Remember to clear your snorkel

from khuluma May 2021

HER mOTHER’S DAUgHTER

‘D o you have a massage for me?’ is probably not the best question to ask when you find yourself outside a backstreet pummel parlour in Cape Town’s wildlands. But were of panpipes wafting in through cleverly hidden speakers. Though, to be honest, I could have done with less of the panpipes and more of the silence. The massage was bliss, the therapist expertly throwing caution to the wind, and looking for a good yarn, rolling my aching muscles under her strong hands. I plunged in. I should have walked on by. Led into a back room, far from the essential oils and aromatherapy calm one expects of a spa, the State The oil used was a secret blend and the aroma was hard to place. There was a pepper, a mint, and a wild sage to it. At least, that is what it bouquet was one of dirty feet, sweaty socks. It turned out to be the best thing about the whole experience. The toupee-wearing therapist – let’s call him Bruce – splashed of smelled like. Afterwards, in a state of consummate relaxation, I slid down the hall to the recovery room, my legs a liquid shade oregano oil on to my back and told me it was a good liver detox. Then he proceeded to, well, pummel me, accompanied by the trills of the harmonica coming from the flat bliss of comfort. Here, the tasty, healthy, nibbly bits and fizz were designed to be the bridge between the sheer indulgence of a massage and the upstairs and what sounded like a bar brawl real world. outside. It took a week for my bowels to settle. For a state of calm mindfulness and repose, there is

It took about a year before I ventured near a spa again. little better than a full-body massage under the expert

But venture I did, and this time around it was a far more hands of a properly trained and qualified therapist. delicious affair. Walking into the sun-drenched lobby, I Everything should be designed for your pleasure, from was consumed by the aroma of fynbos – surely from the the muted colours of the spa and the dimmed lighting, oils and unctions used in the treatments. The serenity to the thick carpets muffling the sounds of walking. was instantly calming. This was going to be good – but Even the low murmur of other voices dialled down to it was better than good. Disrobing in my own cubicle, I almost inaudible. This is how a spa experience should buried myself in the soft, fluffy gown neatly folded on the play out, a soundtrack to a zen-like peace. chair. And was led to the therapy room. Here the sounds If you love someone, send them to a spa.

Leave your stress zone behind with the Lorraine Kearney spa guide

Rewild in Ballito

The thing about the Esse Concept Store in Ballito is that it only uses Esse products, designed in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal. They’re organic, they’re vegan, they’re probiotic, and they’re beautiful. The Esse Experience and the Ultimate Esse Experience are the two signature facial treatments, and both use pre- and probiotics to improve the microbial balance of the skin. Talk these days is often about rewilding. Well, Esse is on a mission to rewild your skin, by helping to imbue you with a healthy skin microbiome. esseskincare.com

A spa safari

Looking to spoil mum this Mother’s Day? The signature Luxury Mini Package at The Gwahumbe Spa – at the Gwahumbe Reserve in Illovo, KwaZulu-Natal – includes a 45-minute spa treatment, a two-course lunch with wine, and a game drive, so the most important woman in your life will get to experience the whole of Gwahumbe. Located in the African bush, the spa overlooks stunning valley views. It’s a relaxing, peaceful spot totally immersed in nature. And it is just an hour from Durban – an easy day trip. gwahumbe.co.za

Like it hot?

In Chintsa, on the Wild Coast, Crawfords Beach Lodge offers a blissful hot stone massage at its Senses Spa – the warmth and muscle tingles will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. And then there’s that glass of bubbly and an indoor Jacuzzi to remove any residual stress. Afterwards, take a walk on the beach and watch the Indian Ocean crash against the shore. It’s about an hour from East London. crawfordsbeachlodge.co.za

Beach, please!

Since there are few more relaxing places on earth than the Wild Coast, you may be tempting a coma by going in for the ‘bathing ritual’ at the Umngazi Spa. Perched on a hilltop – the highest point of the entire Umngazi resort (more about that on page 41) – the spa offers the opportunity to relax in a bath overlooking the beach and the ocean. With sliding doors flung wide open to allow the sounds of the sea in, it’s pure magic. And then there are all those welltrained hands offering extensive therapies and treatments combined with delicious aromas (and sublime sea views) – the allure of perfect pampering is ceaseless. umngazi.co.za

Seaside shhh…

The Sea Whisperer treatment at the Suncoast Hotel Spa in Durban offers a fusion of different types of massage styles from around the world. The signature treatment uses aromatic oils and a relaxing massage technique that trades in long strokes, thumb and palm pressure to relieve stress and recharge your body, mind and spirit. Finish with a cocktail on the pool deck or hit the Promenade for a stroll. tsogosun.com

The spa journey

The Saxon Spa, at Joburg’s Saxon Hotel, is an oasis of calm in a city known for its buzz. Its Signature Journeys are utterly unique experiences, and the Digital Detox Journey is the first of its kind in the country. It includes a mindfulness exercise, a full-body exfoliation, a combination of silicone cupping and deep tissue massage and finally a lymphatic drainage. It sounds like a lot, but no doubt it is worth every minute. Round it off with a high tea in the Piano Lounge. saxon.co.za

Spa in a stable

It made its mark thanks to the curvaceous roof of its pretty chapel, and now Bosjes – a guest farm at the foot of the Waaihoek Mountain in the Breede Valley, some 28km from Ceres – has added a spa. Located in the farm’s original stables, Die Stalle has two treatment rooms, a sauna and Rasul chamber, all imaginatively rendered by interior designer Liam Mooney to create a seriously sublime sanctuary. While you can make a day of it, you could also dip into one of their packages – two nights in the boutique guesthouse, breakfast, dinner, fullbody massage, hydrating facial, and a hydrotherapy session. A perfect Mother’s Day treat. bosjes.co.za

Sip and spa

In the foothills of Cape Town’s gentle Steenberg, next door to the Norval Foundation art gallery, the Steenberg Spa is on a wine farm, so there’s an inherent understanding of the role played by nature and the elements in making us feel at peace. The setting is totally sublime and so, in addition to serene indoor therapy rooms, Steenberg offers (weather permitting, of course) outdoor spa treatments in its scented garden, as well as poolside manis and pedis. It even has mini spa treatments for your mini me. Don’t forget to take a turn at the Norval when you’re done; or perhaps you’ll simply want to settle in for lunch on the estate or grab a suite for the night. steenbergfarm.com