Earlier this week I had the great pleasure of an indulgent, calming and restorative day at the Delaire Graff Estate, where I was invited to experience their newly refurbished – and rejuvenated Spa.
Adopting a holistic approach to wellness from beginning to end – or in my case from top to toe – the ultimate goal here is to transform and heal. I opted for their Terres L’Afrique Healing Fynbos and Mud Cocoon treatment, with my therapist on the day none other than Hildegard Carstens, the Spa Manager. The heady aromas of the rooibos body scrub, buchu and aloe body mask, and beautifully infused oils for the scalp and foot massage were intoxicating, while the earthy undertones of the mud offered a grounding and natural therapy to my skin. All products are proudly and intricately sourced from our land.
Terra D’Afrique is all from natural origin, organically farmed, fair trade and subscribes to Beauty Without Cruelty.
The treatment was followed by lunch at the spectacular Indochine Restaurant – one of two on the estate – where four courses of Asian-inspired dishes where served. Immaculately plated, with delicate flavours and inviting colours all bringing the carefully sourced ingredients to life at the skilled hands of the Chefs. There was of course estate MCC to accompany it.
A celebration of wellness, wine, hospitality and art, Delaire Graff is definitely one of our most sophisticated and exclusive estates in the country. The service is gracious, relaxed and professional, with nothing too much trouble, and I just wish I could have lingered at the heated pool, rather than head back to reality after lunch.
Next time I plan on booking a reflexology treatment, which I’m told is Hidegard’s speciality. And will certainly allow enough time to wander through the estate, taste the wines and drink in the endless magnificent artwork. If you’re in the market for a diamond, you’d do very well to find it here too. The yellows caught my eye.
A place for tranquil indulgent days, I’m still feeling the glorious effects on my skin and soul, after mine.
About the Delaire Graff Spa
The new improved Delaire Graff Spa launched a bespoke wellness menu in their revitalised facilities on 1 October 2018. The focus will be on offering a holistic experience from beginning to end, with the ultimate goal being to transform and heal. The superb facilities are headed up Hildegard Carstens, Delaire Graff Estate’s new Spa Manager. She leads a team of skilled therapists whose expert hands will guide guests in luxurious spa rituals, pampering and wellness.
With over 18 years of experience in the health and beauty industry, Hildegard has left her mark on highly regarded establishments around the world, including The Athenaeum Spa in Green Park and Michael Van Clarke Salon in Mayfair London as well as Le Quartier Français and Leeu Collection Spa in Franschhoek. Holistic healing is the essence of her inspiration at Delaire Graff Spa, influenced by her studies which include CranioSacral therapy, Reiki, Chakra balancing and visceral manipulation and Reflexology.
Her philosophy for the spa is holistic beauty, relaxation and wellness. Drawing inspiration from ancient Eastern philosophies, its menu is centred around energies (chi) with treatments focused on life-giving elements, earth, fire, water, air and space. Spa rituals are designed to leave the body, mind and soul glowing, through the use of sound therapy with Koshi chimes, specialised instruments such as petrified wooden tools and African combs, as well as organic oils, diamond dust, nanogold and collagen.
Offering a range of innovative treatments, rituals are crafted using the finest range of globally-renowned beauty products. New to the Spa, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s advanced molecular cosmetics offer a new generation of treatments with a clear focus on skin rejuvenation, and Terres d’Afrique presents an organic, sustainably-developed skincare range that evokes Africa’s faithfulness.
The spa features five elegant suites that have been refreshed with exquisite linens and unique touches. Guests can unwind in the relaxation room and admire original artworks from Laurence Graff’s personal collection, by some of Africa’s most celebrated modern and contemporary artists. Those joining for half or full-day spa rituals can also make use of the 22-metre infinity pool and heated jacuzzi, as well as the recently-revamped Swedish sauna and steam room.
Unsurpassed views coupled with a new lunch menu from Indochine Restaurant, make the Spa Terrace the perfect place to pause between treatments. For an indulgent alternative, luxurious Afro-Asian High Teas may be booked on Fridays with any 60-minute treatment. Sweet and savoury creations are paired with delicate loose-leaf teas and a selection of homemade Kombucha for a uniquely Delaire experience.
Elevated against the majestic Botmaskop Mountains, surrounded by undulating vineyards, exquisite art and endless beauty, the Afro-Asian inspired spa is a tranquil sanctuary.
About Indochine Restaurant
Asian-inspired cuisine at Indochine is an evocative, fine dining food theatre, where delicate flavours come alive and each dish is synonymous with vitality, wellness and healthy living. Discover Asian tapas turned into an art form, or experience a tea ceremony, find signature dishes like pork belly and duck – everything is served to create an all-sensory dining experience.
There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options for the non-meat eaters, like myself.
Bursting with light, fresh dishes to nourish from within, the menu appeals to the health-conscious. Inside, a vibrant blue and copper colour creates a calming backdrop. The indoor space is dominated by the Swallows in Flight art installation, sculpted by Lionel Smit and Andre Stead, where over 1000 swallows become part of the incredible views that stretch across to Table Mountain. It’s mesmerising.
About Delaire Graff
Set on the mountain slopes overlooking the vineyards of Stellenbosch, Delaire Graff Estate is one of the country’s most exclusive wine estates, that has made its mark as an ultimate wine, hospitality and art destination.
Expansion in recent years has brought the magnificent Cape Winelands property two outstanding restaurants, a state-of-the-art winery, exclusive Lodges and Villa, a destination spa and luxury boutiques. The drive through the tree-lined lane takes you up to a striking Cape Dutch architecture meets African artefacts and styling, with original artworks from Laurence Graff’s personal collection on display throughout, representing some of South Africa’s finest contemporary artists.
Laurence Graff, who founded Graff Diamonds in 1960 and has enjoyed immense successes over the past five decades, is the visionary behind the estate’s immense success. An avid collector of modern and contemporary art, a world leader within the diamond industry and an equally devoted philanthropist, Mr Graff opened the doors to Delaire Graff Estate in 2009.
He has subsequently transformed the Estate into an extraordinary luxury destination that we can enjoy today, be it for lunch, a wine-tasting or indulgent spa treatment.
The Essential Details
To learn more about and their wonderful Spa, click here. For spa bookings and enquiries, please email info.spa@delaire.co.za or call +27 21 885 8160. The captivating Tanja von Arnim, Marketing and PR Manager at the Estate, could help with any queries too. My visit was arranged by the team at Manley Communications, do connect with them for any more details at email premierbrands@manley-communications.com. To make a booking request, please use our Spa booking enquiry form, call us on +27 21 885 8160 or email info.spa@delaire.co.za. Check out their monthly spa ritual offering and Spa Menu for more.
As is their generous way, I was gifted a goodie bag full of treats and gorgeousness when I left. Inside, the heavenly Graff GRAFITTI magazine, a CAROL JOY Collagen Eye Mask, Dr Barbara Face Cream, Glow Drops & Anti-Pollution Drops, Terres D’Afrique Body Butter, Black Pearl Face Serum and Night Cream, and a fantastic BROW Conceal and Contour Duo pencil. Such spoiling.
** Spa treatment pics supplied, I was too wrapped up in the spoiling of the moment to take any. The lobby, entrance and vineyard shots also supplied.
*** My visit was by invitation, as kindly arranged by Manley Communications.
7 Responses
I really loved this read, Dawn. And I can’t wait to experience this place for myself.
And your images are amazing! The food looks great, I love seafood and am not a big red meat eater, so It was so great to see a selection of meals that are ideal for my eating lifestyle. Now that is most certainly a treat!
Thank you for reading and for your very generous words, which I really appreciate. It was a special day and I’m already planning a return. Can’t stop thinking about that reflexology treatment followed by more delicious food at Indochine. And yes, as you say, ideal for plant-based and seafood focussed eaters. Hope you get there when next in the Cape x.
Amazing Place I wanna go there Thanks for sharing
Than you so much for reading, really hope you get there soon.
Hi everyone I have been glued to my seat definitely . It is nice to know that all the information I need is right in front of me. enjoyed it
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Thank you so much for reading, and taking the time to comment. Hugely appreciated!