Unusual-Spas-and-Therapies

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Unusual Spas and Therapies

Written by Denise Slabbert

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Wellness Tourism is a growing trend around the globe and South Africa boasts a wealth of unusual spas and exotic therapies aimed at restoring body, mind and soul.

We are definitely keeping up with international trends when it comes to ‘feel-good’ holidays. We invented the African Day Spa concept, reinvented the ultimate luxury bush spa and continue to create unique therapies inspired by the continent and its people.

The Bush Spa

In terms of the high-end of the tourism market, most of South Africa’s luxury safari lodges have in-house spas. The concept of combining pristine wilderness areas, exquisite game viewing and a selection of spa treatments means that guests are simply spoilt for choice.

Singita’s spas in the Kruger Park and Sabi Sand Reserve continue to win international accolades. And if you don’t want to make use of their spa treatment rooms (with views of the bush) you can always opt for a massage on the deck of your luxury suite. Other notable bush spas include The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa, and the spas at Shibula and Ulusaba.

Soul Safari

Another award-winning bush spa in the Sabi Sand Reserve is the Amana Spa at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge. This spa, inspired by earth and nature, consists of various treatment rooms, again capitalising on the spectacular bush views. Here, the tranquil Zen meditation garden definitely deserves a visit.

Garonga Safari Camp in the Makalali Conservancy has perfected the art of the ‘Soul Safari’ and their outdoor sala offers serious rest and relaxation surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush.

The African Spa

The Mangwanani Private African Day Spa concept can be found at various locations around the country, with the main (and founding) spa being located at Hennops River Valley.

Why not try out the Izimanga (Heaven on Earth) Full Body Massage using essential oils; the Molala, an ancient head and neck healing treatment using sesame oil; or the Neo Maoto, a traditional royal African foot ‘gift’ that includes a rose petal wash, sugar and lavender scrub and almond oil & crème hydration and massage.

There are a number of day and weekend packages available including the African Revitalization Spa package, the Moonlight Night Spa Package and the Royal African Spa Package.

Exotic Treatment Options

The Sanctuary Spa

The Sanctuary Spa at the Twelve Apostles Hotel in Cape Town is an award-winning spa that uses the best of the Western Cape’s extensive floral kingdom to assist in various treatments. Enjoy a fynbos exfoliation in one of their mountain gazebos or a slathering of Cape chamomile and Cape lavender to revive the senses.

The Saxon

The Saxon boutique hotel and spa in Johannesburg is probably the only place in South Africa that offers the Tibetan Sound Therapy treatment. Therapists use different bells, gongs, bowls and symbols to help restore natural order to the body. The therapy works on the premise of vibrational healing on a cellular level and is currently the talk of the town.

Kurisa Moya Nature Lodge

While not a traditional spa, Kurisa Moya Nature Lodge in Limpopo Province offers a combination of forested woodlands and alternative therapies to revive the senses. It specialises in cranio-sacral therapy (a gentle touch-energy based treatment) as well as hot rock aromatherapy massages, reflexology and reiki. Combine these feel-good therapies with long walks in the forest and your jet-lagged body will be restored and rejuvenated in no time.

Cybele Forest Lodge and Spa

Cybele Forest Lodge and Spa in Mpumalanga offers a wide range of treatments, as well as special honeymoon packages. This spa offers some rather weird and wonderful treatments including the Green Tea Body Wrap, the Fizzing Chocolate Mousse Body Wrap, and the anti-ageing Red Grape body wrap.

Zau Spa

Brainchild of Jan Harms Vorster (proprietor of the famous Jan Harmsgat Se Agterplaas in Cullinan), the Zau Spa overlooks the Cullinan Dam in Gauteng. The main attraction of this delightful spa is the artworks scattered throughout the garden, where you can enjoy a massage. Or try out Mother Nature’s multi-mud facial (using mud from the Sterkfontein Caves), or a hot stone with purified avocado oil massage.

Falaza Game Park and Spa

Found along the Elephant Coast in far northern KwaZulu-Natal, the Falaza Game Park and Spa takes its inspiration from Zulu culture. In true African tradition, a cleansing foot gift known as ‘izinyawo’ is experienced at the beginning of every session. This spa combines imported French products with local African herbal infusions to create soothing and rejuvenating treatments.