If you’re going to have a 24 carat gold facial, it might as well be at an exotic resort destination!
So off I went to Zimbali, the only hotel in South Africa that belongs to the Fairmont collection, which includes The Plaza in New York, The Savoy in London and Dubai’s Fairmont The Palm, among many others.
Their Willow Stream Spas are globally renowned for being rooted in their locale but offering an international standard and so you can and must demand only the very best.
From the Zimbali Gold Anti-Ageing Facial Experience, with products from the Black Pearl range, I expected a kind of Goldfinger moment.
After all, who could forget Shirley Eaton painted in gold in the ’60s Bond movie.
However, it’s best not to think of that kind of glimmering yellow gold that we often associate with jewellery.
Gold is dense, solid in its natural state and to be converted into a cream, it is highly manipulated.
It is indeed, real gold – the benefits of which are extolled across various fields from cancer research to electronics – but these are nano particles of gold, engineered for absorption into the skin.
It was my moment to shine!
The facial begins with a cleanse, but from there on there is nothing regular about it.
The mask is only the culmination of a host of other rare ingredients, applied to the face in novel ways.
There is a golden flower lymphatic drainage massage for the face – with rose quartz – followed by a Thai pearl calcium carbonate hydration cream, loaded with rare algae (if you have shellfish allergies, forget about it) and antioxidants to combat free radicals and somewhat detox the skin.
Which is probably why I had a bit of a delayed breakout.
The entire facial is designed to stimulate the skin and increase blood flow.
The 24 carat Cleopatra mask feels light and granular. Dry and a bit like a salt scrub.
It is removed with magnets.
The mask also includes a lot of mud and minerals such as iron, zinc and selenium.
The idea is to exfoliate the skin, then hydrate it with these rich ingredients and leave the tiny nano particles in the skin for radiance.
At about R1 425 for a 90-minute “experience” facial (which includes a back massage) you will find that treatments such as this tend to deliver, albeit for a short period.
Black Pearl is an innovative new line available at Fairmont Zimbali Resort’s Willow Stream Spa.
I definitely had a glow from the gold on my skin which, thanks to the light-deflecting properties, created a flawless appearance and diminished lines and spots for a few days.
Nanotechnology is plausible but women will surely gravitate to the idea of gold and its symbolism above all else.
Gold facials are popular as they are said to rebuild collagen, promote cell rejuvenation and improve skin flexibility while nourishing it.
In Italy, they are valued for the instant glow they offer and are used on brides’ faces, décolletage and hands.
The facial is appealing on many levels. It’s unique and luxurious and will certainly appeal to those looking for a brand new “fringe” experience.
I’d certainly recommend it, unless you have highly sensitive skin – you feel your skin being exfoliated. It’s ideal for a special occasion. I’d do it on the same day though.