My Escape to Erinvale Spa – By Tarryn-Leigh Solomons
I’ve always believed there are two kinds of spa visits: the quick in-and-out fix, and then the kind that makes you forget where you are, what day it is, and possibly your own name. My recent trip to Erinvale Spa? Definitely the latter.
Tucked away in a peaceful corner of the Erinvale Estate in Somerset West, this spot is pure magic. The spa only opened its doors in December 2024, but it’s quickly become the go-to wellness escape in the Helderberg Winelands. And let me tell you – it’s giving luxury, tranquillity, and all the good vibes.
When I arrived, I was welcomed by Nicola, who couldn’t have been lovelier. She gave me a quick tour of the spa, which is light, calming and beautifully done. Think plush treatment rooms (there are four in total, including two for couples), a custom-built scrub room, a super chic nail studio, and a steam and sauna setup that’s just begging for a pre-treatment wind-down.
I had booked the Pacific Island massage, and the name alone had me halfway to vacation mode. My therapist, Rene, was next-level amazing – warm, grounded, and incredibly intuitive. Before she even touched a drop of oil, she explained how the treatment would flow. “We always begin with stretching,” she said, “so your body can get used to what’s to come.” Then came three grounding breaths (I didn’t realise how much I needed those), followed by a gentle foot cleanse with a warm cloth.
From there, it was an artful journey through pressure points, flowing strokes, and a level of attentiveness that felt deeply personal. Rene’s approach was rooted in intuition, and she picked up straight away that even though I’d asked for deep pressure, my body was actually craving something gentler. “You were very tired,” she told me afterwards. “Your muscles needed softness today.” She was right.
The whole experience was completely immersive – especially the soft chime of tincture bells she used at the end. “I bring the sound from your feet upward to uplift you,” she explained. “To bring your energy back.” And yes, it worked.
After the massage, I floated (literally) to the poolside lunch area. The Helderberg mountains were showing off, and I had the best seat in the house. I ordered the salmon poke bowl from the Jasmine Terrace menu and settled into a quiet corner near the water. The vibe was peaceful, almost meditative, and the food? Fresh, flavourful, and beautifully balanced. The menu is full of feel-good options, such as raw juices, seasonal salads, sandwiches, and plates designed for that post-spa glow, with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free choices too.
I lingered longer than I expected to. But that’s the thing about Erinvale – it makes you slow down. Everything about the experience, from the team’s thoughtfulness to the setting itself, feels curated to help you breathe deeper, move slower, and actually rest.
If you’re a local looking for a reset or a traveller chasing a moment of calm in the Winelands, Erinvale Spa is well worth the detour. Go for the massage, stay for the view, and leave feeling like the best version of yourself.
