At the end of last year, I had the privilege to visit one of our clients in Franschoek, called Sterrekopje, for a day of indulgence as a guest. Nestled between the majestic mountains of Franschoek, vineyards, olive groves, and beautiful cultivated gardens lies this very special place.
The lack of signage at the gate of this beautiful farm gives you the first glimpse of what awaits you. When you enter, pure barefoot luxury with tranquility and privacy at the center of its philosophy awaits your stressed body.
The French Huguenot-era buildings have been lovingly restored and adorned with a combination of French, Dutch, Southern African, and Moroccan furniture. The colors that surround you are on patterned fabrics and richly painted walls with hand-painted Moroccan and Indian murals. The décor throughout is warm and inviting and can especially be enjoyed in the Orangery and Bath house.
I was welcomed by the phenomenally trained local staff and shown to the orangery, where I enjoyed a delicious warm drink. Spending some time in the curated wildflower garden, sipping my delicious coffee, I was reminded of the pure healing power of nature. You are surrounded by beautifully curated gardens that sit gently on the landscape of this working farm and produce grapes, olives, and lemons. Even though I was surrounded by all this and a few other guests, I did not feel rushed at all; instead, I felt the thoughts releasing from my overworked mind and experienced a calm that only silence and nature in such thoughtfully curated surroundings can bring.
At first it was challenging to rest and relax, as I am used to an adrenalin-driven day, but once my body rhythm started to get influenced by the gorgeous ambience, I could feel the stress just melt away and my mind forget about the world outside.
It was then time for my bath in the allocated building that hosts a true Moroccan Bath House. Rich jewel colors (green, navy, and Ohkre) adorn the floors, walls, and upholstery. Each area in this beautiful bath house has a signature treatment offering that allows you to experience pure touch therapy to relax the body and sooth the soul, performed by highly qualified therapists.
The Hammam uses Cashmere & Co products to create a luxurious bath and exfoliation ritual; The Ayer Vedic treatment room uses the Shiro Dhara treatment bed and stand to allow pure comfort during your treatment; and the Massage Touch Therapy room uses a highly comfortable Manak electrical treatment bed, all supplied by The Spa Warehouse.
Throughout the day, I was either walking barefoot, sitting on the grass, or meandering through the wildflowers and was surrounded by the gorgeous landscape of fynbos, vineyards, olive trees, and majestic mountains. And without any music, technology, or AI, my every need was met, while my body had time to experience true relaxation.
After my treatment, I was served a delicious farm-to-table 3-course meal that was not only visually enchanting to the eyes but also satisfied the taste buds in such a way that you knew you had been spoiled in Africa. It was a pure delight and a great way to end my day at this magical place. Some might question whether this is luxury; others will call it true luxury. But as a spa consultant, I get to experience some magnificent spaces, and I must say, this was one for the books. With the world becoming so set on technology and man-made experiences, Sterrekopje was escapism from it all that rushes us and truly a unique experience, gently working together with nature’s rhythm of grace.
I am sold. Sterrekopje will certainly see me again. Barefoot is my new luxury.
Lots of love
Jacoline
esthetica
Treatment Equiment Supplied
cashmere & co
Treatment Products Supplied
Contact us for any further information. We look forward to hearing from you!
Visit Sterrekopje
