As the year draws to an end, we look forward to taking much-needed breaks, and a spa is a great way to relieve stress and get into shape. Our team reviews the best spas for you to try out and start 2015 feeling fresh.
PRETORIA
Features editor, Phila Tyekana, reviews Kievits Kroon Country Estate
The end of year blues have kicked in full force and I struggle to get out of bed. Going to the office is a nightmare and, as deadlines become tighter, the more we want to pull each other’s heads off. So, when I get an email inviting me to the Kievits Kroon Country Estate, it’s as if the heavens opened up and offered me a break from all the mayhem. As I eagerly confirm the invite – a huge smile plastered across my face – I sing Hallelujah in my head. What’s great about the spa is its location – approximately an hour away from Jozi in Pretoria.
Here are five things I enjoyed about the place:
The spa
I was given three options of two-hour spa treatments: Lavender, Jasmine and Lemongrass. I chose the Jasmine, which includes a full body massage, de-stress clay wrap and facial. Now, this was a treat for a stressed journalist and I thoroughly enjoyed. Most appreciated was the kindness and professionalism of the beauty therapist. When the two hours were over, I used all the other facilities – steam room, Jacuzzi, sauna, swiss shower and heated pool. As a guest at the country house I could use these facilities, so I seized the opportunity of course. By the time I left, my body was screaming ‘relaxed.’ It’s true what they say about spa treatments – they give you an instant confidence boost and leave you feeling as if a huge burden has been lifted off your shoulders.
Accommodation
I was booked into the executive rooms that are hotel like. My room provided the quietness I was longing for. Later I found out that there were rondavels on the premises too, called Zulu Huts. I wished I’d been booked there as the lover of all things African in me longed for them. The next day I peeked into one of them. They’re beautiful! Modern yet very luxurious Zulu.
Food
Yuuuummy! ….I was booked for a six-course food and wine pairing dinner at one of the restaurants called Granita. The kindness and care given to me, I appreciated most and the wine of course.
Leisure
Breakfast was at Kingsley’s Restaurant, where I had oysters and champagne. I nibbled a little on waffles, omelettes, eggs and sausages. Stuffed with fresh oysters, I spent the entire day lazing at the peaceful pool area, situated where you have a view of the entire picturesque estate. I loved it. Other guests chose to picnic on the lawns where blankies and pillows were readily available.
I cried a little when I had to leave. The thought of other people enjoying such a life just an hour away from me is unbearable till this day.
More on Kievits Kroon Country House and Spa here
JOHANNESBURG
Beauty writer, Keletso Modisakeng, reviews Da Vinci Spa (Legacy Hotels & Resorts)
The thought of being in the heart of Sandton intimidated me and my wallet, but I had a delightful surprise when I arrived at the spa. I received a warm welcome from the staff, and was led to my locker to change and get ready for the treatments I had booked.
Change room
It’s a standard requirement for spas to provide you with a gown, slippers and a locker to keep your things safe while you relax and enjoy your treatment. I fell in love with the locker and all that was provided. Disposable underwear is a luxury not all spas provide, and you receive one on arrival and between treatments if needed. The best is setting a code on your locker, which means you don’t have to worry about losing your key during your time at the spa.
Staff members
The people that work in a place represent the brand and the staff at the Da Vinci were impeccable. They were great, paid special attention to detail and things that one said in passing were noted. This shows how much they value their customers and the brand they represent.
Treatment
I enjoyed the full-body exfoliation, which is a customised aromatherapy to help stimulate the skin. The Da Vinci Spa uses the Elemis Body Brush during the exfoliation process, which assists in removing unwanted, old, dead skin; and helps with blood flow (tell the therapist if it is your first time having a body exfoliation, as it might seem rough at first). Thereafter, I was wrapped in a towel and received a facial. Washing the body, moisturising and using the right tools and products to get rid of unwanted dirt seemed like a fair duty to care of my body. I didn’t know how much dead skin I had on my body until my exfoliation was done. A warm shower to clear the remaining body salts helped and my skin was smooth like a baby’s bottom. The body oils used were rich and left my skin moisturised and nourished for the rest of the day and night.
Price point
I love the lavish life but always question the price tag attached to it. To my surprise, the Da Vinci Spa, which is situated in an upper market area of Johannesburg, has treatments to pamper you for as low as R290.
More on Da Vinci Spa here
Online editor Amanda Ndlangisa reviews Camelot Spa San Lameer in KwaZulu-Natal
When I arrived
I was surprised to find this 5-star health and wellness centre tucked away in the San Lameer Estate on the South Coast. I have been to many places that call themselves spas, but none quite like this. The first thing I noticed was the lovely smell of Frangipani, the soft lighting and clean lines of decor, which immediately made me feel relaxed. Bonny, the lady from Bonny’s Best Buys on TV, greeted me with a smile at the reception.
Treatments
I was impressed with the range of treatments – all based on removing the pressures and demands placed on the body by the strain of urban living, with the emphasis on impeccable quality at an international level.
The products included C Spa, Dr Gobac and Thalgo, which are imported from France. These are a new generation of wellness products focused on natural plant and spa marine technology to promote a healthy body and state of mind. The price list had a wide range of treatments from manicures and pedicures to 10 different types of massages. They even have a specialist massage that they developed called the Camelot Universal Signature. It combines various body massage techniques with an Indian head massage and a pressure point foot massage, so you get treated from head to toe. The spa also has a Rasul Chamber, which includes a built-in cold pool and twinkling LED lights, a flotation pool with music playing from underneath the water, 10 therapy rooms – four of which can take two people and one made to resemble a beach but without all the negatives of the outdoors. I decided on the Rasul Chamber to detox my system and the Camelot Universal Signature massage to help me relax.
The spa experience
Bonny took me to the change rooms and gave me the softest gown to wear. This, with the soothing background music, had me relaxed and happy before the treatments even started. My therapist was waiting for me when I came out and asked if the temperature was right, if I was comfortable and what pressure I would like the massage to be. The therapists are very well trained, polite and helpful. Once my treatments were done, I was taken to the relaxing area, which had draped curtains in soft colours, and was offered tea, coffee, water and delicious homemade biscuits. This allowed the value of the treatments to sink in, before I could rush out into the real world again. I loved every minute of the experience and will definitely go back as often as I can.
More on Camelot Spa here
