Durban - The only thing that is overlooked is the sea – that’s the fun, clever plug line for the elegant spa that fills the entire ninth floor of the art deco-designed, pretty in white-and-blue pastels Suncoast Towers adjoining Durban’s Suncoast Casino.
I found myself at this Durban Golden Mile landmark with a partner last weekend, enjoying not only a great full body massage that was so relaxing I almost dozed off, but also my first-ever facial, which made for a revitalising and rejuvenating experience.
Body scrubs and exfoliations, wraps, pedicures and manicures, spa packages, and special packages that can be tailor-made for you… all are on offer at the spa, which is open seven days a week, from 8am to 9pm.
The relaxation and soul-nurturing proved a wonderful way to wash away the week’s stress, and the weekend pampering continued with a hearty meal in the hotel’s elegant, lower ground floor Riviera Restaurant, followed by an overnight stay in a suite overlooking the Indian Ocean, and a great buffet breakfast.
But back to that spa – my partner and I were treated to the hotel’s signature massage, The Sea Whisperer, in one of the two dual treatment rooms.
The amiable therapists, Lindi and Thando, the afternoon we were there, have been trained by Indonesian therapists in the Sea Whisperer massage and other treatments.
The Sea Whisperer involves a flowing sequence of massage that fuses massage styles from around the world to lull you into a blissfully relaxed state.
The hour-long session we had costs R550, but also available are sessions lasting 75 minutes (R600) and 90 minutes (R720).
We were treated to the 30-minute Babor Express Facial which involves a deep-cleanse, tone and moisturise with products adapted to your skin type. The cost for this treatment is R380.
The spa offers seven treatment rooms, each with en-suite facilities to create a very private and relaxing space for your comfort and enjoyment.
Few things can be better than the contentment one has after a massage and facial, sipping complimentary orange juice and biting into the dainty fruit skewers provided, while soaking in that spectacular, sprawling view of the sea.
The Suncoast Towers offers spacious, tastefully decorated rooms, the suite including DStv and a mini bar, and there is also a fully equipped gym on the premises.
The hotel’s architecture, in keeping with the feel of the neighbouring casino, mirrors the classic art deco of Miami.
There is a choice of 37 luxuriously appointed rooms, and a bonus is that guests have access to the Suncoast Sundeck, a grassed sundeck ideal for relaxation and tanning, and where free exercise classes are given each morning and evening.
There is also a special guest-only access to the casino through the hotel.
The Riviera Restaurant offers a mix of authentic Mediterranean dishes, local favourites and seafood treats for dinner, served between 6.30pm and 10.30pm, and is also where a fine breakfast buffet is offered from 6am to 10.30am.
The venue is also open for lunch on the terrace, beside the pool, from 11.30am, the terrace menu featuring a combination of Cuban and Asian delights. Guests can also enjoy a sundowner or three at The Riviera Bar, a funky cocktail pub with pretty good bar snacks.
l For more details about the hotel telephone 031 314 7878 or fax 031 314 7979. The postal address is Box 10690, Marine Parade, Durban 4056. For further info about the spa telephone 031 314 7900. - The Independent on Saturday