes please!
Cost: R1 100 for a 90 minute Intonga Infusion Massage. Save R270!
This special is valid from 1 – 31 July 2018.
Click here to view this special and other great offers.
A brand new me floated on a cloud out of the Spa after that fabulous massage. Steenberg Spa provides the perfect escape for total relaxation and rejuvenation from today’s fast-paced way of life.
By now, it was lunch time and we made our way to the beautiful Catharina’s Restaurant. I had the pleasure of dining here previously, so I knew we were in for a delicious culinary treat!
DID YOU KNOW? Catharina’s Restaurant pays homage to the woman who started it all, the fascinating and feisty Catharina Ras, who founded Steenberg in the 17th century. The décor hints at Catharina’s thrilling life and my eyes are always drawn to the origami swans hanging magically from the ceiling. See if you can spot the one black swan.
The restaurant maintains a fresh and innovative attitude where the menu focuses on simplicity, serving contemporary food created from the finest quality ingredients and the abundance of fresh produce.
The Winter Lunch Special is a tasty winner at only R185 for two courses and R215 for three courses (valid until 31 October 2018. Please see their website for further T&Cs and information). Vegetarian options are also available and the menu does change depending on seasonality and produce availability.
We all agreed that a bottle of Steenberg Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc would be a great way to start our lunch celebration. With a roaring fire on the go and the winter weather alternating between bright sunshine and rain, the setting was just perfect for a leisurely ladies lunch.
I started with a salad filled with healthy and fresh ingredients – Roasted butternut, chick peas, quinoa, red onion, feta cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds, baby leaves and wholegrain mustard dressing. The portion was very generous and the meal itself was bursting with fresh and tasty flavours. I was very happy with my choice and wondered how I was going to fit in another two courses! There were two other starter options and these included a Roast cream of tomato soup and a Cape Malay spiced seafood croquette.
Pork Belly is a favourite of mine and luckily for me, it was one of the options on the Winter Specials Menu. The Sous vide pork belly was served with rosemary crushed potato, garlic and ginger stir-fry veggies in a turmeric and lemon sauce. It was an explosion of bright colours and amazing flavours, especially the veggies. I enjoyed the Pork Belly too, but the only letdown was the fat on the pork. It could have been rendered down a bit more.
One could also opt for a Grilled chicken breast with a mushroom and cauliflower risotto. The vegetarian option was a creamy Butternut risotto that was absolutely heavenly (Yes, I had to taste as I adore risotto! I can highly recommend this dish).
After a glass or two of bubbly and a delicious starter and main dish, I was a tad on the full side. But dessert was calling and our group mostly chose the Amarula crème brûlée with churros and chocolate sauce. The other two options included a Selection of 3 seasonal sorbets and Sticky date pudding with pumpkin ice-cream.
The churros dipped in dark chocolate sauce were super yum, but the Amarula crème brûlée was a bit disappointing. The caramelized sugar topping cracked beautifully, but the consistency of the custard base wasn’t quite right.
All too soon, it was time to say farewell. What a pleasure to share many laughs and great conversation, along with delectable food and bubbles, with a fabulous bunch of women. I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed the entire spa and lunch experience and could happily do it all over again. I’m sure that the ladies would agree with me. It really was the perfect start to the week and I wish all Mondays could begin this way!
Be sure to add stunning Steenberg Estate in the picturesque Constantia Wine Valley to your travel bucket list. Indulge all your senses with a tasting of award-winning wines, followed by a delicious lunch at either Bistro 1682 or Catharina’s Restaurant. Find your bliss and unwind at the fabulous Steenberg Spa, as well as a luxurious stay at Steenberg Hotel. This world-class destination offers something for everyone.
Have you had the pleasure of experiencing the finer things in life at Steenberg Estate?
Yours in Travel, Food and Wine xoxo
Please note – I was kindly hosted by Steenberg Spa, Catharina’s Restaurant and Travel Chat SA. All views, content and images are my own unless otherwise indicated.
