Which 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 Visagie)

• 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

Clarins, Dermalogica, Lamelle and European brand Carita.

Les Aromes du Vin, a two-hour treatment involving a full body scrub, followed by an excellent aromatherapy massage. Add lunch to the value of R200 at one of Constantia Uitsig’s award-winning restaurants, and you’re thoroughly spoiled.

Another distinguishing treatment is 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
• Chemical Peels
• Heated water pillow massage
• Reflexology
• Therenaka body treatments
• Wide range of facials
• Grooming treatments

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

As of Oct 2009:

From R260 for a men’s facial, to the Constantia Uitsig package of Pure Indulgence for R2 825, which includes a facial, body scrub, body mud wrap, manicure, pedicure, reflexology and lunch at one of the award winning restaurants.

Cancellation period: 24 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 Visagie)

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

Complimentary 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;
• hydrothera-py 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.

As of mid-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.

Librisa Spa
Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange Street, Cape Town
Open daily 9am to 8pm.
Tel: (021) 483 1550
Website: www.mountnelson.co.za
Email: librisa@mountnelson.co.za

(Visited by Heather Parker)

• Innovative changing areas containing sauna and steam baths, sensation showers and heated marble slabs
• Plunge pool
• Steam room
• Sauna
• Treatment rooms, including four tandem treatment rooms
• Sunny relaxation conservatory and refreshment station with fresh fruit skewers, fresh juices and water

Gift certificates may be bought.
No age limit, though children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

The spa is housed in three original late Victorian buildings, and uses the locally produced Africology and Victorian Garden ranges, as well as Clarins and Elemis.

Special packages with delicious seasonal twists – like the Sweet Memories Morning Out special in May, aimed at you and your mum (or gran, or daughter) which includes a manicure, morning tea, and full use of the spa facilities; or the Gentlemen Prefer Pampering package in June to celebrate Father’s Day: an anti-stress back treatment and full use of the spa facilities – and a voucher for a back, neck and shoulder massage for the buyer.

Librisa offers a selection of ‘Spa Experiences’ which pull together a number of treatments and extras, like the two-and-a-half-hour Rekindle, which involves a relaxing aromatic bubble bath followed by an excellent massage with black pepper oil, a facial using the delicious Victorian Garden products, and the famous afternoon tea at the Mount Nelson. Revive is aimed at the weary and jetlagged traveler, and includes a body wrap, massage and a spa lunch; Release focuses on detoxing and releasing stress, with a detox wrap, a facial, reflexology and a Spa lunch. There are also anti-ageing, ‘Rise and Shine” and all-round refreshing packages.

• Massage therapies
• Skin care treatments
• Body care therapies
• Grooming treatments
• Male-focused menu of options
• Young person’s menu of options

At March 2009:
R40 for a chin or lip wax, to R900 for the Vine Secrets Signature Experience. Spa Experience packages go up to R1 890.

Sanctuary Spa Majeka
Majeka House, 26-32 Houtkapper Street Paradyskloof Stellenbosch 7600
Tel: (021) 8801512
Email: reservations@majekahouse.co.za
Website: http://www.majekahouse.co.za/
(Visited by Heather Parker)

• Indoor pool, with retractable roof for the most beautiful days
• Jacuzzi
• Hamam
• Sauna
• Treatment rooms

Gift certificates may be bought.
Lunch can be booked.
Minimum age: 16.

One of the brands used is the super-gorgeous international spa brand Pevonia Botanica: marine and botanical ingredients; not tested on animals.

Four bridal packages, designed for the bride’s needs when she has a month to go to the wedding, and timed to take place at weekly intervals thereafter.

The African Signature Journey is a wonderfully relaxing combination: an African Face and Scalp Massage, which works to increase the elasticity of facial muscles and reduce stress-induced lines and wrinkles; the Hot Stone Massage which is great for unknotting tension areas; and the bliss of an Aromatherapy massage.

• Skincare therapies and facials
• ‘Sensitive areas’ therapies for eyes, neck and décolleté
• Bodycare therapies
• Massage therapies
• Grooming treatments
• Packages (Monday to Thursday) for individuals and couples, as well as packages customised for brides-to-be and mothers-to-be

At March 2009:
R45 for a brow tint or lip/brow/chin wax, to R690 for a Myoxy Caviar High Performance Facial or a Skinfit Caviar treatment (for men). The African Signature Journey is R990.
Customised packages for brides and mums-to-be pull together elements from all sectors of the spa.

Notice of cancellation required to avoid charges: 5 hours prior to the scheduled booking

OneWellness Sandton Isle

Cnr Rivonia, Daisy and Linden Street, Sandton, Johannesburg
Tel: (011) 245 8088
Email: sandtonisle@onewellness.co.za
Website: http://www.onewellness.co.za/
(Visited by Carine Visagie)

• High-tech gym, experienced trainers on hand
• vitality pool
• change rooms
• treatment rooms
• hotel restaurant

Water and herbal teas freely available.
Gift certificates may be bought (at reception, or via email).

Minimum age 16.
Membership options available.

ONEWellness Sandton Isle follows on the success of award-winning ONEWellness at Cape Town's Radisson SAS Hotel. This spa is as polished, cliché-free and fresh.

The relaxation deck, which boasts spectacular views of Sandton, is a must-see, and the sleep room is recommended after all treatments.

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 unique signature treatment ONEjourney is based on the principles of hydrotherapy, and takes the spa visitor through a series of steps. It includes body exfoliation, a Vichy shower, a steam-cocoon experience, Kneipp therapy for the feet, a sauna session, an aroma mist experience and a relaxing sensation shower. Regular visits improve circulation, promote detoxification and assist in managing stress.
The ONEjourney Specialised Rasul builds on the same principles, with the addition of a mud Rasul, a pressure-point massage and a full-body moisturising treatment.

• 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. Remember your bathing costume if you'd like to use the vitality pool.

At April 2009:
R400 for the 60-minute ONEjourney (R750 for two people) and R700 for the 90-minute ONEjourney Specialised Rasul (R1200 for two people).

A basic 45-minute back or Swedish massage is offered at a rate of R400, while facials range from R420 for a basic cleanse to R900 for the revolutionary JEWEL Caviar and Pearl Anti-Ageing facial.

Cancellation of bookings needs to be arranged at least 8 hours in advance.

ArabellaSpa

Westin Cape Town, Coen Steytler Drive, Cape Town
Tel: (021) 412 9999
Email: arabellaspa@westincapetown.co.za
Website: http://www.westincapetown.co.za

Awards include:

• Top ten hotel spas in the world in the Conde Nast Traveller Magazine (UK) Readers’ Awards.
• Best Resort/Hotel Spa Category in the Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards 2006
(Visited by Heather Parker)

Facilities available to spa visitors at no extra cost include:

• Heated infinity pool with underwater music and Jacuzzi area
• Hot spa includes steam room, sauna footbath and hot marble slabs, and stunning views
• Fitness centre (fitness spa and membership packages available)
• Heated water beds in the calm recovery area
• Candle room where you can bring yourself down before a treatment, or extend the feeling afterwards
• Hydro massage showers in change area

The spa’s position on the 19th floor of this waterfront hotel means breathtaking views, from both the spa and the adjacent Executive Club restaurant.

Product ranges used include the hand-blended French haute couture Anne Semonin range and Ligne St Barth, both exclusive to the Arabella spas in South Africa. They’re fantastic: for instance, the Black Sand Body Polish & Aromatic Massage treatment uses Anna Semonin’s Tahitian Black Sand infused with verbena oil, red seaweed and black poppy seeds.

This spa offers The Secret Lunch Hour and the Heavenly Dinner, both a brilliant spoil-yourself treat. Have a 45-minute mini-massage (or a facial, manicure or pedicure) and a two-course lunch or a three course dinner at the Executive Club restaurant. Both are excellent excuses to see a friend or treat your partner.

It also has a particular focus on serving men, often a little neglected in spas.

The holistic Arabella Luxury Experience: a full-body massage followed by a bespoke facial with exclusive St Barth products from the Caribbean Island of St Bartholemy.

Also try the Africology treatments range, which include things like the fabulous 60-minute Rose Balancing Facial.

The spa offers a full range of spa therapies, sports massage and personal training solutions: jet lag treatment, a good range of cleansing and treatment facials, reflexology and lymphatic drainage, body treatments, personal grooming and more.

Prices range from over R2,000 for three-hour St Barth treatments to R85 for eyelash and eyebrow tints.

The Secret Lunch Hour is good value: it costs R500, including lunch and valet parking – or R950 for two (great fun with a friend). The Heavenly Dinner is R1050 per couple, and this deal is valid from 5:30pm to 7pm sevel days a week. Booking essential.

Jiva Grande Spa

Taj Cape Town, Wale Street, Cape Town
Tel: (021) 819-2000
Email: jivaspa.capetown@tajhotels.com
Website: http://www.tajcapetown.co.za/blog/spa-recreation/
Open 8am to 8pm daily
Winner of the unique spa concept category in the annual Les Nouvelles Esthetiques South African Spa Awards.
(Visited by Heather Parker)

• Eight treatment rooms, including a couples treatment room, beauty treatment rooms and a dedicated Ayurveda treatment room;
• Change rooms with showers; Jiva gowns, disposable innerwear and slippers provided; Relaxation room for before and after treatments. Water and fruit/herb teas are served, along with fruit platters after treatments;
• Wet area including steam room and Jacuzzi.
• Jiva Fitness offers state-of-the-art fitness equipment and indoor pool and sauna. Gift certificates are available.

Facilities not open to children under the age of 16.

This is the first of the highly-regarded Jiva spas to open in South Africa. The Jiva family of spas is distinguished by traditional Indian wellness treatments which draw from ancient healing wisdom and Ayurveda, or the science of longevity, which has been practiced in India for about 6,000 years.

Jiva is the only spa brand in the world in which everything that touches the body is completely natural: organic cotton, sun-bleached fabrics and oven-baked pottery, bamboo fibre, soy cotton etc. Cleaning fluids are non-chemical; and all products used are natural.

Jiva Signature Experiences include:

• Cape Fynbos, an uplifting treatment incorporating incorporating rhassual clay, Atlantic sea salt and rooibos leaves;
• Vishuddi, a detoxification treatment in which exfoliation is performed using silk gloves;
• Vishrama, a deep muscle massage which includes a hot compress of Indian herbs; and
• Sushupti, a soothing relaxation treatment preceded by an exfoliation using green flour, honey and cream which is washed off with warm milk and flower petals.

Treatments offered along Ayurveda lines vary according to the individual, and are designed after an in-depth consultation with a Vaidya, or Ayurveda physician. I had one, and it was sublime: a foot wash to centre me in the room and in the space of healing, almost 200ml of oils combined on the Vaidya’s “prescription” warmed and used in a ritualistic gentle full-body, scalp-to-toe massage (with some careful twisting and turning around on the wooden table when necessary, to avoid slipping right off it), an old-fashioned steam bath, and then a ritualistic washing down with green gram paste and medicated water. The soundtrack was restful and healing chanting. It was the most intimate, and least intrusive, full-body experience I have had in a spa.

• Jiva Indian Therapies are body therapies which include the unique Pehlwan Māalish, a powerful Indian oil massage; Champi, an authentic Indian head massage; Ventoz, an Indian cupping therapy; Pada Mardana, an Indian foot massage; and Garshana and Ubtans, Indian scrubs and wraps.
• Jiva Beauty offers the complete range of beauty treatments including facials, manicures, and pedicures. These include Rasa, a complete facial; Jamarosa root, a deep-cleansing facial; and Champak, a nourishing facial.
• Packages include, for instance, a 5-and-a-half-hour beauty package which begins with a scrub and wrap, and ends with a manicure/pedicure.

As of March 2011: prices for therapies range from R300 for an energising facial to just over R2,000 for the most indulgent therapy treatments.

Cancellations within three hours of scheduled appointments will carry a 50% cancellation fee; and “no-shows” will be charged the full fee.

Hotel guests have access to all wet areas, pool and gymnasium.

There is a winter special running until the end of August 2011, which includes a Vishrama (duration: 2 hours) plus an Indian head massage (20 minutes), all for R899. As a goodbye gift after the treatment, you’ll be given a 25% discount voucher that will enable you to explore the winter dinner specials.

It is recommended to arrive 30 minutes early, giving you time to relax in the wet area before treatment. It is recommended that men shave a few hours prior to a facial treatment; but that body shaving or waxing for both men and women is avoided for 24 hours before treatments.