Elysian Elixir: The Ginkgo Spa at the Steenberg Hotel

After an amazing time at The Saxon, Sabi Sabi and Tongabezi, we headed to Cape Town, South Africa. 

Our back yard in the Khoi Khoi Suite

The historic Steenberg Hotel, a quick 20-minute hop into Constantia wine country outside Cape Town, surprised Corey and I with a Ginkgo “Elixir” Signature Massage in their cute on-site spa just a 1-minute walk from our spacious, artful Khoi Khoi suite. Simply put, we both left with smiles from ear to ear and simultaneously declared “that was the best massage I’ve ever had” on our way out the door.

The Elixir Massage is not exactly Swedish, it is not exactly hot stone, and it is not exactly deep tissue. Rather, it incorporates all of the best techniques from a wide variety of traditions in a mélange that exhilarates the senses. 

Our masseuses Anelicia and Leandra both did a masterful job. They are trained to focus on each individual’s unique needs instead of adhering slavishly to a set formula, and it shows. They incorporate LTI aromatherapy oils and Babor Thermo lotion to relax the mind and leave the skin with a healthy sheen. They also address any injured area with a caffeine-laden concoction that stimulates blood flow. I was in a meditative trance by the time Leandra finished unknotting two weeks’ worth of travel from my back, neck, arms and legs. 

At 590 Rand (about $65 U.S.) for a 60-minute slice of heaven, it is well worth a trip to the Steenberg even if one is staying in Cape Town city proper. The staff at the Ginkgo Spa truly outdid themselves and gave us the perfect send-off for our long trip home.