The magnificent La Cigale Spa at Valley Lodge in Magaliesburg is an environmentally friendly state-of-the-art wellness centre that must rank amongst the best in South Africa.

La Cigale

The thatched, ultra-modern La Cigale was built in preparation for the Portuguese football team who were based at the recently renovated Valley Lodge for the 2010 Fifa World Cup. It boasts a revolutionary green heating system, which uses wind and water to save up to 75% power usage.

The ambience of this spa is tranquility and relaxation, which is as it should be. It is there from the moment you step into this luxurious, softly lit white space of stone and wood floors with huge windows onto the treed garden and Magalies River beyond. And it continues with the welcoming fruit cocktail and friendly, professional service that is ultimately the hallmark of this wellness centre.

Facilities & Hydrotherapy

Among the facilities at La Cigale are four double and two single treatment rooms fitted with colour therapy lights; a heated pool with high-powered jet for resistance training; a Jacuzzi under a beautiful domed skylight; saunas and steam rooms also fitted with colour therapy lights; a lounge area and deck; and the Spa Café, which serves light meals and refreshments.

Hydrotherapy is a major component of the treatments at the spa. It involves the use of hot and cold water in its various forms – liquid, ice and steam – to stimulate the body’s inherent ability to regulate and heal itself. At the root of hydrotherapy is the belief that water is the essence of life. Water treatments benefit the body through a number of applications; including compresses, baths, steam or sauna, plunge pools and shower sprays.

The most significant element of this therapy is temperature. Heated water dilates blood vessels, encourages perspiration and relaxes muscles and joints. Cold water constricts blood vessels, reduces inflammation and congestion in surface tissues and increases blood flow to the internal organs. Hot and cold are applied alternately and repeatedly. The more extreme the temperature and the more generally applied; the more extreme the reaction or benefit.

Massage Therapy, Wraps & Facials

Among the other therapies on offer are full body; back and neck; hot stone; foot; and Indian head massages. Aroma oils are incorporated where an element of healing is also required as part of the treatment.

Fango therapy, or complete body wraps using muds, clays and other therapeutic agents, are ideal for detoxing, remineralising and regeneration. For facials, La Cigale uses the innovative Skin Sphere range of products, which are recognised globally for utilising science and nature as their model for purity, harmony and balance. Spa facials are available in three levels of intensity: Basic, Comprehensive and Indulgent.

Body brushes and polishing; pedicures and manicures; and other grooming pamperings are available. Therapies range from 30 minutes to full day packages for individuals, couples and corporate clients. There are also yoga and laughter workshops.

Tina Robinson

The inspiration behind La Cigale is Tina Robinson, who has had wide experience in the wellness industry since graduating with aesthetician and body therapy diplomas from Camelot International Academy in 1991. Since then she has taught, travelled and worked with plastic surgeons, dermatologists and nutritionists.

Her passion is for the growth, development and upliftment of local communities, which has earned her wide recognition. She selects and trains young women from these communities to become fully qualified therapists.

A Wellness Centre with Heart

The amazing thing about La Cigale is that you have high expectations on arrival, and they exceed them every time. It is in the big things they set out to accomplish while never losing sight of the tiny details.

Their ethos is to care for and nurture the bodies of their clients. More than this, they do the same for our environment and surrounding communities. It is a five star wellness centre in a beautiful setting.

Highly recommended – you will seldom, if ever, find anything better.