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Spa roundup

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 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.

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.
 
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