Review by Lisa Witepski
Let's face it: there's no such thing as a bad spa experience. Some are just significantly more pleasurable than others. And Body Sense Day Spa in Chartwell belongs very firmly in this category - it's one of the very best spas I've visited.
What makes this spa so special? It all starts with the setting. Located just minutes from Sandton, the tranquillity and seclusion of Chartwell mean that you've already started to forget traffic bustle before you've pulled into the driveway. Once you do, though, you're bound to be impressed: Body Sense's home is as close to country as you can get without moving from Gauteng. It's also very pretty, with rose-bordered lanes instantly creating a welcoming yet sophisticated setting.
Inside, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, with effortless appeal - probably because you're greeted at reception with a wide smile, and then personally introduced to your therapist.
Owner Bronwen Craig explains that great emphasis is placed on this personal service - she believes that it's one of the factors that sets Body Sense apart. That's why guests have only one therapist working with them, no matter how many treatments they indulge in, and why repeat visitors are matched with the same therapist time and again. You'll also find that a great effort is made to remember your personal preferences.
This goes far to create an environment where spa visitors can, truly, relax - and not just when they're receiving their treatments. Those new to spa therapies will know that the thought of breaching the unwritten laws of spa etiquette can be daunting, which is why everyone at Body Sense goes to great lengths to invite questions and explanations. They're friendly and helpful, but never condescending.
The spa itself is quite beautiful. The reception area leads to a common manicure and pedicure room - after all, what's better than catching up on the goss while you have your nails done - then bright, spacious his and hers cloakrooms and finally the treatment areas. A sparkling pool area entices with a specially designed spot for outdoor treatments, which can also be enjoyed in the boma.
Importantly, although the spa can accommodate sizable groups at once, its design means that you're unlikely to run into anyone else on the premises. At the same time, however, it's important to Craig that guests do not feel like they are 'stuck away in a treatment room or on a conveyor belt' - she hopes that they make the most of the facilities to enjoy lunch in the rose garden or a glass of wine on the terrace.
As for the treatments - they are, in a word, sublime. While Body Sense uses leading professional products (Environ, Guinot and Comfort Zone from Italy), the accent is heavily on pampering. I was spoiled with the stunning Soul Soother signature package, an ideal choice for those who need a heavy dose of indulgence, but do not want to spend the entire day at a spa. My very able therapist, Nancy, proved herself as proficient as she was pleasant with a treatment that started with an optional interlude in the spa's Wellness Cabin (similar to a sauna, but using soft heat), followed by an exfoliation and body wrap using the yummy-fragranced Comfort Zone range.
The facial that came next was utterly divine - the technique includes a hot stone massage, and as much as hot stones on the body will make your muscles melt, used on the face they're a ticket to one-way relaxation. Next up was a foot rub, by which time I was almost too blissed out to roll over for my neck, back and shoulder massage.
What I loved about this treatment was the deliciousness of the product, as well as the fact that it really was a burst of intense relaxation without having to wait around or change rooms for the next treatment - one treatment simply and fluidly follows on from the next.
The package ended with imported chocolates and Amarula out on the sunlit patio. It's a good thing Body Sense offers a shuttle service, because after such treatment you may find it difficult to drive - if you can motivate yourself to leave, that is.
