At the heart of the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town’s newly transformed One&Only Spa is a cosmic mélange of architecture and wellness. Designed to mirror the beauty of the southern skies, guests are invited into a sanctuary where deep blue and grey tones envelop the space to echo the inky vastness overhead.
‘We’ve drawn on the southern skies as both a symbol and a guide as we aspire to take guests on a journey of rediscovery and restoration within,’ says Anne Scott, general manager of One&Only Cape Town. ‘This is an opportunity for all to connect with the longevity, serenity and strength within themselves in a place that will allow them to recharge and relax.’
Reimagined by London-based interior design studio Muza Lab (the creative force behind One&Only Cape Town’s latest dining destination, ROOI) the spa’s transformation was rooted in both storytelling and a complete sensory experience. The Muza Lab team blended artistry with ambience to ensure synchronicity between decor and concept, resulting in a space that feels grounded yet transcendent — a conduit between earth and sky.
The tactile weight of the stone floors, ceramic tiles in rich hues, polished plasters and carved timber doors anchor the body, while soft lighting, deep blue tones and astral motifs invite the mind to drift. ‘The colour palette goes hand in hand with the celestial concept that became the red line through each space,’ says Inge Moore, founder of Muza Lab. ‘The dark blue tones reflect the night sky but they also promote self-reflection and inner peace. We also wanted the lighting to create a sense of calm, but also a softness and warmth — shadow lighting became an essential part of this project.’
The spa’s copper, constellation inspired light installations create soft ambient lighting that interplays alongside multitextured walls — epitomised by the vitality pools’ ceiling that was transformed into a star-strewn haven to provide a sensory respite for guests. ‘I also love the many handcrafted details. The carved timber textures contrast with the smooth dark cold tiles as well as the beautiful metal wall lights and the display shelves in the reception,’ adds Inge.
Muza Lab’s masterful layering of material, mood and meaning ensures that each aspect of the spa feels like a natural extension of its overarching story: a journey through stillness and starlight. Offering an immersive escape into tranquillity, guests can unwind in a suite of world-class amenities — treatment rooms with flowing white linens, an aromatic steam room, a light-wood sauna and the Relax Room (a serene space featuring ergonomic loungers and a refreshment station).
Each space has been carefully curated to invite a sense of calm and complete sensory surrender. Inspired by the infinite beauty of the cosmos, renewal extends beyond ritual into the design. Here, wellness experiences — such as balancing chakra, footbath ceremonies, breathwork and meditative body treatments — complement the organic textures and ambient lighting of the space itself. Together, these elements create an atmosphere where every detail has been carefully considered to make you feel held, yet transported.
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