I'll never forget the pay-off line from that mid-1990s advert for Je T'aime perfume. In between the soft focus, pouting lips and sexy red dress a husky voice (if memory serves me well) informs us: "Nobody says 'I love you' quite like the French".

For my wife though, nothing says 'I love you' quite like a spa treatment. Whether it's a Balinese massage, avocado-infused body scrub or eye-firming facial I seem to have found the key to matrimonial bliss. Gentlemen, take note; with a spa voucher in hand you can do no wrong!

But what's the fun in sitting in traffic to get to a spa squeezed between the suburbs… to really impress in this month of lurve a country spa escape is the way to go, and we've scouted some of the best Southern Africa has to offer.

Majeka House
From fine cuisine to some of South Africa's best vintages, the Stellenbosch winelands are famous for the finer things in life, and you'll find them in abundance at Majeka House; a new boutique hotel and spa on the outskirts of the 'Eikestad'.

Tucked away in the quiet suburb of Paradyskloof, Majeka House is a stylish winelands getaway that's a good base for getting out and exploring the region.

After a hard day on the estates you can relax with a signature treatment in the intimate Sanctuary Spa, relax in the Jacuzzi or wind down in the sauna or steam room; and then round off your day with an evening of fine dining in the glamorous Baroque-inspired restaurant. What a pleasure. www.majeka.co.za

Klein Genot
If it's pleasure you're after then look no further than Klein Genot. Nestled in the upper reaches of the picturesque Franschhoek valley this delightful estate released its maiden vintages just two years ago and recently threw open the doors to its tasting room and restaurant. The winery is already producing outstanding reds, most notably its Black Swan Reserve blend of Cabernet, while its 'Genot' restaurant is welcoming diners from far and wide.

After all that good living you'll need some pampering to get your body back in shape. All treatments at the spa use high-quality products such as Lilian Terry Aromatherapy oils together with the Dermalogica, OPI and Theravine product ranges.

With gorgeous views over the terraced vineyards of the Franschhoek Valley, Klein Genot is just the spot to caress the stress away. Don't miss the Klein Genot Signature Treatment, which includes a full body exfoliation, body wrap and a 40 minute massage. For a serious detox try the Ocean Wrap or Manual Lymphatic Massage.

Karkloof Spa
When it comes to massage it's hard to beat the traditional Thai massage on offer at Karkloof Spa in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. With therapists flown in from Asia this is as authentic as it gets, and offers a detox like no other. If you're in need of serious R&R opt for one of the five signature spa 'journeys' through this world-class destination spa and indulge in the range of facilities on offer; from the Moroccan-themed Rassoul Chamber to the Roman bath and sauna/steam rooms.

But there's more to Karkloof than the spa. Set on a 3500-hectare private reserve, you can game-drive through herds of buffalo and giraffe, or mountain bike down breathtaking valleys with a dazzle of zebra for company. You can also stretch your legs with a walk to the 105-metre Karkloof Falls; one of South Africa's tallest waterfalls

At the end of the day, relax on the deck of your luxurious private villa and enjoy a glass of fine wine from the well-stocked cellar before dinner.

Meals are an occasion to be savoured at Karkloof, with both indulgent and healthy options available for each course allowing you to indulge or detox as you see fit. 'What you want, when you want' is the name of the game and the ever-friendly staff ensure that no request is too much trouble. Once you walk through the front door you can leave all your troubles behind and simply relaaaaaax. www.karkloofspa.com

Zau spa
Heading north, the Zau spa in the Cullinan house of JanHarm Vorster, owner of the famous JanHarmsGat se Agterplaas, offers a more personal approach. A short drive from Pretoria and taking only 18 guests at a time, Zau is also an affordable option if you’re looking for wellness on a slim wallet. You won’t find all the bells and whistles here, but you can enjoy treatments like the popular Yin Yang full-body massage and walk away without worrying about your bank balance. www.zauspa.co.za

Ka'ingo
The Zorgvliet Bush Spa at Ka'Ingo Private Reserve & Spa in the Waterberg is a good spot for wellness in the wilderness.  Treatments on offer range from basic facials to specialized body therapies, including a wide variety of massages, body wraps and alternative healing such as Indian head massages and reflexology. Throw in an outside treatment room on an enclosed deck overlooking the reserve and you’ve got heaven on earth. www.kaingo.co.za

David Livingstone Safari Lodge
The Victoria Falls should be on every traveller's to-do list, and late summer is when the 'smoke that thunders' is at its most dramatic. After a day in the spray admiring the Falls or rafting the mighty Zambezi, you'll want somewhere quiet to escape to. Somewhere like the recently-opened David Livingstone Safari Lodge.

A few kilometres upstream from the Falls, the Lodge enjoys a gorgeous stretch of prime Zambezi waterfront, with wonderful river views from many of the 77 rooms. Come sunset, a cruise on the Lady Livingstone is a must as she meanders gently upstream... don't forget to keep an eye out for hippo and elephant!

Back at the Lodge, you can soothe those tired limbs in the intimate Camelot spa.
Offering everything from intensive sports therapies to mud wraps and facials, you'll feel right at home in the richly furnished treatment rooms. Feeling romantic? Book a couples treatment and enjoy a Bali spa ritual for two finished off with a glass of bubbly! www.dlslandspa.com

» Originally published in Indwe magazine; the in-flight mag for SA Express.

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