As I was walking over to the One & Only Spa‘s island from the hotel, I couldn’t help but have a spring in my step and a silly grin plastered on my face. There were not two ways about it, I was excited for my winter special experience at the best spa in all of Africa. The One & Only was awarded this title at the 2014 World Spa and Wellness Awards and has been named the best on the continent for many years running by The Spa Traveler, Spa Magazine, Travel + Leisure and many more.
As I walked into the spa, the decor was everything I expected from the One & Only – comfortable and opulent in earthy tones. I made sure that I arrived before my treatments so that I could make the best of the spa facilities and I’m so glad that I did.
I started off by wading into the vitality pool and laying down on a bed of heavenly jets. Alone, in what I’d call an oversized jacuzzi, I closed my eyes and thought about what a lovely treat it was to start off my weekend with a winter spa experience at the One & Only. After reflecting on my ever-improving luck, I took the pondering into the sauna, poured some water over the coals and laid down for some more quiet time.
Heading out to the waiting room, I grabbed a glass of ice tea to sip on while I waited to be led into my room. The One & Only Spa is currently running a Winter African Escape special, I chose the three treatment package valued at R1 095. My 90 minutes was filled by the African Baobab Body Exfoliation, the Amarula Baobab Nourishing Skin Body Wrap, and lastly, the Amarula Cream Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage.
I had the lovely Milinda Philander as my spa therapist who led me into a warm room. The bed was as snug with the use of an electric blanket to heat it up and winter blankets to keep in the warmth. First up was the Baobab exfoliating mud scrub, which was the perfect choice for my sensitive skin type as it was soothing. After my skin was prepped by the exfoliating scrub, my body was completely covered in nourishing Amarula Baobab mud and I was then wrapped up into a cocoon.
During this body wrap, I was treated to one of the best scalp massages I’ve ever had using the ESPA Pink Hair Scalp Mud. While I was drifting off to sleep, Milinda prepared my rain shower so that I could rinse off the mud for the next treatment. By the time I was back on the bed ready for the Amarula Cream back, neck and shoulder massage an hour had already passed. The massage also included a mini realignment which was gladly welcomed and to finish off the treatment by entire body was moisturised with the Amarula cream.
After all that magical goodness, I gently came back to reality in the comfort of the One & Only Spa’s relaxation room. In the relaxation room, you can enjoy some drinks and refreshments while you lie down working up the courage to leave.
I hope you can treat yourself to some time out spa style at One & Only soon!
Click here for more on the Winter African Escape special.
Photography Cassidy Emmanuel, Courtesy