A soulful pause before spring: A look inside Neutrogena’s unforgettable ‘Winter Glow Getaway’

As Women’s Month came to a close, Neutrogena offered a final love letter to the season: an unforgettable Winter Glow Getaway designed to recharge, reconnect, and remind us that we are seen, valued, and deserving of light.

Neutrogena Games Night, Image: Saaron Media

A curated group of influencers, competition winners, and media were whisked away on a scenic drive through Mpumalanga’s winding roads, finally arriving at the breathtaking Walkersons Hotel & Spa in Dullstroom, a luxurious hideaway, booked out exclusively for the occasion. With its rolling hills, mirror-still lakes and crisp highland air, the setting felt like a dream paused in time, the perfect canvas to usher in the bloom of Spring.

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A glow that comes from within

The weekend unfolded with the ease and care of a handwritten note. Every detail, from the welcome treats to the personalised pyjamas, spoke to intention. The star of the show, of course, was nature, closely followed by a lineup of thoughtful experiences designed to bring out each guest’s inner and outer glow.

The itinerary balanced indulgence and soul-nourishment in perfect harmony. We sipped from the inside out during a “Drink Your Skincare” session led by Chef Mmule, in collaboration with Motherkind, while enjoying a carefully crafted menu that supported wellness and radiance. There were massages to melt the week away, games nights that sparked laughter and nostalgia, and spontaneous moments of deep connection between women who, just hours before, were strangers.

A surprise lunch with Neutrogena ambassador, Nomzamo Mbatha became a quiet highlight; a healing conversation shared over food and sunlight. Her presence added a grounding energy to the weekend, and her reflections captured the heart of the experience.

“It was so intentionally curated,” she shared. “The mountains, the river, the calm… it all came together in a way that felt like soul medicine. What reset me most was connecting with everyone there. There was kindness, empathy, and so much celebratory energy.” As winter prepares to give way to spring, Nomzamo shared how her skincare transitions with the seasons: “I rely on the Soothing Clear Yellow Range for calmness and hydration, especially with allergies flaring up, and I bring out the Bright Boost Range to keep my skin radiant and clear.”

Her values; authenticity, excellence and a glow that begins within, are deeply aligned with Neutrogena’s message. “These are the principles I live by. Beauty is skin deep. Neutrogena embodies that.”

Neutrogena Beauty to a Science weekend away, Image Saaron Media

A brand that sees its people

From skincare to community care, the weekend was filled with affirmations, both spoken and felt. Thandi Dube, a trailblazer in the beauty and wellness space, reflected on the experience. “This wasn’t just a trip. It felt like family. Every detail showed us how much Neutrogena values the people who engage with their brand. We were seen, welcomed, and wrapped in genuine care.
As my first brand trip, this set the bar incredibly high.” Her standout moment? The intimate exchange with Nomzamo. “It reminded me of the power of showing up authentically, even when it’s hard. That conversation deepened my connection with both her and the brand.”

Dinner with Neutrogena, Image: Saaron Media

Looking GLAMOURous at Neutrogena's weekend getaway, Image: Saaron Media

A weekend to remember

For winner Thulisa Sikolpati, the getaway was nothing short of magical.“Everything was amazing! I keep using that word, but it truly was. From the skincare to the setting, it was all done to perfection. The glow I left with was not just on my face, but in my heart.” Raised by a mother who taught her to “feed her skin,” Thulisa found in Neutrogena a brand that reflected her values. “It feels like a brand made by the people, for the people. They understand their audience. I felt like I belonged.” Her biggest takeaway? “The deep conversations. The bonds formed. It’s rare to be in a room full of women who connect so quickly and so sincerely. Every moment felt meant to be. My soul is full.”

From the scenic stillness of Dullstroom to the warm camaraderie between guests, the Winter Glow Getaway felt like a soulful pause. A moment of stillness before the rush of Spring. With skin nourished, spirits lifted, and hearts cracked open, we left Walkersons Hotel & Spa recharged and radiant, carrying forward more than just new skincare routines.

We carried reminders that beauty is in connection. That rest is revolutionary. And that sometimes, the most powerful glow comes from being seen.

Chef Mmule - “Drink Your Skincare” session, Image: Saaron Media

Q&A with Chef Mmule

Glamour: Your “Drink Your Skincare” session was both enlightening and delicious! How did the idea behind this offering come to life?

Chef Mmule: The drink your skincare came as a natural progression to the work I speak on on my cooking platform Feed my Tribe. I am a firm believer that the food we put into our body will be reflected in your skin and body, gut health is a huge factor in many ailments when we are sick whether physically or emotionally a lot of it has to do with what we are consuming and putting into our bodies - so for me it was strategic to work with Neutrogena whose sole purpose is to nourish the outer body and skin with their products and make sure that i feed the inner body and gut with amazing ingredients for our skin.

Glamour: You curated the session at a perfect time, right before Spring. Why is it important to nourish ourselves from within as we shift seasons?

Chef Mmule: Nourishing our bodies from within gives us the energy, balance, and resilience to thrive—because true health and beauty start on the inside. It came at the right time because we will be wearing less clothes, which means we need glowing skin, we need more energy for the hot days and overall vitality and mind clarity.

Glamour: Motherkind's role in the session was so impactful. Could you share how the ingredients you used support skin health and seasonal transition? Chef Mmule: Motherkind’s collagen supports skincare with marine collagen (firmness + elasticity), hyaluronic acid (hydration), vitamin C & glutathione (brightening + antioxidant protection), plus biotin and zinc (clear, healthy skin).

Glamour: Dullstroom is such a peaceful setting. How did that environment enhance the intention behind your session?Chef Mmule: Right? I personally love Dullstroom. I make sure to bring the kids at least once a year to take in the tranquility of the mountains, the air and peaceful nature it brings. So the session being held at such a peaceful and tranquil place spoke to the message we wanted to impart. Wellness is about every facet of your life, what you put on your body, what you consume and where you do it all.

Glamour: Neutrogena focuses on real, radiant skin. How does your food philosophy tie into that same message of natural beauty and balance?Chef Mmule: Just like Neutrogena believes in real, radiant skin, my food philosophy is rooted in nourishing the body from within with wholesome, nutrient-rich foods. Radiance isn’t just topical, it starts with what we put inside our bodies. When we eat intentionally, we fuel our skin, energy, and overall glow in the same way Neutrogena’s products enhance and protect the skin from the outside.

Glamour: For those at home wanting to “drink their skincare,” what’s one simple but powerful recipe or ingredient you recommend for this Spring reset?