Detox and fasting retreats give the body a structured break from normal eating, alcohol, caffeine and often screens, with the aim of resetting digestion, energy and habits. Johannesburg's 14 listed operators run programmes that range from juice cleanses and intermittent fasting protocols to fully supervised water fasts, usually paired with colon hydrotherapy, sauna or steam sessions, yoga, and one-on-one coaching on nutrition once the fast ends. Stays typically run from a long weekend to two weeks, and most sit somewhere between a health resort and a clinical programme rather than a pure spa holiday.
What to look for before booking
Not all detox programmes are equal, and the differences matter for both safety and results. Check who supervises the fast: a longer water or extended juice fast should involve a doctor or qualified nutritionist on site or on call, not just wellness coaches. Ask what happens if you feel unwell, whether blood pressure and vitals are monitored, and how the reintroduction of food is managed afterwards, since breaking a fast badly undoes much of the benefit. Look closely at what's included in the price (accommodation, treatments, supplements, follow-up support) versus what's charged as an add-on, and read what past guests say about the food quality, the facilities, and whether the daily structure matched what was advertised.
How we score these retreats
Our rankings weigh medical and nutritional oversight, guest feedback on outcomes and comfort, transparency of pricing, and the quality of facilities and aftercare. See the ranked guide to Johannesburg's health and wellness retreats and resorts for how these 14 businesses compare, and read our methodology for the full detail on how scores are built.