WHEN I spent the night at Belmond Mount Nelson last month, I was offered the opportunity to spend the afternoon at Librisa Spa. Naturally, I grabbed it with two sticky paws (I even put down my bubbly for a moment) and clutched it tightly to my bosom.
There are spa days and then there are Librisa Spa days. After a leisurely breakfast from the buffet in the Oasis and a late checkout from my luxurious suite (oh how sad I was to leave), I arrived at the spa ready to be pampered and cosseted all afternoon. The nice ladies at the front desk advised me they close at 7pm so I’d have to be out by then. It seemed fair.
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I’d selected two treatments: a facial and a massage. Belmond Mount Nelson is celebrating 100 years of being pink, which began in November 1918 at the end of the Great War, and there are all sorts of way this is marked throughout the hotel – from pink teatime treats, to pink bubblies and cocktails, to massages.
The signature rose petal blush poultice massage is described as “a tranquil experience…designed to enhance deep relaxation, muscle recovery and increased lymphatic flow from the tips of your toes to the intricate muscles of your face.”
It continues: “Our herbal poultices are handcrafted using our own local blend of herbs coupled with our signature Rose Petal and Geranium massage oil to restore harmonious flow. It leaves your skin nourished and your soul soothed.”
All of this is true. I was utterly relaxed and ready to move on to my Sothys facial. Now my skin is older and less prone to breakouts, I’ve come to love facials and the feeling of squeaky clean skin which I leave without make up as long as possible. Already being in a state of bliss, it didn’t take much more for me to slip into a lovely little nap during the mask segment of the treatment.
“Did I snore?” I asked afterwards. “Only a little,” the therapist said kindly.
Afterwards, I took my book to the conservatory where I relaxed with herbal tea and snacks, all included in the visit. Read more about my stay, and fabulous specials for South African guests here.
For more information, click here. Belmond Mount Nelson is at 76 Orange Street, Gardens. Telephone 021 483 1000.
PHOTO CREDIT: BIANCA COLEMAN ©