Once in a while you have an experience that changes how you see something. For me, it was a boma massage at Indigo Fields in the Midlands. Situated on the R103, Indigo Fields is nestled among many other farms near Nottingham Road. Indigo Fields is home to beautiful lavender plantations, which they use to make candles, lotions and sprays for their guests.
I drove through rain on my way to Indigo Fields and was hoping the sun would make an appearance on this particular morning. Later I discovered that the cold weather only enhanced the boma experience. I arrived two hours early for my treatment, but that just gave me more time to get acquainted with the real stars of the farm – the dogs. As I spoke to the owner, Jennifer Hindle, Bella, a two-year-old bulldog cross snuggled up against me. She chased the other four dogs away because, as I was later told by the staff, she likes to be the centre of attention.
Hindle then escorted me to a private room where I waited for an hour before being taken to the lion room, where I slipped into a gown and slippers.
I was then driven to the bush willow boma, about 200m from the main office, for my 90-minute hot stone massage. I had never had a hot stone massage before and the weather was ideal for it. There are four bomas, including the river boma and ouhat. The smell of lavender permeated the room and the heavy rains outside set the tone for the bliss that was to come. Xolisile Manyoni was my massage therapist for the afternoon. What I loved about her was the passion she had for her job. She used every opportunity to tell me about Indigo Fields. There are a range of other treatments available, including a head, neck and shoulder massage with a herbal facial, full body Swedish and steam, Jacuzzi and body scrub.
While Manyoni was finishing my massage, lunch was being prepared.
Lunch is a unique dining experience for guests and seclusion is part of the package. Dining areas are scattered throughout Indigo Fields with carefully-laden tables to suit individual needs. I sat in one of the guest lounges that had vintage elements. The lounges were decorated by Hindle, who does her shopping at antique shops or auctions. There was a bottle of water, juice and condiments on the table when I was seated by the waitress. Hidden under a basket was the lavender and olive bread – so fresh I could have eaten just that for lunch. In fact, I would gladly drive the hour and a half to the Midlands just for this bread.
I wish more establishments would offer private dining options because not everyone wants to eat in their suite if they want a little bit of privacy.
After I had filled my belly with a healthy lunch, it was time for me to leave Indigo Fields. However, guests usually book in for the night at one of their accommodation venues to rest and take in the scenery before the long drive home. Perhaps next time.