Die Stalle spa at BOSJES

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Claire Gunn

BOSJES Farm has launched an expanded wellness destination, Die Stalle spa, in the scenic Breedekloof Winelands.

Equestrian motifs reign supreme at the Die Stalle spa at BOSJES Estate in the Langkloof Valley, and no wonder – it’s situated in the historic confines of the farm’s original stables. First opened in 2021, these heritage buildings underwent a dramatic transformation at the hands of architect Tiaan Meyer and acclaimed interior designer Liam Mooney.

“As the only destination wellness spa in the Breedekloof, just three years after opening the growing demand from 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.”

For Tiaan and Liam, their task was to design a contemporary extension to Die Stalle that would honour the aesthetics of the estate and the heritage of the existing spa buildings.

“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.”

The duo embraced planned imperfections throughout the decor: 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. Impressive dry-packed stone walls and innovative glass dividers establish a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, while bold concrete beams add a modern touch to the area.

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. Beyond the new treatment rooms, the highlight of the expanded spa is the beautiful hydrotherapy pool area, with expansive views of the fynbos slopes of the Waaihoek Mountains.

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 Jade Johnson, Spa Manager at Die Stalle. “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.”

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. The sound of rushing water and rustling grasses is the soundtrack to your time at Die Stalle. In both the architectural design and overall experience, Die Stalle’s new spa expansion provides an immersive and rejuvenating wellness experience. | bosjes.co.za

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