They’re a girl’s best friend, but as any man who has ever dropped to one knee will surely know, finding the right rock for the bride-to-be can be a harrowing experience.

Many couples these days are choosing the engagement ring together. In a little town, just outside Pretoria, couples can escape for a pampered getaway, while spending their time searching for the perfect gem to adorn that ring.

Cullinan, famous for the discovery of the world’s biggest diamond - is the only mine in the world that not only mines but cuts, polishes and sells diamonds from source. But it’s not only rich in precious gems. This historic mining town is now encrusted with a number of spa retreats – giving new meaning to hot stone massages!

Most of the neighbouring spas offer alternative environments in which to unwind and exclusivity is the name of the game.

The setting at the Kievits Kroon Country Estate is typical Cape Dutch, which contrasts with its mining town surroundings.  Thermal spa facilities include a Jacuzzi, steam rooms, saunas, heated indoor pool, Swiss showers and plunge pools.

Isiphiwo Guest House and Day Spa has an 18th century charm about it. It offers the usual treatments such as facials, massages and manicures but also caters for group bookings with special packages.  Now that the proposal is done, it may be the perfect excuse to return with some guests for an engagement or bachelorette party spiced up with some pampering – you’ll get to show everybody the selection process that makes for a rock solid union.

Besides the mining experience, Wagondrift Lodge, situated on 250 hectares of bushveld allows you to combine your spa experience with a bush safari. Your bushveld viewing, ranging from wild Kudu to Zebra is interspersed with outdoor pampering in the heart of nature. Be warned though, the spa only accommodates 18 people at a time, so be sure to book.

Then there is the Kiasoma Retreat and Bush Spa. Here you’ll find a range of activities to restore your soul. It might even be the perfect place to explore all aspects of your partner-to-be. A retreat in their Sweat Lodge offer the more original spa treatments such as Body Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Indian Head & Shoulders, Muti Mud Scrubs, Reiki, Kahuna Massage, and Crystal Healing.

Other activities in Cullinan:
Besides the guided tour of the active Cullinan mine, which gives both the contemporary and old-school aspects of the industry, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to activities in and around the town:

-    The Cullinan Open Air Museum of mining equipment used by the mine over the years.

-   Enjoy musical events in the rustic setting of Jan Harmsgat’s revamped old barn, complete with hay bales.

-   The Dinokeng Project is a malaria-free Big Five game reserve, which includes the Roodeplaat Dam, Rust der Winter Dam and Somabula Nature Reserve.

-   The McHardy House Museum – the first house built in Cullinan in 1903. Find it on Oak Avenue.

-    The Loopspruit Winery allows you to indulge at its themed cheese or honey farms, we’re not so sure about its crocodile farm though.

-    The Refilwe Photographic Museum takes you on a historical photographic journey of Cullinan.

-    A living farm from the 1920’s has been turned into The Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum and offers demonstrations and guided tours.

 -   Sammy Marks Museum – dedicated to the Jewish industrial pioneer and entrepreneur who was a leading figure in the industrial and agricultural development in South Africa between 1880 and 1920.

-    Visit the Ndebele Cultural Village for to experience he colourful craft of the Ndebele people.

-    Spend an afternoon at the Tswaing Meteorite Crater, formed nearly 220 000 years ago when a blazing meteorite slammed into the Earth's crust.