As you may already know, one of our favourite weekend or holiday getaways is the Cape West Coast! There is something quite special about this stretch of coastline. The water is not the warmest, but the windswept beaches, endless views, dramatic sunsets, peace and tranquillity, certainly make up for it!
It is the perfect destination, summer or winter – especially if you are looking to escape the buzz of the city. In the colder months, there is nothing better than cuddling up next to a fire, feasting on delicious food and sipping good red wine.
Abalone House and Spa
A spot I have been longing to visit up the West Coast is Abalone House, in Paternoster. Abalone House is a five-star boutique hotel, set in the picture-perfect fisherman’s village of Paternoster, it is one and a half hours’ drive from Cape Town and is the ideal place to recharge and just unwind.
My hubby and I ventured up there recently, to enjoy the Abalone House Spa Winter Indulgence special. As well as five-star accommodation, Abalone House boasts the Healing Earth Spa, situated on the premises. The Spa Winter Indulgence package includes accommodation, meals and a two-and-a-half hour spa treatment. Sounds like heaven – don’t you agree?
We arrived at Abalone House just in time for our treatments. Greeted with a glass of Bubbly upon arrival and the promise of a day of absolute pampering. It could not get much better than that! After a somewhat busy week, both Grant and I were looking forward to this time out from life!
Healing Earth Spa
The Healing Earth spa is an oasis of calm. A serene space of whitewashed floors and wooden loungers echo the seaside setting. While Nguni hides and boldly patterned scatter cushions, add an eclectic African touch.
Treatment rooms are calm, quiet and wonderfully cosy. Grant and I were shown to the couples room, upstairs. I would highly recommend booking it if you are there with your partner.
When booking the Abalone House Spa Winter Indulgence special, guests can choose from a Coffee, Cinnamon and Orange Body Energiser Treatment or an African Ginger Slimming Body Treatment. Healing Earth products boast natural, locally sourced ingredients of the highest quality and offer a holistic approach to spa experiences.
Treatments
I decided on the Coffee, Cinnamon and Orange Body Energiser Treatment and Grant opted for a 90 Minute Massage.
My treatment consisted of a wonderfully invigorating full body scrub, to help improve circulation. The scrub also helps remove dead skin cells, as well as increasing penetration of active ingredients.
The body scrub was followed by a soothing bath, with energising salt crystals, which contain minerals to replenish the immune system. Next, after applying a thermogenic gel, my body was wrapped, to help drain excess fluid from the body. The coffee, cinnamon and orange body wrap use the toning and detoxing elements from cinnamon, orange and coffee extracts, to assist in toning and brightening the skin and improving circulation. The African ginger body wrap tones specific areas and improves skin texture.
After the wrap, I showered, and then, it was time for the best part! A heavenly full body massage, with coffee, cinnamon and orange essential oils aromatherapy blend. Between the heady aroma of the essential oils and the pure bliss of the massage, I drifted in and out of consciousness – the true testament of a great massage! Possibly the best massage I have had in a very long time!
Grant loved his neck and back massage as well! I think it was just what we both needed. I must also commend the staff at the Healing Earth Spa. They were terrific and so friendly but yet so professional. This was one of my best spa experiences to date!
Reuben’s at Abalone House
We were rather ravenous after our treatments, as neither of us had lunch yet, so we decided on a rather late lunch, in Reuben’s bar area. The staff were wonderfully accommodating, as they had stopped serving lunch already but whipped up a delicious toasted chicken mayo sandwich for us.
Dinner was booked for 7.30pm, so we decided on a walk down to the beach to clear the cobwebs. It was a rather invigorating and brisk walk, as the wind was slightly chilly. Then there was just enough time for a hot shower, and a relax in our suite, before heading to dinner at Reuben’s.
The service and food at Reuben’s were top-notch, we both decided on three courses, which in retrospect was way too much food! The highlight of the meal would have to be the Pork Belly, with Mash and Carrot Puree, which Grant ordered and I naturally sampled – a lot! We were both left the restaurant feeling satisfied and ready for a good nights sleep.
Abalone House
Approaching the entrance to Abalone, you are greeted by the most exquisite array of Koi Fish, which I could not resist taking a few photos of them!
The decor at Abalone House is best described as eclectic, with lots of interesting collectables and art on display.
Grant loved the wonderfully cosy lounge area, warmed by a blazing fire. It is the perfect spot to sit and read or sip on some sherry. As I mentioned earlier, there is also a bar area if you would like to enjoy a few drinks before dinner.
There is also a charming garden courtyard – complete with antique birdcages, wind chimes and pond, as well as a swimming pool.
Our accommodation was comfortable and the king size bed was heavenly. I probably had the best night sleep I have had in quite some time!
Contact Details
For more information on seasonal specials and to book, call Abalone House and Spa direct on (27) (022) 752 2044; email [email protected] or visit the Abalone House Website. Alternatively, contact South of Africa’s central reservations line on 087 820 5999.
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Disclosure
Disclosure Ranking 1: We enjoyed our stay, as well as certain meals as guests of Abalone House and Spa, however, no remuneration was received for writing this post. We have no material connection to the brands, products, or services mentioned in this post. All information provided, including prices, are deemed correct at time of publishing. These are, however, subject to change at the establishment’s discretion. Please note that all opinions, content, and images are the property of Inspired Living or Fiona Rossiter unless otherwise stated. To see more, read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.
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