Stretching across lush farmland and game reserves, from tropical beaches to mountains, KwaZulu-Natal offers unlimited tourist possibilities. Whether you enjoy a World Heritage Site, a few hours at the shopping mall, a game drive, 18-holes of golf, or doing as little as possible, there will always be a wellnesscentre nearby.
Well worth a visit are:
Crowhurst Estate
In Kloof, half an hour from Durban, is this gracious century-old homestead converted into a distinguished boutique hotel and spa.
Find sanctuary in the secluded, classical garden teeming with bird life. Melt away any remaining stress in the spa with a deep tissue body massage, hot stone therapy, MATIS facial treatment or an Ahava mineral Dead Sea full body mudwrap.
Most packages include lunch, or, if staying overnight, dinner conjured by the resident chef.
Dr Ndlovu
Jon Bates went to extremes when he decided to diversify his sheep and cattle farm, Fordoun, in Nottingham Road. Haute cuisine replaced hay bales, the sheep were banished from the old stone barn and more heavy masonry added to create bedrooms, which were tastefully redecorated with fine cotton and linen.
But he didn’t lose touch with the earthiness of his roots, and enlisted the help of local healer Dr Elliot Ndlovu’s knowledge of traditional herbal medicine. The result: Fordoun was selected as a finalist from amongst the country’s most exclusive spa destinations at the inaugural Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards 2006, and was awarded Best Destination Spa at the 2006 Professional Beauty Magazine Show.
Fordoun Spa
Dr Ndlovu is both medicinal and spiritual healer, as well as a director of Fordoun Spa. He has created his curative centre in traditional Zulu style architecture amidst a garden of 120 species of healing plants.
Fordoun welcomes day and stay visitors and is one of a handful of world class therapy centres on the Midlands Meander. Here one can spend days buying arts and crafts from the galleries and shops, and you won’t go hungry either. Some of the country’s best produce comes from the Midlands and it can be savoured in everything from chic gourmet picnics to fine dinners.
Selborne Spa
Twenty years ago when Denis Barker created the first golf estate in South Africa here at Selborne on the South Coast, he carefully constructed the 18-hole course around the indigenous flora. This ensured the abundant bird and animal life stayed, which is immediately evident when you visit this refined boutique hotel and spa.
Created in and around the Barker’s historic family manor, Selborne is cocooned by an atmosphere even the word tranquillity doesn’t adequately describe. After a morning on the beach, indulge yourself with a MATIS facial and body treatment or an OPI manicure and pedicure while soaking up the sound of the nearby Indian Ocean carried in on the sea breeze.
Then keep the pace slow with a fine dinner at the hotel.
Falaza
Embark on a body safari in the heart of big five country at Falaza. Part of a privately owned game park, it is situated in sand dunes overlooking the marine shoreline and coral reefs at False Bay on the North Coast.
Every comfort is catered for in luxury tented camps with spacious dressing rooms and private sundecks. Begin your therapy with a traditional ‘izinwaya’ (foot gift). After cleansing in warm water infused with juniper, tangerine and blue mountain sage, your feet are wrapped in a cool, rejuvenating and softening foot mask.
Move on to a mesmerizing TheraNake sense-soothing therapy that replicates the earthy scents and wonder of Africa. Or succumb to the efficiency and gentleness of Thalgo’s active marine ingredients.
The Spa on Fairway
Overlooking the Beachwood Golf Course and the Indian Ocean, this good value centre offers a range of therapies. Pressed for time? Then try an Express Package that includes a manicure, back and Indian head massage. Or indulge yourself with the Full Day of Pampering so you can make the most of the jacuzzi, sparkling pool and sprawling lawns. They also offer Reiki, reflexology, Wat Po and Tai Chi.
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DR Ndlovu picture Courtesy & copyright Barry Downard