If you’re looking for a beauty and wellness treatment that’s far from the run-of-the-mill mani-pedi or massage, you’re in for a treat! Whether you’re looking to while away in the hours in a serene setting or are a busy city dweller in need of a reset, we’ve filed down the lot to the very best splurge-worthy spoils in Joburg.
Africology Manicure and Pedicure
Don’t be intimidated by the high-end vibe of YouBar: Despite the luxe interior, hundreds of polish colours from brands like Gelish, Shellac, Vinylux and Morgan Taylor, and plush leather drying stations, its basic nail services cost about the same as your average neighbourhood parlour. Settle in at the upholstered-massage-chair-laden section for our favourite duo, the Africology Manicure (R425) and Pedicure (R450). With these signature treatments, you’re paying for the experience as much as the end result, and the focus is very much skin-related. Scrubs and creams play their part, but the real star here is the masque. You’ll submerge your hands and feet into a blend of rooibos, aloe and marula before they’re wrapped and heated for better penetration. While you’re waiting for the treatment to sink into your skin, your shoulders are lovingly massaged. Ten minutes later, the wrap is removed to reveal skin that feels softer than velvet and you get another delicious massage – this time your hands and feet. Better yet, you can sip complimentary bubbly while getting pampered … yes please!
Thrupps Illovo Centre, 204 Oxford Road, Illovo
011 880 3056
Facebook: @youbarnailandskin
Instagram: @youbar.allaboutyou
Sothys Triple Hydration Facial
From the moment you arrive at Fairlawns Spa, you’re treated like royalty. That’s certainly not the primary reason to book the Sothys Triple Hydration Facial (R850), but it’s a pleasing by-product. The spa itself, one of the most luxurious spaces in Joburg, is opulent and otherworldly. Everything is tailored to your taste, from the temperature of the room to the music you’ll listen to during the facial. The treatment is the most intense on our list. Developed by Parisian skincare brand Sothys, it’s a powerful combination of firm massage, rich masks, and moisturising serums to smooth and lift your skin. Did we mention that some of the products contain hyaluronic acid and patented boletus extract to reactivate the skin’s natural hydration levels to reveal a more youthful complexion? It’s the perfect solution to quench thirsty skin and combat dehydration – after just one treatment, your skin’s hydration levels will increase by 71%. With that price tag, it might not be something to add to your regular routine, but there’s no denying this ‘facelift’ facial gives impressive results, including zero eye bags.
1 Alma Road, Morningside
011 808 7300
Facebook: @fairlawnsboutiquehotel
Twitter: @fairlawnsboutiq
Instagram: @fairlawnsboutiquehotel
Sleep Improvement Massage
Life in Joburg can be tense. We hunch over technology all day long, sit through stressful meetings and stay at our desks into the evening, and gird ourselves for overcrowded commutes, comforting into unlikely gaps on the Gautrain. Enter the DaVinci Spa & Gym. Permit yourself a break from the low-grade sleep you’re accustomed to, put your slippered feet up and let the 90-minute pineal gland-stimulating Sleep Improvement Massage (R900) work its magic. The whole experience is delightful: You stand before your therapist in a darkened room and tell her all your real (and imaginary) aches and pains, while she examines you, tenderly, to tailor the session to your specific needs. On the table, things just get better – your feet are scrubbed with Terres d’Afrique baobab oil scrub, then every knot is unknit with a soothing full-body massage featuring warm aromatherapy oils and a unique rolling technique using ostrich eggs filled with baobab seeds. Parts of your body that have gone untouched for decades come back to life … who knew ankles were capable of intense pleasure? You’ll leave transformed!
DaVinci Hotel and Suites, corner of 5th & Maude Streets, Sandton
011 292 7200
Facebook: @legacybalancespas
Twitter: @legacybalance
Instagram: @legacybalancespas
Caffeine & Cashmere 