WELL-BEING
Jet-lag treatments at our top spas
Librisa Spa
at the Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange Street, Gardens. 021 483 1550
TREATMENT Jet-lag Massage
PRICE R500 (1 hour)
LOOK AND FEEL Look and feel Plush and classy, the understated glamour of Librisa Spa sets it apart. Vintage Victorian and modern linear and organic forms – and a chic silver theme – all in exquisite taste, in a pretty garden setting.
PROCESS From The Victorian Garden, an organic range of blended essential oils, I chose uplifting lavender and neroli massage oil. A foot soak ritual is followed by a full body massage restoring equilibrium with touch and aroma.
VERDICT ‘Deeply relaxing and stimulating.’
Sanctuary Spa
at the Twelve Apostles Hotel, Victoria Road, Camps Bay. 021 437 0677
TREATMENT Revival Package
PRICE R1 120, subject to change (3 hours)
LOOK AND FEEL Rocks and water features create a subterranean impression. Treatment rooms are private, discreet and comfortable. The spa is currently being upgraded to facilitate a larger variety of treatments. Two glass-enclosed gazebos on the slopes of the Twelve Apostles mountain range are a fairly new addition.
PROCESS Products are from the Moya African fynbos range. After a fynbos exfoliation, enjoy a revitalising hydrotherapy bath and wrap, followed by a relaxing aromatherapy massage to alleviate the strain that long-haul air travel puts on the body and the skin.
VERDICT ‘I felt grounded, well rested, warm and healthy. My skin felt nourished and soft.’
Paris Spa
Shop 13, Wembley Square, Solan Street, Gardens. 021 462 0021
TREATMENT Environmental Control Skin Treatment and full body massage
PRICE Facial R400, massage R400
LOOK AND FEEL A compact space decorated in minimal charcoal with accents of blue would appeal to men and women alike. On stepping inside the spa, one is immediately calmed by ambient lighting and soft music.
PROCESS Dermalogica products are used for the facial. The treatment begins with a full body massage to ease stiff muscles and stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, especially in the legs. The Environmental Control Skin Treatment restores moisture and soothes skin which has been sensitised by climatic changes during the flight.
VERDICT ‘I felt restored and refreshed. The therapist did an excellent job on the tension in my upper back and my skin glowed for a week after the treatment.’
ONEwellness
at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Beach Road, Granger Bay, Waterfront. 021 441 3331/2/3
TREATMENT Rejuvenation Package, Price R1 485 (3.5 hours)
PRICE R350 (1 hr, includes access to the Vitality pool and pool deck, fitness centre and sauna.)
LOOK AND FEEL The natural end of minimalist with a large, beautiful crystal in each room.
PROCESS A heady combination of the signature ONEjourney which involves a body exfoliation, Vichy shower, steam, hot and cold foot bath, mist room and sauna; an Essentials facial; an ultimate renewal eyelift treatment; an Indian head massage and a reflexology treatment.
VERDICT ‘A holistic treat for a tired body – very restorative.’
Glasshouse Rejuvenation for Men
Unit 110a The Foundry, 74 Prestwich Street, Green Point. 021 419 9599
TREATMENT Jet-lag Package
PRICE R775 (3 hours)
LOOK AND FEEL A well-considered interior with modern clean lines and quirky details. Exposed bagged brick walls contrast with high-gloss tiled surfaces and industrial painted floors. There is a masculine undertone throughout – throne-like pedicure stations reminiscent of shoeshine booths are positioned opposite a large flat-screen so you can keep an eye on the game while getting your heels buffed.
PROCESS An energising body scrub, pedicure and therapeutic foot reflex massage, and a hydrating facial invigorate and refuel dehydration after a long flight.
VERDICT ‘I left the spa with circulation pumping, pores cleared, toenails clipped and buffed into shape without feeling the least bit emasculated. A fine balance is achieved.’
Massage for various needs
BEST FOR PURIFYING
Constantia Uitsig Spa
at the Constantia Uitsig Hotel, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia. 021 794 6500
TREATMENT Pinotage Grape Skin Extract Bath Treatment & Les Arômes du Vin massage
PRICE Bath Treatment R210, massage R850 (including lunch at one of Constantia Uitsig’s restaurants)
LOOK AND FEEL Set in verdant vineyards, the spa exudes elegance with French Provençal elements.
PROCESS A deep bath is ringed with tealights, filled with warm water headily fragrant with grape skin and vine leaf extracts and essential oils derived from the estate’s harvest and strewn with soft white rose petals. This hedonistic, detoxifying wallow is followed by the Les Arômes du Vin massage. Your choice of massage oil – a medley of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, vine bark and other varietals grown on the Estate – is pounded with sugar in a pestle by your therapist and rubbed vigorously all over the body. A shower to rinse off this excellent exfoliant is followed by a full body massage with your blend of massage oil.
VERDICT ‘It was exceptionally soothing and relaxing, which was the option I chose (other oils on offer promise energising benefits).’
BEST FOR PREGNANCY
Cocoon Boutique Spa
38 Kenilworth Road, Harfield Village. 021 683 7356
TREATMENT The Mother-to-be
PRICE R590
LOOK AND FEEL Warm wooden floors, Oregon pine doors and earth tones give the spa a homely feel, while the impressive interior design beats the most modern in elegant chic.
PROCESS Clarins products are used. A 60-minute pregnancy massage concentrates on the upper body and legs, going lightly on the more sensitive lower back, feet and ankles – the therapist is conscious of your every need. Roll over for a half-hour express facial then enjoy an express spa manicure and pedicure.
VERDICT ‘A spa with soul, Cocoon is managed with meticulous attention to detail and creative presentation – look forward to a surprise gift for you and your baby – and it’s child friendly, with a room full of quality children’s books and toys. The perfect choice for moms ’n’ tots.’
BEST FOR RELAXATION
Angsana Spa
at the Vineyard Hotel and Spa, Colinton Road, Newlands. 021 674 5005
TREATMENT Angsana Massage
PRICE R670
LOOK AND FEEL A warm, fragrant interior with an oriental ambience and beautiful garden views.
PROCESS Using palm strokes and thumb pressure, the brilliant therapist works on the body’s key pressure points using the aptly titled aromatherapy blend, Euphoria. A bell is gently rung to finish the massage, followed by fresh fruit and hot ginger tea in the beautiful rooms.
VERDICT ‘Essential for easing away every stress.’
BEST FOR ROMANCE
Urban Sanctuary
Cnr Kildare Road and Main Street, Newlands. 021 683 7593
TREATMENT Partner Pamper Package (60-minute Swedish massage)
PRICE R690 per couple
LOOK AND FEEL Pumpkin-hue walls illuminated by natural light create an uplifting ambience.
PROCESS Moya products are used. Two therapists are assigned to this treatment so the massage is enjoyed as a couple. The therapists set to work on the neck, shoulders and back, applying medium pressure in long, sweeping movements, before focusing on the legs. After turning on to your back, the therapist gently massages the shoulders, chest, arms, hands and feet.
VERDICT ‘A blissful and deeply relaxing experience for us to share as a couple. The massage was excellent while the Moya gift was a lovely touch.’
BEST FOR TONING
Camelot Spa
at the Table Bay Hotel
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Harbour. 021 406 5904
TREATMENT Thalgo LC24 for slimming and toning
PRICE R840
LOOK AND FEEL Classic and calm
PROCESS The treatment begins with an invigorating exfoliation, removing dead skin cells. A rich Thalgomince cream is massaged thoroughly into the problem areas (legs, stomach, buttocks) and a mask is applied over this for optimum absorption. After the body wrap and a rinse, the Thalgo LC24 cream is applied – a caffeine-based product, it claims to shrink fat cells and reset their cellular memory, thereby limiting fat storage. It’s a great way to kick-start a weight-loss programme
VERDICT ‘My skin looked polished and flawless and felt unbelievably smooth for days after the treatment – no cellulite in sight!‘
Pedicures at our fine spas
Angsana Spa
at the Vineyard Hotel and Spa, Colinton Road, Newlands. 021 674 5005
TREATMENT Tender Feet
PRICE R200 (60 minutes)
LOOK AND FEEL Very Zen with soothing Eastern-themed decor and music.
PROCESS Lying on a massage table, feet are carefully washed in a basin of warm water. Afterwards, a pineapple foot mask is applied (pineapple is a natural exfoliant) and feet are wrapped in a cloth to soften the skin. Toenails are then shaped and cuticles removed. The treatment ends with a foot massage, followed by ginger tea and melon served in the garden.
VERDICT ‘The skin on my feet was so soft afterwards. I left feeling relaxed, content and sleepy!’
Constantia Uitsig Spa
at the Constantia Uitsig Hotel, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia. 021 794 6500
TREATMENT Spa Pedicure
PRICE R280 (60 minutes)
LOOK AND FEEL Constantia Uitsig is a relatively new spa in a rustic vineyard setting. It’s a tranquil oasis of water features, whites and creams, and classical elegance.
PROCESS OPI and Essie products are used. First the nails are exfoliated and the cuticle area is massaged. Then the entire nail is shaped and filed. Feet are soaked in a foot spa then massaged. Oil is removed from the nail area and a base coat, polish and top coat are applied. Lastly, a drop of Avoplex is applied to each finished nail, oiling them and protecting them from the acetone. Feet are lightly spritzed.
VERDICT ‘Highly recommended for a professional pedicure in a perfect setting.’
The Sanctuary Spa
at the Twelve Apostles Hotel, Victoria Road, Camps Bay. 021 437 0677
TREATMENT Classic Pedicure
PRICE R390 (60 minutes)
LOOK AND FEEL Dimmed lights, a cool interior and the sound of running water create a tranquil ambience.
PROCESS After selecting your nail polish, lie on a massage table while feet are soaked in warm water and cleansed. Feet are then exfoliated and cuticles are massaged, nails filed and dipped in paraffin. A foot massage follows. All products are from the Moya range.
VERDICT ‘The therapist was friendly and professional and the treatment was intensely relaxing.’
Camelot Spa
at the Table Bay Hotel, Quay 6, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Harbour. 021 406 5904
TREATMENT Spa Pedicure
PRICE R300 (60 minutes)
LOOK AND FEEL Classic and calm
PROCESS Stretched out on a massage bed with a deliciously warm neck pillow for soothing support, feet are placed in a foot spa and gently massaged using a course apricot exfoliator. This is followed by filing and shaping. While one foot is dipped in paraffin wax and wrapped for softening, the other is massaged with a nourishing cream. Paraffin is removed and your choice of varnish applied.
VERDICT ‘Soporific and sublime.’
The high- and low-impact prep for summer
Adventure Boot Camp for Women
Various venues across Cape Town
082 567 2267,www.adventurebootcamp.co.za
Reach your fitness goals in a fun environment. The classes are a series of outdoor activities and take place over four weeks, five days a week. Attend either the morning or evening classes. Register online beforehand. Monthly rates are from R448 to R690, depending on whether you attend three or five classes per week.
Boot Camp Classes at Body Excel
Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Groot Constantia Road, Constantia
BP Corporate Headquarters, Portswood Ridge, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
Stonehurst Lifestyle Centre, Stonehurst Mountain Estate, Westlake
Contact Lisa Kowen 083 261 9824
A mixture of outdoor and indoor military style training, incorporating resistance, high-intensity strength and cardiovascular exercises. Classes last one hour and run on a monthly cycle, but you can attend as many (or as few) as you like. R85 per class. Monthly rates are R320 to R685 depending on whether you attend one, two or three classes per week.
Cocoon Boutique Spa
32 Kenilworth Road, Harfield Village. 021 683 7356
Cocoon Boutique Spa offers a combination of trim and tone massage, Velasmooth treatments and Clarins body wraps for slimming and weight loss. Experience their FDA-approved medical solution for reducing cellulite. Velasmooth is the first clinically proven medical device to treat cellulite and non-invasively contour the body, with no patient downtime. It treats all areas of the body, firming and smoothing the skin with 60-minute treatment sessions. Cocoon’s aesthetics medical partner, Dr Alek Nikolic, will offer the option of combining cellulyse or phosphoadityl choline injectables, with the Velasmooth treatments – highlighted at the F.A.C.E Congress in London this year. This allows for improved results with one Velasmooth session a week instead of the two weekly.
Cost R400 per session, R4 000 for 12 sessions
Skin & Body at The Bay Hotel
Victoria Road, Camps Bay. 021 438 4444
Aromatic Corps Minceur A 55-minute body contouring treatment incorporating essential oils to slim, detoxify and tone the body. R450
Sanctuary Spa at the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Victoria Road, Camps Bay. 021 437 0677
The Sanctuary Spa has a number of body treatments that detoxify and boost circulation.
Cape treatment A body wrap that aids slimming. The treatment lasts 60 minutes and uses Moya Cape fynbos products which have a detoxifying effect and reduce fluid retention. R420
Buchu Wrap Buchu is a fynbos extract that detoxifies and restores the body. The 60-minute treatment extracts toxins and stimulates blood circulation which reduces cellulite. R420
Lymph drainage Flushes toxins out of the system and boosts circulation. R290 (30 mins), R490 (60 mins)