Which Spa?

Used to be, all that was needed to call something a spa was a bubble-jet bath, whale music in the background, the scent of aromatherapy in the air, and one or two massage options. But things have changed in recent years and South Africa now sports a number of brilliant spas.

While there's some confusion about the origins of the term "spa", historians believe it could be a reference to the town of Spa in Belgium, where hot mineral springs have been used since medieval times to cure ills.

Of course, the practice of basking in water has been around since Roman times when bathing regimens were used by soldiers to relieve aches and pains after battles. In more recent times, however, the spa earned the status of health resort, and in many European spa towns, doctors prescribed bathing rituals along with herbal wraps and massage treatments to cure patients from a range of conditions.

Today, health spas are still used for therapeutic purposes, with the primary goal being to improve health and facilitate relaxation. There are now more spas around the world than there has ever been before.

Here's a roundup of some of the exceptional spas Health24 has visited recently:

ONEwellness
The Spa Steenberg
Arabella Hotel & Spa
Constantia Uitsig Spa
Kievits Kroon Spa

ONEwellness Radisson

Winner: BestHotel Spa of the Year 2008 (Les Nouvelles Esthetiques South Africa Spa Awards)

Radisson SAS Hotel, Beach Road, Granger Bay, Waterfront

Tel: (021) 441-3331/2

Email: radisson@onewellness.co.za

Website: http://www.onewellness.co.za/

(Visited by Heather Parker)

ONEwellness also opening in Sandton Isle in October 2008

High-tech gym, experienced trainers on hand
pool
change rooms
treatment rooms
spa restaurantt

Water and herbal teas freely available.

Gift certificates may be bought (at reception, or via email).

Minimum age 16.

Membership options available.

The 'sleep room' is recommended after all treatments – and you can request a wake-up at a certain time.

'Mr Spa', Rob Cowling, is behind ONEwellness, and it shows – it's polished, cliché-free, and absolutely fresh.

International spa brand Pevonia Botanica is used: marine and botanical ingredients; not tested on animals.

It's a 'green' spa: the amenities range is locally sourced and organic; and spa cleaning fluids are non-chemical and biodegradable.

The ONEjourney treatment for one or two people. It takes you from a Vichy shower with body exfoliation, to a caldarium; thence to a Kneipp, followed by a rock sauna; and then finally to a sleep room, via an aroma mist room. In terms of sensory stimulation, this is the best: there’s heat and ice, steam and massage, and light therapy.

The ‘Essential Facial’ includes deep cleansing, exfoliation and massage; and masks and concentrates according to your skin’s needs.

Skincare therapies and facials;
grooming;
touch and massage therapies;
bodycare therapies.
various spa packages (full day or half day).

Arrive 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled time to allow for paperwork and change room time.

At mid-2008:

R55 for a 15-minute wax to R900 for a 90-minute Myoxy Caviar High Performance Facial or a 2-hour Thai massage; R350 for the signature ONEjourney treatment.

Good-value ‘spa experience packages’ pull together elements from all sectors of the spa.

Eight hours’ notice of cancellation required to avoid charges.

Free access to certain facilities for hotel guests, or clients who’ve booked treatments to the value of R350 or more.

The Spa Steenberg – operated by the GINKGO SPA GROUP

Steenberg Hotel, Steenberg Estate, Tokai Road, Constantia

Tel: (021) 713-2222

Email: steenberg@ginkgospa.com

Website:

http://www.steenberghotel.com/
http://www.ginkgospa.com/

(Visited by Carine van Rooyen)

Five treatment rooms, each offering a distinctive experience;
steam rooms;
change rooms with showers;
rest lounge.

Water and herbal teas are freely available.

Gift certificates may be bought (at reception or via e-mail). These last 6 months.

No age restriction.

The spa is surrounded by lush vineyards and a champion-ship golf course.

Lunch/dinner at the reputable Catharina’s restaurant adds to the unique Steenberg experience.

All-natural Babor products are used for facials and body treatments, locally produced Theravine products (made from grapeseed extract) are used for body treatments and facials, and Lilian Terry products are used for massages.

The Gingko Elixir therapeutic massage combines various traditional body-touch techniques, including techniques characteristic of Swedish massage, lymphatic drainage, shiatsu, foot-reflex massage and deep-tissue manipulation. Aromatherapy oils are mixed according to your needs and mood.

The 90-minute Babor ScenTao hot-stone therapy massage. Babor essential oils, body sprays and heated rocks are used to create an unforgettable massage experience. A mini facial is also included.

Skincare therapies and facials;
grooming;
touch and massage therapies;
bodycare therapies.

Arrive 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled time to allow for paperwork and change-room time. A warm shower, steam, sauna or hot spa bath prior to your treatment is also recommended.

As of mid-2008:

R390 for the 60-minute Gingko Elixir massage; R580 for the 90-minute hot-stone treatment; and R480 for a 75-minute classic facial.

Gingko Leaf Collection:

Good-value full-day, half-day and shorter packages are available.

Special rates for members of the Gingko Wellness Membership Programme.

Eight office hours' notice of cancellation required to avoid charges.

Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa

Arabella Country Estate, R44, Kleinmond, Overberg, Western Cape

Tel: (028) 284-0036

Email: bhavinee.dullab@arabellawesterncapehotel.co.za

Website: http://www.luxurycollection.com/westerncape

(Visited by Wilma Stassen)

Gymnasium
Hydro-pool (relaxation area)
Tepidarium
Sauna
Steam room
Cold stream showers

Voted by the World Luxury Awards 2007 to be one of the 100 best spas in the world, the Arabella Spa and Wellness Centre is situated on the banks of a beautiful natural lagoon and is surrounded by a championship golf course.

Locally produced TheraVINE products (made from grapeseed extract) are used for body treatments and facials.

The spa was the first to develop the African Rainforest Experience.

The African Rainforest Experience combines free-flowing water, enveloping mist and a variety of African colours and fragrances to create a treatment that stimulates all the senses. The result is a 15-step experience comprising therapeutic showers, scrubs and steam treatment.

Skincare treatments.
Spa body treatments.
Touch therapies (including the African Dumbbell Massage).

As of mid-2008:

The African Rainforest Experience is priced at R420 for the 120-minute option and R740 for the 150-minute option, which also includes an aromatic dry scrub exfoliation, nourishing African mud application and the Rassoul chamber treatment.

A 60-minute African Dumbbell Massage costs R520.

Skincare treatments range between R370 and R650.

Constantia Uitsig Spa

Tel: (021) 794-0433

Email: spa@uitsig.co.za

Website: http://www.constantia-uitsig.com

(Visited by Heather Parker)

Change rooms
treatment rooms
3 restaurants on premises
Water infusions freely available
Gift certificates available
Minimum age 13

Prestige brands Dermalogica, Clarins and Carita are supplemented by Eurpean spa brand Carita

Tea and coffee offered in tranquil relaxation terrace lounge with stunning views.

The Carita two-hour anti-ageing lifting facial using Carita’s Rénovateur range. It includes a farily abrasive massage, a soothing refining treatment, a sebum-releasing heated roller treatment, a series of specialised masks, and a sculpting massage.

Conventional and specialised massage treatments
Hydrotherapy / therapies
Reiki
Heated water pillow massage
Reflexology
Tharanaka body treatments
Wide range of facials
Grooming treatments

Arrive 15 minutes before scheduled time to allow for paperwork and change room time.

As of mid-2008:

From R280 for a men’s express facial, to R1 900 for the Constantia Sparkling Spa Treatment – a package of body, face and salon treatments, grooming, and lunch.

Good-value packages pull together selected treatments and lunch – great for friends.

Cancellation period: 12 hours

Special hotel/spa packages offered in the winter months

Kievits Kroon Health Spa

Plot 41, Reier Road, Kameeldrift-East, Pretoria

Tel: 012 808 0150
reservations@kievitskroon.co.za

www.kievitskroon.co.za

(Visited by Carine van Rooyen)

Heated indoor pool;
change rooms;
sauna, steam rooms and Jacuzzis;
treatment rooms;
spa dining area;
relaxation lounge.

Complementary water, herbal teas and snacks.

Gift certificates and gift packs (containing treatment products) may be bought at reception, or via email.

Minimum age of 14.

The spa forms part of the Kievits Kroon Country Estate, which offers a complete leisure experience on a tranquil Cape Dutch estate.

Luxury en-suite accommodation is available. Dining options include fine dining, buffet and picnics.

The spa is just 10 minutes from Pretoria and 40 minutes from Sandton.

Trio of Massages – an Ayurvedic full-body massage, hot stone reflexology and a hot oil scalp massage.

Ladies' Signature Treatment – fruit-based exfoliation with a Comfort-Zone Sublime Touch full-body massage.

Men's Signature Treatment – full-body exfoliation, followed by a specialised Comfort-Zone Monticelli mud wrap and a hot stone back massage.

Skincare therapies and facials;
grooming;
touch and massage therapies;
hydrotherapy baths;
sunbed facilities;
bodycare therapies.

Arrive 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled time to allow for paperwork and change-room time, or an hour in advance to enjoy breakfast or lunch on the estate.

Valid until 31 December 2008:
R140 for a 30-minute full leg wax; R460 for a 50-minute Swedish massage; R420 for both the Men's and Ladies' signature treatments (60 min.).

Good-value half- and full-day packages pull together elements from all sectors of the spa.

50% of the fee will be charged if your treatment is cancelled 7 days prior to arrival, and 100% if it's cancelled six days prior to arrival.