Photography by Claire Gunn
South Africa, Breedekloof, 14 March 2024; BOSJES farm in the scenic Breedekloof Winelands has unveiled an expanded – and reimagined – wellness destination, Die Stalle Spa.
Housed in what was once the farm’s original stables, Die Stalle Spa first opened in 2021 after a dramatic transformation of these heritage buildings by architect Tiaan Meyer and acclaimed interior designer Liam Mooney. It was an immediate success.
“As the only destination wellness spa in the Breedekloof, just three years after opening the growing demand from local residents, tourists and overnight guests demanded a rethink. We knew we needed to expand,” explains Carlen Vorster, CEO of Hospitality & Marketing for BOSJES. “We have seen a particular demand for small groups wanting to enjoy a wellness experience together, and this large facility allows us to cater to them in a beautiful new space.”
Photography by Claire Gunn
For Mooney and Meyer, the challenge was to create a contemporary extension to Die Stalle, while retaining the link to both the wider estate and the heritage of the existing spa buildings. In the whitewashed walls and courtyard layout the new spa merges seamlessly into the existing farm aesthetic, with the low buildings carefully arranged so as not to overshadow the centuries-old manor house as the focal element of the farm.
“The scene was set with the original unobtrusive heritage building,” explains Meyer. “The architectural language of a collection of whitewashed, low-slung buildings – with deep recesses, cross-braced stable doors and oversized brass detailing – was easily compatible with Liam Mooney’s sumptuous spa interiors, and Franchesca Watson’s gardens, which embraces Die Stalle building complex within its farm setting.”
“We wanted the feeling of envelopment, history, tactility, softness and hospitality to carry through to the new spaces,” adds Mooney. “It was very important to me that the soul be retained, and I aimed to achieve this by making the ‘artist’s hand’ as evident as possible.”
Photography by Claire Gunn
That meant an embrace of planned imperfections throughout the décor: traditional klompie pavers are laid without an obvious pattern, inviting creativity in craftsmanship, while the curved walls and textured stucco surfaces create the feeling of age, comfort and sensuality. Brass fittings develop the patina of time, while the sense of heritage is balanced by contemporary architectural elements. Towering walls of dry-packed stone and innovative glass dividers create an indoor/outdoor flow, as striking concrete beams bring a modern aesthetic to the space.
The expansion of Die Stalle has extended the offering to six serene treatment rooms. Two rooms, in the original Die Stalle buildings, are set alongside the sauna and steam Mineral Rasul, making these ideal for guests indulging in combination treatments.
In the new wing, four additional treatment rooms offer cocoons of serenity, with flowing drapes and doors that open onto spectacular mountain views. Sliding doors allow the customised Mani-Pedi studio to be divided into two separate spaces, allowing for both larger groups and more intimate treatment experiences.
“The additional treatment rooms, and the Mani-Pedi studio, are such a welcome addition to Die Stalle, as they allow us to accommodate the group bookings that have become so popular,” says Jade Johnson, Spa Manager at Die Stalle. “We have seen a real increase in small groups of locals and tourists visiting us to spend a day indulging, and reconnecting.”
Photography by Claire Gunn
Beyond the new treatment rooms, the highlight of the expanded spa is the beautiful hydrotherapy pool area, with expansive views to the fynbos slopes of the Waaihoek Mountains.
A few steps from the pool deck brings guests to the Spa Garden, where boardwalks meander between fynbos gardens and sparkling natural freshwater ponds. Here the interplay of water, wind and light creates a natural haven for guests to relax after treatments, or perhaps enjoy a spa lunch in the clear Winelands air of the Breedekloof Valley. For guests indulging in an extended spa experience, the chefs at BOSJES Kombuis offer a bespoke spa menu of wholesome, nourishing farm-style dishes.
In step with the new spa facility comes a new menu of wellness treatments that focus on holistic health.
“Nature serves as our guiding inspiration,” says Johnson. “Whether through our treatments or the products we use, you’ll find yourself immersed in the soothing embrace of the natural world, allowing for a truly transformative and revitalising journey.”
Deepening that sense of natural connection is the choice of TheraVine and TheraNaka products that are used in both body and facial treatments. Harnessing the healing power of grape vines, TheraNaka and TheraVine are produced in the Cape Winelands; in line with BOSJES’ commitment to local sourcing and supporting job creation in the region.
The spa menu has also been thoughtfully created to align with the wider BOSJES experience. There’s a welcome focus on relaxation and mindfulness, as guests might have enjoyed while wandering the estate’s extensive indigenous gardens, while selected treatments are curated for active travellers and couples seeking time to rejuvenate and reconnect.
Photography by Claire Gunn
A signature offering is the 90-minute African Wood Massage, which uses the rhythms of African drumming – combined with light stretching techniques and specialised body and facial wooden implements – together with the restorative effects of warm olive and shea butter, infused with soft notes of mandarin and neroli.
“One of our most sought-after experiences is the BOSJES Couples Journey,” adds Johnson. “The concept behind it is to immerse yourself in a sensory exploration, engaging with various textures such as exfoliators and smoothing mud, all carefully selected to awaken your senses.”
And in myriad subtle ways, the new experience at Die Stalle has been imagined as a holistic sensorial experience.
Central to the design and architecture of the new spa was a constant visual connection to the abundant indigenous gardens of BOSJES. From the pool deck views open out across the gardens to the rugged peaks of the Waaihoek Mountains. Large glass doors slide into wall recesses to create a seamless connection between the interior havens and the garden spaces. Passageways gaze out onto a courtyard of tall grasses, an indigenous pasture surrounding an original horse trough that offers a subtle nod to the original role of these buildings. The sound of rushing water and rustling grasses is the soundtrack to your time at Die Stalle. And though oil diffusers scent the air with hints of indigenous botanicals, a ‘lawn’ planted with chamomile and thyme invites bare feet to release a cloud of aromas. In both the architectural language and experiential touch points, the new Die Stalle spa offers a deeply immersive wellness experience.
“With the expansion of Die Stalle, this is the final piece of the puzzle establishing BOSJES as a true multi-day destination in the Breede River valley,” says Vorster. “From the varied dining experiences to the luxury accommodation, the gardens to the spa, one day is no longer enough to discover all that BOSJES has to offer.”
BOSJES farm is located on the R43 between the Breede Valley country towns of Ceres and Worcester, South Africa.
For accommodation enquiries, email stay@bosjes.co.za. Die Stalle Spa booking enquiries, email relax@bosjes.co.za or visit www.bosjes.co.za. Follow the daily life on the BOSJES farm via IG: @bosjes_farm.
