Luxury Africa Travel’s Blog

Tswalu Kalahari Spa has won the “Best Safari Spa Award” in the 2011 Les Nouvelles Esthétiques Spa Awards. Tswalu Spa Manager Corli Schoeman was named runner up in the “Spa Management Excellence Award”.
Russel Binks, MD of Tswalu Kalahari, said that the awards are a huge boost to South Africa’s biggest privately-owned game reserve.

“It’s wonderful to receive such positive recognition for what we are doing at Tswalu,” he said.  “We completed a refurbishment of the spa last year and appointed Corli as the new spa manager shortly afterwards. She immediately revamped the treatment menu and has done wonders in training a local therapist, as well as ensuring the spa is an integral part of the Tswalu experience.”
Managing Editor of Les Nouvelles Esthétiques, Dr Nadine de Freitas, said that the Spa Awards, now in their 7th year, are flourishing in an internationally growing market place.
“The stature of the awards means that we can provide South African and international spa visitors and media with a comprehensive choice of award-winning spas and a reliable source and spa information and recommendations, within South Africa,” she explains.
“In judging the spas, we look for the personalised aspects in the spa visit, in addition to absolute attention to detail, impeccable spa standards and faultless service excellence, which all adds up to a spa experience which is beyond the client’s expectations.”
The 2011 Spa Awards consists of five categories, namely Boutique Hotel Spas, Day Spa, Resort/Hotel Spa, Unique Spa Concept and Safari Spa categories.

Says Dr de Freitas: “The Safari Spa Category is our international flagship category as it represents the essence of Africa, through the combination of safari and spas. Tswalu Spa sets a benchmark for safari spas in South Africa.”
The Spa Management Excellence Award is a new award this year, introduced to recognise excellence in spa management, and managers who go beyond the call of duty.
“Corli has reformed the Tswalu Kalahari Spa completely. She delights her clients through her knowledge and care, and is constantly praised for being quite magical at what she does.  Not only is she exceptional at her chosen profession, but her enthusiasm and experience is something she likes to share with others - she has successfully trained and mentored Betty Ntaolong, a 33-year old waitress, so that she was able to qualify in Holistic Massage, and is now working as a spa therapist at Tswalu” says Binks.

Tswalu Kalahari Spa is a combination of sensual spaces which combine to create an inspirational venue for what must be one of the most unusual spa experiences in Africa.

Designed to enhance the natural beauty of the Kalahari and take advantage of the superb climate, the outdoor treatment area is within an indigenous spa garden where guests may find the occasional antelope grazing alongside them and be lulled into a deep state of relaxation by the sound of birdsong.

Surrounded by endless blue skies and the unique vegetation of the Green Kalahari, guests who indulge in the authentic signature massages performed by local therapists, will discover the Spa’s ethos of “closer to the land, closer to the people.”

The indoor spa area is a natural extension of the earth, inspired by nature and the splendour of the Kalahari, with natural finishes and fabrics and simple spaces which together create a sense of tranquility and barefoot elegance.

Guests may also choose to have their treatments at an outdoor tsala, where a rustic structure protects one from the elements and is positioned to give a bird’s eye view of the open grasslands of the reserve against the backdrop of the Korannaberg Mountain range.

Treatments at Tswalu Spa include exfoliation treatments using fine red Kalahari dune sand or desert mineral crystals from the natural mineral rich salt pans of the Kalahari, infused with plant-based emollient rich aromatic oils.

For more information or to book contact us.

Life should be treasured and enjoyed to the fullest. When you really need that time off or simply have a desire to be taken away with a mind blowing relaxing spa experience, treat yourself by completely unwinding at one of these upmarket luxury spas in Southern Africa.

All of these hotels are situated in South Africa, Seychelles, Maldives and Namibia. The 15 luxury hotels featured in the gallery can be booked on our website, luxuryafricatravel.com. We have taken extra care to select them, it was not hard, please enjoy!

Mmmm, which one is your favourite?

Laurence Graff, Chairman of Graff Diamonds International Ltd, re-opens Delaire Graff Estate in June 2009 after a complete rebuild. Delaire, one of South Africa’s finest vineyards in Stellenbosch was acquired by Graff in 2003 vowing to make it one of South Africa’s ultra premier wineries and prominent restaurant and hotel destination.

Delaire’s unique location on the crest of the panoramic Helshoogte Mountain Pass is noted for its high altitude vineyards, excellent soils and cooling sea breezes. The contemporary architecture has been designed to combine a 230 ton wine cellar, one of the most advanced in the Southern Hemisphere, ensuring that Delaire Wines continue to improve year on year. A unique restaurant, designed by David Collins of London, the world famous architect will combine indigenous African Architectural influences with some of the local Cape Dutch Style. Artworks represent some of SA’s finest contemporary artists and have been selected by Laurence Graff, a major collector of contemporary art.

The grounds have been designed and re-landscaped by Keith Kirsten of Keith Kirsten Horticulture, a multi gold medal finalist at Chelsea Flower Show. Native plants and trees have been used to ensure that, ecologically, the land surrounding the vineyards is spectacular and form a beautiful backdrop to the winery itself. Some of South Africa’s leading sculptors have been commissioned to create works for the exterior which will be a significant part of the Delaire experience.

Being in a Mediterranean climate, it is apt that authenticity and finesse, whilst yielding robust flavours from local produce, is combined to create a ‘Sunshine Cuisine’. General Manager, Johann Laubser, comments “our Executive Chef, Christiaan Campbell, will create exceptional cuisine with fresh, vibrant menus. The Delaire Graff Estate Restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience.”

The lunch menu is light and vibrant in form with many of the dishes being baked or roasted in wood fired ovens. The evening menu shows great delicacy and elegance in its presentation and tastes without departing from signature bold flavours. Guests are able to dine on the terrace under a canopy of pin oak trees or within the spectacular interiors whilst enjoying the breathtaking views Delaire allows of the Stellenbosch valley and mountains.

The dishes on the menu will change regularly, using the best ingredients available on the day. The estate’s herb and vegetable gardens along with local fresh seafood suppliers, artisan cheeses, poultry and meat producers, will supply the kitchens. Delaire Wines, blended by Morne Vrey an energetic and motivated South African wine maker with extensive international and local wine making experience, perfectly match Christiaan Campbell’s “Sunshine Cuisine”. Delaire wines are available from the estate, are listed in several important wine manuals and distributed worldwide so can also be enjoyed at home.

See photos and learn more about Delaire Graff Estate in Stellebosch here.

Cape Grace, a top 5 star hotel situated at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, celebrates top honours for both its Food & Beverage outlets held at this year’s prestigious V&A Waterfront Restaurant awards. Signal won in the Best Deluxe category and Bascule in Best Pub Style. Natalie van der Merwe’s signature service from Bascule won her the Best Service award in Pub/Bar category.

Signal serves creative Cape cuisine that’s fresh and innovative resulting in unique combinations of mouth watering dishes that reflect the many cultures which helped to shape Cape Town’s heritage. Bascule offers the ideal setting as a glamorous whisky, wine and cocktail bar where whisky connoisseurs and social butterflies gather to enjoy a serving of Cape Town’s social buzz.

Leading up to the awards, a team of highly respected food critics dined across the waterfront over a period of weeks to select their favourite restaurants. The judging process was strict, and after a rigorous selection process Signal and Bascule came out on top in their respective categories. A total of six restaurants were chosen as winners in their various categories.

Click here to learn more about the Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town.

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is a sanctuary of holistic healing and natural wellness, nestled at the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, only 270km from Cape Town.

The Spa at Bushmans Kloof has just undergone a complete transformation, reflecting the very latest advances in global spa and wellness trends. Designed in natural muted tones of whites, creams, beiges, stones and marble, it exudes a calming, light and spiritual ambience, where guests can succumb to the tranquil world of pampering.

New Spa at Bushmans Kloof

Almost doubling in size, the Spa now has 2 additional single treatment rooms with private showers and 2 dual treatment rooms, as well as a tranquillity lounge that leads to the serene, secluded spa gardens filled with indigenous organic herbs and fynbos. The new dual Crystal Steam room, with en suite rain showers, offers a purifying and cleansing steam ritual. Individual ladies and gentleman’s changing rooms, and a fully equipped fitness centre complete guests’ quest for feeling and looking better.

The riverside dual Spa Gazebo is the ultimate experience for indoor/outdoor treatments, with its panoramic views of the staggering rock formations and the endless reserve.

An extraordinary mosaic panel has been designed for the spa by South African artist Jane Durand, using thousands of hand cut pieces of glass and porcelain that depict and honour the ‘Tree of Life’, and the unique abundance of the flora and fauna found in the Cederberg area, such as Protea, Fynbos flowers, grasses, chameleons, lizards, birds and insects.

Guests can choose from a range of soothing, pampering and regenerative treatments by internationally recognised brands (Elemis and Dermalogica), as well as experience the unique healing extracts and essences from our locally grown Rooibos and Fynbos flowers, famous for their rejuvenating qualities.

New Spa at Bushmans Kloof

Bushmans Kloof’s signature treatments have been created by our expert therapists to heal, invigorate, and nourish the body, the senses and the inner being, leaving guests feeling delightfully rested and totally at peace.  These include the signature Cederberg ‘SOUL’ution, a 90-minute body treatment which includes a deeply soothing massage using hot stones to relax the muscles, a Rooibos Milk Bath foot treatment, which stimulates the system, and a Face and Scalp massage, which treats and unwinds all tension.

A new Hip Spa menu has also been created exclusively for young guests (10 to 17 years old) to introduce to them to wellness, beauty and relaxation, and the importance of taking care of their health.

Bushmans Kloof is a Natural Heritage site and custodian of over 130 San rock art sites, giving guests a wealth of unique insights into the mystical world of these ancient hunter-gatherers. At this perfect getaway, an inspiring range of outdoor activities allows guests to reconnect with themselves and nature, while enjoying the exhilarating freedom of exploring this predator-free reserve. These include mountain biking, hiking, archery, canoeing, swimming in crystal clear waterfalls and rock pools. Yoga mats are also provided in each of the 16 luxurious Rooms and Suites.

New Spa at Bushmans Kloof

One of the greatest pleasures at this unique retreat is that guests can simply choose to do nothing but unwind, inhale the achingly beautiful landscape and succumb to the peace, quiet and tranquillity on their private terrace, in the magnificent gardens, or beside one of the four swimming pools.

Koro Lodge is a fully catered for private villa, 5 minutes from the Main Lodge, and  the ideal hideaway for families with children of all ages, or groups of friends wanting their own private wilderness. Spa treatments can be arranged at the villa or they can be equally enjoyed at the Main Lodge, Spa and outdoor Gazebo.

To celebrate the reopening of the stunning new spa at Bushmans Kloof, a range of special spa packages has been created, focusing on wellness and healing. Among these are the 2-night Wellness in the Wilderness getaway, that represents exceptional value from only R2440 per person sharing for 2 nights. Included is splendid accommodation, 4 deliciously healthy meals a day created with ingredients from their own organic gardens, a choice of two spa treatments tailored for specific needs, as well as a selection of special wellness treats. (R2440 per person sharing rate valid until 31 August 2010; then R3290 between 1 September and 31 October 2010).

Internationally recognised for its exceptional overall experience and service, Bushmans Kloof was voted Best Hotel in the World 2009 by Travel + Leisure, 2nd Best Hotel in the World for Service in Travel + Leisure Magazine World’s Best Awards 2010, and Winner in the Spa Magazine Silver Sage Reader’s Choice Award (2009) in the category Favourite Resort / Hotel Spa – Africa and the Middle East.