Letters Home

I grew up in a country rich in diverse natural experiences. There are stark contrasts between the sea, mountains, forests, deserts, and woodlands. Yet each region has its own rhythm of healing and calm—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

As a child, I spent my days with bare feet in the red Kalahari sand. There was space and silence. In the absence of noise, I learned to listen to the wind, the camelthorn trees, and to myself. When the sun set, one of the brightest night skies on Earth unfolded before me. In the Kalahari, I discovered that wellbeing means being still, listening, and living slowly.

Later, as a young adult beginning my career, I started living in the shadow of Table Mountain.

My heart began to beat in rhythm with the sea, and the ocean became my natural therapist. With my feet in the cool, white sand, I could feel the weight of the world wash away with each wave. The salty air, heavy with negative ions and the smell of kelp, acted as a tonic for my body and spirit. It cleansed, refreshed, and reminded me to breathe deeply once again.

The German Approach to Well-Being

During our travels in Europe, we discovered a unique approach to well-being in the German-speaking countries of Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. This perspective is deeply rooted in centuries of tradition and aligns harmoniously with the natural environment and climate. Here, we learned about the concept of the Kurhotel (healing hotel).

A Kurhotel is more than just a luxury spa; it is a place where individuals come to restore both body and spirit, cared for by experts who utilise nature as their ally. In these hotels, medical care, nature, and relaxation coalesce to create a unique experience of balance.

These hotels are typically located in recognised spa towns, where the air is crystal clear, the water is rich in minerals, and the pace of life is more relaxed. Inside, guests are attended to by doctors, physiotherapists, and wellness specialists who understand their individual needs. A wide range of services is offered, including hydrotherapy, massage, yoga, saunas, mindfulness sessions, and simple, healthy meals.

What impressed me the most was that in Germany, some of these Kur stays are covered by medical insurance. This reflects the German belief that well-being is an integral part of health—not a luxury, but a necessity for sustaining a high quality of life.

The Healing Spirit of Bad Wörishofen

We recently visited the charming spa town of Bad Wörishofen, a place that embodies the spirit of Sebastian Kneipp. I was deeply moved by his life story and the lasting influence he had on this town, which locals affectionately call Kneippstadt.

I first discovered Kneipp products in Europe and love giving them as gifts to my family and friends when I travel to South Africa. Learning more about his philosophy has only deepened my appreciation for these products.

Sabastian Kneipp, a Bavarian priest

Kneipp (1821–1897) was a Bavarian priest who believed that nature is the greatest healer. After curing himself of tuberculosis by bathing in the icy Danube River, he developed a holistic health system that continues to inspire people worldwide.

His approach is based on five simple yet powerful pillars:

• Water therapy – Warm and cold baths that stimulate circulation.
• Herbal medicine – Natural remedies and teas for inner healing.
• Movement – The restorative value of daily walking and fresh air.
• Nutrition – Simple, plant-based foods that nourish rather than merely fill.
• Balance – Rest, silence, and spiritual peace are essential components of health.

In 1855, he became the pastor of Wörishofen, a small and humble village. Under his guidance, it transformed into a centre of healing and hope. People from all over Europe came to be treated by him, not only to overcome illness but also to regain their life energy and balance.

Today, his legacy lives on. Bad Wörishofen still offers Kneipp walking paths, barefoot trails, and water-treading pools. The town’s Kurhotels honour his five pillars of well-being. In 2021, UNESCO recognised the Kneipp Cure as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. It was a well-deserved honour for a humble priest who believed that water and faith together can heal.

Bad Wörishofen Therme

The Bad Wörishofen thermal spa truly took our breath away. The main pool area, known as “Thermenparadies,” is beautifully designed and features real palm trees that create an exotic, tropical atmosphere. It includes areas where bubbles gently massage your body and even has a pool bar—perfect for relaxing and chatting while you soak in the warm water.

The spa utilises state-certified thermal healing water sourced from a depth of 1,100 meters. There are several mineral-rich pools, each offering unique therapeutic qualities, including brine, sulphur, iodine-selenium, and calcium-lithium. The water temperature ranges from 34 to 38 °C, providing a wonderfully soothing experience. The Vitality Bath & Sauna area features an impressive selection of 15 themed saunas and steam rooms for you to explore.

Surrounding the spa are expansive gardens covering 163,000 square meters, where you can walk, rest, or wander barefoot at your leisure. The gardens include sections dedicated to herbs, aromatic plants, and medicinal plants—a true delight for anyone who appreciates Kneipp therapy. Additionally, a 1,500-meter barefoot path invites you to walk over different natural surfaces, allowing you to experience nature with every step.

True well-being begins in Nature

There is a golden thread connecting the various places I have lived: the quiet red dunes of the Kalahari, the cold Atlantic waves of Cape Town, and the warm natural mineral baths of Europe. These locations, although vastly different, share a profound connection.

Each of these places conveys the same truth: true wellbeing begins in nature. It resides in silence and breath, in sunlight and water, and in simple rituals of rest and presence.

Let us all learn to live slowly once again—walking barefoot in the sand, smelling the sea’s salt, breathing deeply, and allowing nature to restore us.

Warm regards,

Emsia