Be mindful of other people during your time at the spa. If you’re in a group, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun but be aware other people are there to relax also. Discretion and modesty in the changing area is advised and make sure you leave this area how you’d like to find it. If you’re going to a large spa or one that’s part of a hotel, you’ll probably find a whole host of extra facilities and services to take advantage of such as a pool, gym, sauna, bar, or restaurant. Make the most of it, it’s not often you get to treat yourself to a spa day. Finally, at the end of it all, keep in mind the tip. This obviously varies from spa to spa and between countries, so to be safe check the spa gratuity policy. Some places may charge this anyway, if in doubt go with 20% of the total treatment cost.
Popular Treatments If you’re unsure about which treatment to get or which is right for you then check out this handy rundown of the four most popular. Massage The quintessential spa treatment and by far the most common. Great for relaxing tired muscles, stimulating blood flow, and releasing endorphins. Massages come in many forms such as Swedish, Hot Stone, Deep Tissue, and Thai, to name but a few. Facial Our face is the most visible part of our body, and the first thing people see. It deserves pampering. Facial treatments include the combination of cleansing, extraction, and massage. They are designed to cleanse pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, and leave your face glowing.
Body Treatments Rejuvenating body treatments such as scrubs, wraps, and soaks, leave your skin feeling cleaner, fresher, and more radiant. Manicure & Pedicures A mani-pedi is the perfect complement to any one of the three treatments mentioned above. Having your hands and feet scrubbed, cleaned, and polished will leave you feeling great. The Benefits De-Stress: Regardless of treatment or procedure, a day at the spa will reduce stress and calm the mind.
ReflexologyTreat Skin: Facials, body treatments, and even massages all assist in enhancing skin quality Improve Blood Flow & Circulation: Massages have been shown to improve blood flow and circulation thus helping the body to function more efficiently. Enhanced Sleep: You can expect better sleep quality with a calm mind and improved blood flow. Relieve Pain: A good massage can relieve joint pain and aches. Just be sure to let the therapist know of any problem areas. Spas offer a holistic and healthy approach to wellness, with well-trained staff and the latest in technology and treatments. Spas are no longer the exclusive domain of the rich, they are accessible to everyone wanting to de-stress or simply enjoy a good pampering. Day Spa The main feature of this type is that it does not offer accommodation and visitors can go for an hour or a day as they please. Clients can choose single treatments or services like a massage, facial, mani / pedi, or they can combine spa services, take a half day package or a full day pamper. Some Day Spas also offer fitness facilities and individual training programmes.
Stay Spa This category applies to any Spa that offers accommodation. Usually regular day packages are also offered for those who would like to escape for just a day, as well as the multi night or overnight packages, at Health Farms or Spas, Resorts, Hotels and Retreat. Health Spa or Health Farm The name differs slightly here depending on where you are in the world Health Spa is commonly used in South Africa and the United States whereas Health Farm is used in the United Kingdom. The focus in this category is beauty, health and fitness in a relaxed setting. Guests can choose either healthy cuisine or whatever they like. Destination Spa This Spa is all about health and wellness. Guests will find healthy cuisine and professional treatments. Wellness talks and education also feature as well as fitness programmes designed to support and enhance well-being and good health. Location plays a major role in the popularity of a spa and visitors are spoilt for choice when coming to South Africa. Coastal spas which are sprinkled from Cape Town to KwaZulu-Natal provide stunning views, refreshing sea breezes and rejuvenating treatments. If you can't escape the city, take heart! All major cities have a variety of spas offering a range of treatments for the weary body. Resort or Hotel Spa A Resort Spa may have a particular focus be it Golf or Game activities or a Safari Lodge Health Spa. Both Hotels and Resorts generally have a wide variety of facilities and a Spa leisure centre with treatment rooms, a sauna and steam room, Jacuzzi and swimming pool, here guests can relax in their robes or fitness clothing but not in the main hotel buildings. Treatments offered cover the basics like massage, facials, beauty and body, although specialized treatments may not be available. Families generally enjoy these venues due to the variety of facilities offered, although the Spa centre may have age restrictions or at least on some of the treatments. Guests who want to focus on health and wellness may find it difficult to do so here because the emphasis is on relaxation and fun and full service menus in the restaurants.
Siyabona Africa recommends the Librisa Spa at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town. Holistic or Alternative Healing Spa For body and soul, this type of Spa is focused on the promotion of well-being and balance through modern health therapies and traditional beauty treatments. Health Hydro or Wellness Centre This venue is for clients wanting to change their lifestyles and educate themselves on how to prevent dis-ease and be pro-active in managing their health and wellness.
