cape grace hotel

(81 king/twin bed luxury rooms, 10 superior rooms with balconies, 18 loft rooms, 10 suites, 2 penthouses)

Everything about the Cape Grace suggests understated luxury. The hotel is positioned on the waterfront of Cape Town, with the most wonderful views. Their creative cuisine is in a warm and welcome setting, with mouth-watering South African dishes. The Cape Grace’s collection of whiskies and wines are some of the world's finest. …

The Hotel offers: in-room message service, 24 hour room service, communication centre with 24 hour complimentary internet access, a private guest library/lounge, rooms and facilities for the disabled, a babysitter on request, an in-room gym, a 15m outdoor swimming pool and even a boardroom for the people who need to do some business.

the spa

Drawn from the ancestry of care and wisdom, of balance and romance, where the slats of the earth mix with the water of life. Where wood warms and shelters, and her spices intoxicate. Let the mysteries of African healing techniques and rich colours envelop you. Stand in the rain of a million years. Lather in your roots and, as with any guest to Africa, stay as long as you like…

Located on the top floor of the hotel, with panoramas of Table Mountain, the city and yacht marina, The Spa is owned and operated by Cape Grace, and is exclusive to hotel guests. Inspired by the people and the cultures of Southern Africa, the flora of the continent and the traditional African remedies, The Spa’s décor, treatments and techniques reflect the strength and mystery of the African heritage.

the people of southern africa

Children of nature. The Khoi San
Originating in the sands of time, the San are a people of storytellers, hunters and artists. Their love and respect for their environment is depicted on rock faces across Africa. Sadly however, there are only a handful of San (otherwise referred to as Bushman by Colonial Europeans) left living in the desert areas of Southern Africa. It is said that to meet the San, is to encounter the spirit of the land itself.

Men of men. The Khoi Khoi
Believed to have shared the same faith in the curative powers of water as the San, as well as a common ancestry, the Khoi Khoi people thought themselves better an broke away to lead a more pastoral life. The Hottentots (so named by the Dutch for their curious sounding language) lived in the southern regions of Africa until 1713, when a smallpox epidemic wiped out most of the tribe. Their customs still remain.

Tribe of heaven. The Zulu
Once clad in feathers, skins and tassels, carrying a shield, a spear and knopkierie, these strong, proud warriors eventually settled as herdsmen on the lush lands of Kwazulu-Natal. Known for their brightly coloured beads, often used to write messages to loved ones far away; the Zulu continue to impart their artistry and traditions to current South African generations.

Clans of the Nguni. The Xhosa
Steeped in superstition, the Xhosa people practise many centuries-old rites and customs. Witchdoctors and herbalists are still prevalent, and devote themselves to curing a man’s troubled spirit or physical ailments.
Settled along the south coast, the Xhosa are inhabitants of the former Transkei, which is also the birthplace of Mr Nelson Mandela. Legendary icon of this proud melange of Nguni clans.

Generations of Indonesia. The Cape Malay
During the mid 17th century Javanese and Balinese slaves were sent to the Cape. They intermarried with the Dutch East Indian Company (Europeans) and this brought about the Cape Malay people. Music, ghost stories and a practising knowledge of Eastern magic form part of the strong sense of identity this group still has today.

the ingredients

Aloe Vera
Excellent for sensitive or inflamed skins and ideal for calming sunburn, these succulent plants local to Southern Africa, are used for their soothing and calming properties

Geranium
Indigenous to Southern Africa, these scented flowering plants are known for their energising, calming and balancing properties.

Poppy Seed
Small, course, black seeds from the flowering poppy plant found in warm tropical and subtropical areas.

Sandal
A yellow spice of Cape Malay origin, known to improve circulation.

Shea Butter
Indigenous to West Africa, Shea Butter is derived from the nut of the Karite (Shea nut tree). It is deeply moisturising and resembles the animal fat that is the Khoi San people rubbed on their bodies for cleansing.

Snowbush
The first recorded essential oil distilled in Africa was made from this fynbos plant species. Found only in the Western Cape, Snowbush is used specially to treat stress related ailments.

treatment

A soothing touch technique is used to align and prepare the body for treatment.

From conventional spa therapies to time-honoured African remedies, The Spa invites you to immerse yourself in natural beauty and relax with the luxurious massage and facial therapies, body treatments, and hand and foot care. Or be completely true to yourself with one of our bespoke packages, where a rested mind is a natural side effect.

Please contact us for rates and specials.

(PLEASE NOTE that we only book spa treatments if they are in conjunction with an accommodation booking.)