Camps Bay Retreat in Camps Bay is a luxury boutique hotel and spa majestically located on four acres of land between 2 deep ravines that run from Table Mountain. Surrounded by the Glen Forest, the ravines form part of a nature reserve with indigenous trees and plants which are alive with wildlife. The hotel employs a horticulturist and has its own nursery to cultivate indigenous plants and fynbos.
The manor house, built in 1929, epitomizes the grace and glamour of times gone by. It boasts one of largest privately owned tennis court on the Atlantic Seaboard, a mountain rock pool and an original rope swing bridge which connects it to the adjoining property – The Deck House. The five resident dogs each with their own distinct personality, roam the property and are featured in silver framed photographs on the bedside cabinets in every room, ensuring that guests are made to feel part of the family.
Spa Manager, Ayesha Ebrahim, welcomed me to the Mint Wellness spa and took me on a guided tour of the property.
The spa has two double treatment rooms overlooking the ravine and nature reserve. The indoor treatment area is set in the original pool house 
and the sauna, steam room and spa bath can be pre-booked for exclusive use to ensure complete privacy. The outdoor relaxation area offers a solar heated pool and loungers in a spectacular garden setting.
The outside treatment area is a secluded wooden deck covered by a safari-style tent with 2 original antique baths from the Manor house. Surrounded by nature and lush vegetation, the air is alive with the sounds of birdsong and in the distance one can hear waves breaking on Camps Bay beach. One would never guess that you are a mere 5 minutes away from the busy Camps Bay restaurant strip.
My Therapist Nadia led me to the outside treatment area to experience the signature Nature Bath and Massage. The full body massage using mint essential oils was followed by a soak in an organic bubble bath with rose petals – a perfect setting for romance. A fruit smoothie and fresh fruit platter are presented at the end of the treatment. This is a perfect spa for couples and individuals who value exclusivity and privacy. Products used are Theravine, Guinot and Essie for nails.
After spending a few hours unwinding and relaxing in nature only a few minutes from the city I felt as though I experienced an exotic luxury escape.
