Woodlands Spa
Woodlands Spa
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Woodlands Spa offers bespoke treatments which are designed to transport you into deep relaxation. Nestled on the banks of the Crocodile river our approach is holistic, offering a unique blend of traditional spa therapies and energy healing experiences.Our team at Woodlands Spa invites you to enjoy a sensory and meaningful experience in our glass enclosed treatment rooms overlooking the river.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
46 reviews
Excellent
23
Very good
14
Average
9
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Meg H
4 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
Whilst I loved the spa and its setting as well as my massage and the service from the front desk, I would not reccomend it for an overnight stay. I was anticipating a hotel like stay in keeping with the ambience of the spa but after my treatment I was escorted to a tiny 3 bedroom "self catering" house next door to the spa itself which I was told I would be sharing with another set of guests. No room service, night staff, aircon etc and extremely basic room when compared to the spa itself. I asked if I could have some cold drinks for the room and was told there aren't any-I could have water from the communal fridge or drive to avianto next door.
Written 4 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sunshine52770822202
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Friends
We were four ladies celebrating my daughters birthday. The staff were friendly.
We had different treatments. The massages seemed ok but I was unpleasantly surprised by the not very gentle facial which started with with a rough scrub on my very sensitive skin. No time for serenity here.
My daughter had a manicure where they mixed normal nail polish colour and topped it with a gel /gellish top coat- of course it bubbled. The beautician simply blamed the name colour .... so all paid in full notwithstanding our unhappiness with the service.
I am not sure I will ever return.
We had different treatments. The massages seemed ok but I was unpleasantly surprised by the not very gentle facial which started with with a rough scrub on my very sensitive skin. No time for serenity here.
My daughter had a manicure where they mixed normal nail polish colour and topped it with a gel /gellish top coat- of course it bubbled. The beautician simply blamed the name colour .... so all paid in full notwithstanding our unhappiness with the service.
I am not sure I will ever return.
Written 14 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Berti03
Braunton, UK239 contributions
Jan 2017 • Friends
I booked the January 2017 promotion as advertised on the Woodlands website as a belated Christmas present for my sister and I. The promotion is advertised as consisting of a Body Scrub, 60 min Massage, 30 min Express Deep Cleansing Facial and 30 min Express Pedicure.
While we found the therapists excellent and thoroughly enjoyed our scrub, massage and facial, what they claim on the package to be an Express Pedi is most definitely NOT that. It's a foot massage plain and simple. With every other spa I've been to both in SA and overseas an Express Pedi should consist of a basic file, buff and paint - there was nothing even close to this here. While our face masks dried, the therapists massaged our feet. That was it. As far as I'm concerned call the treatment what it is, don't mislead the clients.
I was also somewhat disappointed that they don't at least provide complimentary tea and coffee for clients (again something that every other spa I have ever been to does). But not only do they not provide complimentary tea and coffee, the staff don't inform you that there is a charge for the coffee which they offer - you just get whacked with the surprise bill when leaving.
The change rooms were quite small, and while there is one shower available in the changing area there are no towels readily available. I actually went to ask if was okay to use the shower as I noted the lack of towels, and while the receptionist indicated it was, there was not effort on her part to fetch us any towels, instead I had to go search for my own in Hydro Facility area.
So although the setting on the banks of the Crocodile River is indeed beautiful, and the therapists very good, the false advertising, lack of extra touches and lack of attention to detail at the spa means I won't be returning. In an area where competition is high and spa's are a dime a dozen I would've expected more.
While we found the therapists excellent and thoroughly enjoyed our scrub, massage and facial, what they claim on the package to be an Express Pedi is most definitely NOT that. It's a foot massage plain and simple. With every other spa I've been to both in SA and overseas an Express Pedi should consist of a basic file, buff and paint - there was nothing even close to this here. While our face masks dried, the therapists massaged our feet. That was it. As far as I'm concerned call the treatment what it is, don't mislead the clients.
I was also somewhat disappointed that they don't at least provide complimentary tea and coffee for clients (again something that every other spa I have ever been to does). But not only do they not provide complimentary tea and coffee, the staff don't inform you that there is a charge for the coffee which they offer - you just get whacked with the surprise bill when leaving.
The change rooms were quite small, and while there is one shower available in the changing area there are no towels readily available. I actually went to ask if was okay to use the shower as I noted the lack of towels, and while the receptionist indicated it was, there was not effort on her part to fetch us any towels, instead I had to go search for my own in Hydro Facility area.
So although the setting on the banks of the Crocodile River is indeed beautiful, and the therapists very good, the false advertising, lack of extra touches and lack of attention to detail at the spa means I won't be returning. In an area where competition is high and spa's are a dime a dozen I would've expected more.
Written 10 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Britt,
Thank you for your feedback regarding your spa day with us.
I would like to apologise about the misunderstanding on the express pedi, I have told all the staff what the special includes when I released it. But I have just spoken to my girls and they misunderstood the express pedi, we had a special in the past where the express pedi was an exfoliate and massage only, because the January special includes a full body exfoliation, they just assumed it was a foot massage left. Not that my staff issues is an excuse, just trying to understand myself what went wrong.
In the case of complimentary coffee, I will look into that in future, as I have also been to numerous spas who gives complimentary coffee (usually on a stand, but have always paid for a cappuccino ) and decided against it, as I prefer organic fare trade coffee (which is what we use in our machine) and not instant Ricoffee. I will have to look at my pricing to see if I can include R4000 complimentary coffee’s every month to everyone who walks through our doors, or just have an instant coffee setup like all the other spas….
I am really pleased that you thoroughly enjoyed your treatments and thank you for the feedback on our therapists, we spend a lot of time training them to make sure that the treatment you receive at Woodlands is of high standards and not a massage and facial done from A to Z, but with passion and expertise.
I hope that we see you again soon
Written 12 January 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daniela B
Greater Johannesburg, South Africa25 contributions
Nov 2018 • Friends
I was planning to do a day of pampering with a friend, contacted the spa via email asking for a tailor made package for a specific budget (service they advertise on their website) and was sent the same specials that are on the website. I explained that I had seen the specials already and what I had asked for was other options (if any) and....i'm still waiting for a reply! This threw me off and I ended up going elsewhere.
The facilities might be perfect, but to me first contact is a sign of the service you will receive and this was not great. Missed chance.
The facilities might be perfect, but to me first contact is a sign of the service you will receive and this was not great. Missed chance.
Written 30 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Daniela,
Thank you for your feedback. I have just searched through all the emails as well as our junkmail and spam folders and I do not have a reply from you after our initial email where Caroline sent you the promotions. I am terribly sorry that your email wasn't attended to more specifically, I have been in hospital this past week and Dudu our other Front Desk booking assistant have also been on sick leave, which leaves Caroline to run Front Desk on her own for the last 10 days. I know my excuses are a bit late now, nevertheless I cant explain away the lack of service which you received this week. I do hope that you had a great experience somewhere else and I hope you consider Woodlands again in future.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Warm regards and blessings
Tania
Written 1 December 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Minki
Pretoria, South Africa3 contributions
Jan 2021 • Friends
Thank you for a lovely day. It was my sister's birthday and we took a package which included a back massage, facial and meal. The massage was great - they even did a head massage for the facial, but the salad was old and wilted. Maybe they make it in advance. It should rather be made fresh and with fresh ingredients. The only bits of the salad that was edible was the cherry tomatoes and the feta cheese. If it wasn't for this I would go again. Please look into it.
Written 1 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mariska
Vanderbijlpark, South Africa16 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
This was one of the best days with wonderful treatments. Food was delicious and would drive through any time for a repeat. Thank you
Written 30 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Mariska,
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We appreciate it and we hope to see you again soon.
Overjoyed that you had such a stunning time with us.
Written 1 December 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FatimaSeedat1
Johannesburg, South Africa258 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
My 3 friends and I spent a morning at Woodlands. We each had a 90 minute crystal therapy massage which was really very good. The therapists were very skilled. I did however notice that we started 10 minutes past the hour and ended 10 minutes before 90min was up. These little details don't go unnoticed.
The seating area is really hot. The fans were only put on as we were leaving. This was definitely a reason we decided not to gave lunch here.
The surrounding areas are beautiful. But I really think the bathrooms and change area needs a makeover.
We visit 3-4 spas yearly. This was nice, but lacking that extra sparkle. It's not a 5 star experience.
I will be back for the massage though. But will not bring overseas guests again.
The seating area is really hot. The fans were only put on as we were leaving. This was definitely a reason we decided not to gave lunch here.
The surrounding areas are beautiful. But I really think the bathrooms and change area needs a makeover.
We visit 3-4 spas yearly. This was nice, but lacking that extra sparkle. It's not a 5 star experience.
I will be back for the massage though. But will not bring overseas guests again.
Written 5 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Fatima.
Thank you very much for your constructive feedback. I appreciate your honesty. Yes indeed our bathrooms and changing areas are in need of a revamp, I have that in my projected budget for 2020. I am also redoing the pool, so just waiting for a quiet week in January to close for renovations.
We pride ourselves on our service and skilled staff and I am very happy to hear that you had such a good treatment. I hope you have a good evening and to see you again in the New Year. Blessings.
Written 1 December 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LinnyWilliams
Benoni, South Africa30 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
My mother and I had a lovely full day of treatment (the Time Out package) at Woodlands spa after finding out about it on Trip Advisor. The location was beautiful, treatments amazing, the food was really tasty (and healthy) and staff were friendly and helpful. We really enjoyed our much-needed pamper day.
Written 19 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the lovely review. I am happy you had such a good time with us. The Time Out is my favourite as well. Hope to see you again soon.
Written 30 December 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Werner
Dublin, Ireland442 contributions
Oct 2017 • Solo
Was great to get an appointment on short notice. Petunia certainly know how to pamper clients.
Great range of treatments available.
Thank you for a great afternoon
Great range of treatments available.
Thank you for a great afternoon
Written 6 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Werner,
Thank you for the lovely review, we enjoyed having you here. Hope you had a good stay at Avianto.
Written 18 October 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kimbostoo
Johannesburg, South Africa103 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
Mission: spa escape for our anniversary. This year we wanted to include an overnight stay. We looked at Mowana at the Indaba Hotel however were very drawn to the photographs on the Woodlands Spa website.
My first comment about the spa is: Caroline deserves 5 stars all on her own, helpful, gracious despite being under a lot of pressure with double bookings.
Positives: helpful and polite staff, for the most part a beautiful location although not as isolated as it looks on the website, the Avinato building site is in plain sight on the horizon. The treatments were good enough; and the food at the café was delicious.
Negatives: Tired, tired! Clearly the spa was built with foresight for being extraordinary, however, there are so many little details that disappoint and fall short of what one would expect from a high-end spa. Lack of attention to small details like staff training is evident; access to towels; guidance as to the treatments etc. Our accommodation, the room itself is pleasant but the bathroom is not very nice although functional.
No attention was made to make our stay special given the occasion – so much more could have been made around the theme of the spa package - “Couples Connect”.
Could Woodlands be awesome, oh yes. Is it awesome – sadly no, perhaps the owner's return on investment is sufficient to not pay attention to the lack of care, attention and training? So, although our mission was accomplished - it was a good break away for us, the value for money is questionable and I would rather spend the same on a high-end day spa in Johannesburg. Would I recommend Woodlands – probably not.
My first comment about the spa is: Caroline deserves 5 stars all on her own, helpful, gracious despite being under a lot of pressure with double bookings.
Positives: helpful and polite staff, for the most part a beautiful location although not as isolated as it looks on the website, the Avinato building site is in plain sight on the horizon. The treatments were good enough; and the food at the café was delicious.
Negatives: Tired, tired! Clearly the spa was built with foresight for being extraordinary, however, there are so many little details that disappoint and fall short of what one would expect from a high-end spa. Lack of attention to small details like staff training is evident; access to towels; guidance as to the treatments etc. Our accommodation, the room itself is pleasant but the bathroom is not very nice although functional.
No attention was made to make our stay special given the occasion – so much more could have been made around the theme of the spa package - “Couples Connect”.
Could Woodlands be awesome, oh yes. Is it awesome – sadly no, perhaps the owner's return on investment is sufficient to not pay attention to the lack of care, attention and training? So, although our mission was accomplished - it was a good break away for us, the value for money is questionable and I would rather spend the same on a high-end day spa in Johannesburg. Would I recommend Woodlands – probably not.
Written 30 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Kim.
Thank you for your valued feedback regarding your overnight stay with us. Woodlands was built almost 10 years ago. I have taken ownership of the Spa in June 2015, since then I am still working on the extraordinary vision I have of what I envisioned when I walked into Woodlands almost 2 years ago. Staff training is ongoing and I will spend more time on the points you have listed. Please accept my sincere apologies. I will be in touch privately as well to invite you back for an experience you would recommend.
Written 1 May 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi how much do you charge for whole body message for the day
Written 4 December 2018
Hi. A full body massage which is either 60min or 90min is R600 or R750.
Our full day packages start from R1500 up to R2150.
You can have a look at our Treatment menu on our website.
Written 4 December 2018
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