HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Warning: Cape Town could be seriously good for your health!

Why is it that Cape Town can restore your natural balance with more than just its natural wonders? It could be because the city’s location is regarded worldwide as an important energy centre, or perhaps because there’s something in its calmness that gives people the energy to chill out. But true help is at hand: from religious and spiritual centres to natural spas and businesses providing healthy lifestyles, Cape Town boasts an array of options for those seeking a true break from the appurtenances of everyday life. After all, you didn’t come all this way for your stress levels to go up. We are proudly laid-back and have mastered the art of a balanced lifestyle! Sit back and read on ...

CAPE TOWN CENTRAL

Cape Town has many people in need, so why not give yourself the gift of giving? Notable charities include the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, SOS Children’s Villages and Lions Club International. Contact Cape Town Tourism Tel: +27 (0)21 487 6800 for more information on registered charities.

The city offers aromatherapy, reflexology, wraps, massages, hydro-therapy and expert beauty treatments. Most top hotels health and beauty spas and have a range of fabulous treatments, from traditional African to European and Eastern.

Spiritual healing, churches and temples offer solace for the soul, as can a trip to Robben Island or Table Mountain or one of the many Kramats within the Circle of Islam.

Labyrinths are believed to slow the breathing, focus the mind and induce a creative or peaceful state. There are three labyrinths in Central Cape Town Tel: +27 (0)21 424 7360.

Cape Town’s medical expertise is world renowned. Many visitors in need of operations or cosmetic surgery have the work done here and then recuperate in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Cape Town is a romance and roses city and a favourite wedding and honeymoon destination. Apart from the city’s romantic, off-the-beaten-track hideaways, there are numerous hotels with function rooms large enough to host receptions for grand society weddings, and their penthouse suites are in constant demand for honeymoons. Visit Celebration House (http://www.celebrationhouse.co.za), where photographers, among other professionals, display their portfolios and have samples of their designs.

What better place on Earth to declare your love than in iconic Cape Town – choose between a romantic wine farm, historical stone church, a deserted beach, the top of Table Mountain or, like a few lucky couples, the centre of hope and freedom, Robben Island.

CAPE TOWN EAST

A spectacular choice of indoor and outdoor wedding venues is available in the area, which includes picturesque wine farms, quaint chapels, beautiful gardens and beaches. Local accommodation establishments offer the most exquisite honeymoon suites and package deals. Saxenburg Estate in Kuils River, Langverwacht  and Zevenwacht  wine estates are popular venues.

Share a picnic basket for two in the magnificent setting of the camphor trees at the historic Vergelegen Farm  or on the rolling lawns next to the pond at Eikendal Wine Farm.

Mangwanani  is an unique African spa experience that incorporates wellnesss, entertainment and social responsibilitity. Relax while indulging all the senses in truly decadent revitalization Tel: +27 (0)21 906 4051.

CAPE TOWN NORTH

Blaauwberg and Tygerberg offer the visitor a choice of upmarket health spas that offer unique treatments, wonderful surroundings and fabulous views Tel: +27 (0)21 521 1080 or +27 (0)21 970 5060.

The Camphill Village at Atlantis is the success story of a holistic approach to improving the wellbeing of mentally and physically challenged people. Enjoy an enlightening visit to see the hands-on production of organic produce, herbal teas and treatments and free- range farming Tel: +27 (0)21 572 2345.

There is one labyrinth in the North at Oude Molen farm at the Eco Village in Pinelands Tel: +27 (0)21 572 6695.

The vines on a Durbanville wine farm or a venue with the picture perfect back¬drop of the majestic Table Mountain provide the ideal spot for a romantic dinner, a marriage proposal or an unforgettable wedding day Tel: +27 (0)21 970 5060/ +27 (0)21 521 1080. For a wedding planner, a wedding venue or a special place to pop the question Tel: +27 (0)21 970 5060/ +27 (0)21 521 1080.

South Africa’s very first “Walk-in-Wedding Chapel” is in Milnerton. The chapel offers couples the facility of arriving any time during working hours (and after hours if arranged) and getting married within a few minutes (other weddings and documentation notwithstanding) Tel: +27 (0)84 227 3933.

CAPE TOWN SOUTH

The Holistic Lifestyle Fair held monthly in Observatory offers the visitor a range of healing products, and a number of health shops and healing centres will assist with detox, relaxation and stress relief. Belly dancing, drumming, African traditional dancing and Nia classes will reconnect you to the Earth. Upmarket spas in fabulous settings promise pampering in ultimate luxury.

The city prides itself on its religious freedom and tolerance. Mosques, churches, synagogues and temples offer the visitor many choices. Great emphasis is placed on worship within the communities of the Cape Flats. Religious faith is strong and was very often the only comfort during the sustained political struggle. Religious choral groups are part of most church services and visitors will be moved by the sheer beauty of their songs. If taking a Cape Flats tour  on a Sunday, be sure to ask that a service be in¬cluded. Call Cape Town Tourism in Guguletu Tel: +27 (0)21 637 8449.

There are a number of Sufi, Buddhist and meditation centres throughout the Southern Suburbs and various courses and festivals are focussed on enlightened spirituality.

There are two labyrinths in the Southern suburbs – in Kenilworth there’s a seven-circuit classical labyrinth  and a seaside labyrinth  at the Slangkop Lighthouse Tel: +27 (0)21 783 1717.

Getting married? Go for a traditional isiXhosa wedding – Cape Town’s local communities will pull out all the stops. Or line your aisle with sea¬shells, seaweed or pine needles and get married on the beach or in a forest.