Johannesburg - Being a typical girl, I could have a massage every day of the week and never get tired of it. I’ve probably visited 90 percent of the good spas in Joburg, and have determined that a bad massage is really quite rare.
However, there are a few establishments that offer something different from the usual 60 minute aromatherapy or Swedish massage, and I find myself returning to these over and over.
Woodlands Wellbeing Spa
While the 45-minute drive to Muldersdrift means a visit to this spot needs to be reserved for the weekend, once there I feel like I’m a million miles away from the concrete jungle.
Glass-walled treatment rooms overlook a gentle stream, and the entire spa is designed to be integrated with the environment.
Woodlands has just launched its “breathwork” massage. Guided by the therapist, who will demonstrate specific breathing techniques, you’ll be encouraged to breathe more deeply and slowly throughout the massage. This aims to improve blood, lymphatic and energy flow in the body, while enhancing the healing benefits of massage by promoting oxygen delivery to cells and powerfully triggering a relaxation response.
At first, I found it strange to concentrate on something vs zoning out like I usually do, but afterwards I felt relaxed from the inside out.
Cost: R850/90 min (Special running for July: R590/60 min) Address: Driefontein Road, Muldersdrift. Call 011 668 1918. Visit www.wood landswellbeingspa.com.
Enmasse
When I’ve had a rough day at work, I love the fact that I can call up Enmasse at 5pm and get a booking for 8pm that same night. It’s rare to find a spa open until 10pm but Enmasse is not your average spa.
Instead, I like to think of it as a Hong Kong-inspired, psychedelic environment. Upon entering, you walk into the Zen tea lounge, where you’re invited to relax after treatment.
After changing into a white linen outfit, you’ll meet your therapist and make your way to the treatment room.
Being a Thai massage spot, no oil is used – I like to think of it as yoga and massage combined.
The post-massage ritual is almost as great as the massage itself – choose from more than 50 different teas, blended by Enmasse itself, while cuddling up with a blanket on the couch.
Cost: R425/60 min, R575/90 min. Address: 1 Corlett Drive, Illovo. Call 011 880 3020. Visit www.enmasse.co.za
Swani
A hidden gem in the true sense of the word, Swani is in the office block space of The Zone at Rosebank.
A women-only spa, owner Amanda Swanikar displays her passion in the detail – immaculate towels, spotless beds and a minimalist white and turquoise space.
You’ll be asked to choose what music you want to listen to. You can opt to spend the entire 60 minutes on a foot massage, or like me, half the time on your back with hot stones, and the rest on your head and neck.
This is a win for me, because I’m not a fan of having my legs and arms massaged, so at Swani I really feel like I’m getting full value for money.
Cost: R475/60 min, R620/90 min. Address: First Floor, Phase II of the Zone @ Rosebank. Call 011 447 4534. Visit www. swanispa.com
* Hasmita Nair was hosted by the spas above for this review.
Saturday Star