Caledon (South Africa) > Reviews > A bargain spa with great views

Author's product rating:   

Value for Money	Excellent
Shopping	Average
Nightlife	Poor
Ease of getting around	Good
Family Friendly	Excellent

Advantages:	cheap, spacious, not crowded, good selection of pools and treatments
Disadvantages:	car needed to get there

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

A scenic drive from Cape Town, this small farming town is mainly famous for it's natural hot springs. I visited these about two years ago, and it made for a very relaxing and satisfying day out.

The spa is attached to a large hotel, but is in a self-contained complex, so after parking right outside in the hotel car park you can head straight to the spa reception. I remember the price being about £5 for the whole day (not including treatments in the therepy centre), which is a bargain, compared to other spas I have visited, for example in New Zealand, and also compared to those in Cape Town. What makes Caledon Spa really special is that it is quite large, outside, has great views and is not very crowded, because it isn't really in a tourist area.

There are a number of natural mineral pools at different temperatures to wallow in, including a large Roman style baths, which is very soothing for the muscles and nicely shaded from the sun, a small frigidarium, massage showers, and saunas. There is also a gym and lap-pool. The main attraction is the KhoiSan pools, which run down the side of a hill within the complex, gradually decreasing in temperature. The climb to the top of the hill, along a boardwalk and up steps, gives lovely views of Caledon and the surrounding countryside, which you can admire while you relax in the highest pools. There are around 6 KhoiSan pools in total, the first two being very warm indeed, and one tepid pool having a jacuzzi action. The largest pool at the bottom is designed in a tropical rocky style with a waterfall, and is very suitable for children, as it is pleasantly warm and not too deep.

Everything in South Africa seems to be getting more expensive by the minute, but due to its location in a small, rural community, and the fact it is not really pushed by the tourist information centres in Cape Town, I am pretty sure Caledon spa will still be a value for money destination. It left me so relaxed I drove straight through a speed camera on the way home!