Franschhoek, December 2020: The Leeu Spa at Leeu Estates, Leeu Collection’s flagship property, has re-opened post lockdown under the management of the internationally-acclaimed South African spa and wellbeing brand Healing Earth. Reflecting its beautiful location in the Cape Winelands, Healing Earth is using a lovingly-created collection of Pinotage facial and body care products at Leeu Spa, so that guests have no need to do dry January - they can simply spa in vineyard products rather than drink them.
It was Healing Earth that pioneered the use of the uniquely South African Pinotage grape in its products, harnessing the widely researched and highly-acclaimed therapeutic benefits of vinotherapy. The Healing Earth vinotherapy range harnesses the antioxidant properties of the grape’s seeds, skins and stems for skincare that not only reflects the essence of the country’s winelands, but is also supremely effective in guarding against free radicals and the elements, while leveraging the powerful anti-ageing effects of polyphenols.
One of Leeu Spa by Healing Earth’s four signature experiences is the 120-minute “Proudly Local Winelands Vinotherapy Celebration”, which has been inspired by Leeu Estates’ unique location. Guests can enjoy the powerful antioxidant effects of Healing Earth’s innovative and organic Pinotage body polish and body wrap, followed by a specialised full-body massage with a home-grown Pinotage oil of choice (Relax & Destress, Hydrate & Condition, or Detox & Uplift), all while enjoying stunning views of the Franschhoek Valley with its vineyards and craggy mountain backdrop from the treatment room. For those not doing dry January, the treatment ends with a complimentary glass of bubbly or wine from the estate – the complete Winelands experience.
For a longer pampering session, guests can opt for the half-day “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” package, which lasts 3.5 hours. This immersive vinotherapy journey begins with a Pinotage body polish followed by a one-hour, full-body massage with one of the homegrown Pinotage oils to tailor the treatment according to personal needs. Then comes a therapeutic high-performance, antioxidant-rich Pinotage facial using naturally repairing and restoring Cape botanicals, vitamins, omegas, high-performance peptides, and - of course - the powerful polyphenols of the Pinotage grape, tailored to suit each individual’s skin type, before the transformative journey ends with a signature grape hand and footprint ceremony.
For those visiting the Leeu Spa together, the “Signature Couples Connect” treatment offers two hours of precious time to relax, relate and restore together as a pair. It begins with a carefully selected body polish, followed by a luxurious massage using healing and realigning rose quartz crystals (known as the symbol of universal love) and a bespoke Pinotage antioxidant facial ceremony tailored to individual needs. Once again, this magical experience concludes with a glass of bubbly or wine for those who are not abstaining.
To enhance this intimate treatment, couples can book to have it in Pomegranate Cottage - a private spa suite and wellness butler experience close to Leeu Spa that stands at the foot of the Dieu Donne mountains overlooking the manicured gardens and vineyards of Leeu Estates. The cottage offers a truly private wellness experience and a wonderful opportunity to escape from the world for a couple of hours – or more.
The five-star Leeu Estates, a boutique hotel set amid herb gardens, orchards and vineyards in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, is the perfect place for Healing Earth to open its first dedicated vinotherapy spa in South Africa. Established by spa veteran Elisabeth Brandt, Healing Earth offers the highest-quality products, therapies and spa concepts that nurture both the body and soul by harnessing the restorative powers of Africa’s rich natural (often organic) resources, such as minerals, flowers, herbs or natural oils.
Both Leeu Collection and Healing Earth are committed to the wellbeing of the planet and its people through active social responsibility projects, supporting local and sustainable initiatives wherever possible. Healing Earth’s earth-, people- and animal-friendly products and methods echo Leeu Collection’s aims to respect, sustain and uplift the people and natural resources of Franschhoek – and South Africa – in all that it does.
Together, they are creating a whole new world of superlative wellbeing in the Cape winelands, with a nod to the region: products that make the most of the surrounding vineyards. Cheers!