South African eco-spa and yoga retreat Woodlands has made a fresh start to 2014, reopening with a new operator and design following renovation work.

Spa operator Legacy Balance has taken the reins of the 770sq m (8,288sq ft) city escape, 30 minutes northwest of Johannesburg, on a five-year operating contract after being approached founder and ongoing owner Marisa Lloyd steps aside to pursue corporate ventures.

Sitting on the banks of the Crocodile River, the nature-themed wellness centre has retained its original minimalist exterior designed by Gass Architects, while the interior has been revived with the addition of Ghanaian wax print fabrics.

In addition to its regular range of yoga classes, there is a jacuzzi, cold plunge pool and steamroom. The retreat features a selection of Babor and Elemis spa and massage offerings, across its eight glass-enclosed treatment rooms.

“We offer Babor, because of the brands’ sophisticated facial therapies, coupled with innovative formulations that are solution focused and targets results for all skin types,” says Legacy Balance director of operations Margarita Ioannou.

“The Legacy Balance spa experience is based on the philosophy that the appropriate touch can create a profound sense of peace and relaxation in mind and body, helping to restore the energy to wake up and face the world again.”

The spa is aimed at Johannesburg-dwellers seeking to escape the city buzz and relax amid the tranquil African landscape, with a particular focus on couples and mother/daughter pairings.