From the vibrant decor and soulful treatments to the warmth and generosity of the staff, the Spa at Cape Town’s elegant Cape Grace hotel is deeply rooted in South African spirit and tradition. The latest addition to the spa menu, the Nimue Spa Body Treatment (a wrap followed by a full-body massage) tones and detoxifies using a cream with therapeutic extracts of Kigelia africana, the African sausage tree. The signature African Cape Massage combines locally distilled snowbush oil and shea body butter with rhythmic, circular massage movements based on ancient healing rituals of the country’s Khoi-San people, who would dance in circles to induce a deep state of relaxation. A rain shower in the hot spa room ends this soothing therapy, recalling the Khoi-San’s traditional rain dance.

Another favorite, the four-handed Thaba Treatment instills relaxation with colorful beads from the native Xhosa tribe and relieves muscle tension using a knopkierie, a knobbed wooden club traditionally carried by South Africa’s Zulu warriors.

Rejuvenation begins even before you set foot inside the spa, which is exclusive to Cape Grace guests, and extends throughout your stay. A cozy robe and slippers are delivered to your room well in time for each treatment. And a recently developed spa cuisine menu offers a range of nutrition-packed treats around the clock, including a jungle oat smoothie and Thai mix wrap. Also new this year, guests can request the delivery of specific in-room fitness equipment, including treadmills, stationary bikes, free weights, and Pilates mats. For more information call (011) 27-21-410-7100 or visit www.capegrace.com.

– Isabelle Gull

January/February 2006

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