After a blissful 90-minute massage at the Fresh Wellness Spa in Constantia, my mom and I went for a walk through the famous gardens of the Cellars-Hohenort Hotel. We meandered past rose gardens and through pockets of indigenous forest.
View from the Fresh Wellness Spa.
“I can’t believe I’ve never been to this incredible place,” said my mum who’s been a Cape Town local since 1990. My massage left me in a profound state of blissfulness. “I think that an annual massage at the end of the year is the perfect way to wash away old worries and ready body and soul for a new year,” I said to my mom. She agreed, but could think of a few other reasons to sign up for a massage. “It’s also a good treat to signify the beginning of autumn or winter or spring,” she added. There are indeed many reasons to treat yourself to a massage. Whatever your inspiration, find at least one reason, once a year, for a massage. It’s the ultimate gift to self.
Indigenous gardens of The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel.
2016 was a year of great excitements, extreme changes and big challenges. By the time I landed back in Cape Town after 6 months in London, I was exhausted. My reset button was the 5-senses massage booked at the Fresh Wellness Spa, which forms part of the elegant Cellars-Hohenort Hotel in Constantia. Erin, my massage therapist, guided me to a candle-lit room.
Erin, my massage therapist.
I slid onto the massage bed and slipped into a deep state of relaxation. First Erin soaked, exfoliated and rubbed my feet. She then moisturized my face and skillfully applied pressure on my power points. Next up were my legs. Erin worked her way along my weary muscles with hot stones, followed by the refreshing sensation of a chilled bamboo stick. She then applied floral oils to my hands and arms and massaged all the tension from my body. The final treat was my back massage. I requested intense pressure and Erin knew just how to get into the deepest of tissue. While Erin worked her magic, my eyes were closed and my ears attuned to the soundtrack of Out of Africa.
Guests enjoying summer in the Cape.
By the time I bid Erin farewell I felt like a new person and ready to take on 2017. Mum and I listened to the French swirled around by hotel guests and admired the beautiful gardens. Our visit to The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel ended with the loveliest of English traditions: afternoon tea and butter scones served in the garden.
My mum and I walking through the gardens.
About The Cellars Hohenort & Fresh Wellness Spa
At Fresh Wellness one is surrounded by the plush gardens of the world renowned, 5-star Cellars-Hohenort Hotel that forms part of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux hotel group. All treatments encapsulate the five senses. Using oil from the Stellenbosch vines, authentic techniques and various natural elements, the Fresh Wellness spa guest can be assured an experience that will be as refreshing as a breath of new life. The treatments on offer include skin and hydro treatments, body wraps and exfoliation, massages, manicures and pedicures and decadent full-day spa packages. The Constantia Valley is a diverse, historic region and home to popular wine routes, forests, plantations and the beautiful Constantia Nek Mountain walk – all dating back to the 1680s. Website: www.freshwellness.co.za
Enter to win a 90-MINUTE 5-SENSES Massage at the Fresh Wellness Spa. More details here: COMPETITION.
