The African continent is vast and majestic, there are sights, sounds, culture, people and nature that make any journey to this vast untamed part of the Earth a milestone experience.
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The African continent is vast and majestic, there are sights, sounds, culture, people and nature that make any journey to this vast untamed part of the Earth a milestone experience.
There are plenty of resorts and spas to choose from in this amazing country but one stands out among all else – Pezula Resort Hotel Spa. A truly unique African resort, Pezula Resort Hotel Spa is a luxury resort in one of the most exquisite locations in the world. Pezula is an African word that literally translates as ‘high up with the gods’. Pezula is located on the Eastern Head of Knysna, a popular town in the western cape of South Africa. The exquisite coastline of the Western Cape adds a beautiful backdrop to resort.
On my visit to this beautiful location, I found it to be a sanctuary for privacy and indulgence and its existence within natural beauty a sheer delight. The luxury and service were the icing on the cake. The interior was filled with African arts and craft and African motifs decorated the mosaic tiles in the Spa.
Set on a stunning 1,000 ha estate, famous for its secluded beach, sweeping fynbos landscapes and ancient indigenous forests, the Pezula Resort has breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, the Knysna Lagoon and the Outeniqua Mountains. The resort is surrounded by the rugged cliffs of the Southern Cape coast, the Sinclair Nature Reserve and the Eastern Head of Knysna.
I was spoilt for choice between the award winning spa, the championship golf course, the town markets or Noetzie Beach – rumored to be the most beautiful beach in Africa. I chose all.
My trip to any resort is never complete without a trip to their spa. I was looking forward to unwind and be pampered with a few of their spa’s signature treatments. I was in for a treat. The spa’s interior reflected a calm sanctuary with natural elements. As expected, the therapists were highly trained and knew what they were doing. The treatments were quintessentially Africa.
Pezula Spa Signature Treatments focused on age-old remedies of nature and offered a unique fusion of therapies. Scrubs, wraps, massages, steam baths, milk baths and hydrotherapy were orchestrated on me, taking me through a sensory experience that creates a feeling of total relaxation and serenity.
The Maruwa collection of products used in the treatments were uniquely African incorporating local ingredients and essential essences from the local flora of the Western Cape.
The spa had pre set packages for the tired travelled, but I had something more outrageous in mind.
Day one started with a massage called Four Hands Massage, I needed extra pampering from my long flight! The hour long massage was administered by two therapists using their hands, fingers, elbows and forearms. I was soft as a poodle in their hands and enjoyed every bit of it.
Wanting to lie down and do absolutely nothing and yet be pampered a bit more, I opted for the Serene Detox Mud Wrap. Natural mineral mud, seaweed and aloe proved to be a soothing mixture with detox and exfoliation and nourishing properties. Bliss.
Day two was a follow up to day one: a ninety minute Phumla Massage that sent me in a trance within minutes. The massage involved stretching, deep kneading, reflexology and pressure point scalp massage with a rhythmic African drumbeat experience. In the whole process Avocado butter, Shea butter, beeswax and a few more organic bits and pieces found their way in. Aaah.
After the invigorating massage, the therapist led me to their hydra section. I was in for a treat. The EXPERIENCE began with a Mafura Butter and Neroli exfoliation in warm forest aroma steam. The therapist then proceeded with a mineral milk soak that would nourish the skin and calm the senses. Hot oils and volcanic stones were used for a sensory African massage to top it all off. That night, i treated myself to a late night walk on the beach and had the most relaxing sleep in a long while.
The field of dreams sports complex has all the amenities that a sports oriented traveller world require – tennis courts, a sports oval, facilities for pétanque and archery, a championship golf course, horse riding, nature trails through the estate’s indigenous forests and canoe trips up the Noetzie River.
Knysna, the nearby town, provides an escape from the luxury if you so wish. Twice voted South Africa’s favorite holiday destination, one of the Top 100 Destinations in the World in the 2008 Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Destinations Awards. My frequent trips down to the town revealed alfresco markets, organic community farmer’s markets, arts & craft galleries, a vibrant and sophisticated lifestyle among the town folks and much more. The selection of restaurants in and around the town did not disappoint.
Only a rare few resorts can offer luxury in such magnificent natural surroundings, in a location that has arguably one of the most temperate climates in the world. Pezula is a cut above the rest. 
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