Located in the hub of the Southern suburbs, nestled in between a string of restaurants lies the Sanctuary Signature Spa. I arrive at the spa bright-eyed and bushy tailed looking forward to a relaxing 90 minutes worth of massage. Certainly an ideal way to start a weekend and to ebb the stresses of the work week away. I introduce myself to the lady at the front desk stating my purpose for the visit, and I’m welcomed with a warm ‘of course, we’ve been expecting you’. After being given the treatment of an esteemed guest, I immediately feel at home.
As it’s positioned in the middle of town, one would not imagine the Sanctuary Spa to have a seaside resort feel to it. And yet it does, with bright open spaces, background music of rushing sea swirls and the caws of seagulls, one immediately succumbs to feelings of relaxation. While waiting the short time for my treatment to start, I get offered a beverage. Not the usual tea, water or coffee, but a revitalising pomegranate and apple herbal tea. It seemed like the detoxification had already begun.
I was then introduced to my masseuse, Pumi. An outstanding professional if ever there was one. Despite being a mother of two kids under the age of five, she never once displayed her tiredness even though it was early and her sleep patterns were interrupted.
As a runner whose feet are often calloused from stomping the pavement, my welcome foot soak was a well-appreciated experience. After a soak and rub down, it was time for some much-needed pampering.
Having only received the most basic of back massages, I really didn’t know what to expect, and so when I was told to strip down completely while being handed over a flimsy pair of disposable underwear, I was a little aghast. But after my initial hesitancy, I eased into it. After all, I’m sure Pumi had seen her fair share of wobbly bits.
I was treated to one of the spa’s signature treatments, the Moya Crystal massage. A 90-minute rub down of pure bliss, it’s said to rid you of everyday stresses and improves general well- being. After a quick back massage to ease my ever so tight shoulder muscles, I was told to turn over. Pumi then placed crystals on my forehead and on the crevices of my body in order to channel my çhakras. Chakras are spiritual powers – the energy force contained within the body that when opened rids one of anxiety, stress and other negative influences.
I don’t necessarily consider myself a spiritual person, but once I had gotten used to the heavy weight of a crystal placed on my forehead, I opened my mind up to the experience. I’m so glad I did. A hot oil was then lathered and massaged into my body using a smooth stone. Feeling all warm and cosy, I was almost in a state of catatonic relaxation. And it’s no wonder – the oil was made up of camomile and jasmine.
Again, I was told to turn over, and this time a heated heavy bag was placed on my back while Pumi continued to slather oil on the backs of legs, soles of my feet and palms of my hands. Once lathered up, Pumi placed the warm stones in both my hands to hold onto, putting a new spin on the term ‘stress ball’. By the time my treatment was complete, although jelly limbed from not having a single knot in my body, I certainly felt like a rejuvenated person.
Reasonably priced with a relaxed ambience and amazingly proficient staff, Newland’s Sanctuary Spa is certainly worth a visit!
OF NOTE
Where Newlands Sanctuary Spa, 3 Cardiff Castle, Main Street, Newlands
When Monday to Sunday 8 am – 8 pm
Cost See website for pricing
Contact +27 21 683 7929, [email protected], sanctuaryspa.co.za
So pleased you enjoyed your time with us! Cape Town Etc