Health Spa Reviews - Chartwell Country Lodge and Ubuhle Nature Spa

   

Review by Lisa Witepski

Jo’burgers love escaping their city lives – and who can blame them? it follows, then, that any destination which can give a taste of the bucolic will be much appreciated; and this is something that Chartwell Country Lodge and Ubuhle Beauty Nature Spa does in great style.

The first thing you’ll notice about the spa is the great, wide, open space. Owner Karelle Foster believes that this is one of the spa’s greatest attributes, and I have to agree – it certainly sets the tone for a great day of relaxation, which, as she explains, is the spa’s major focus, rather than wellness or beauty.

But back on to what makes this spa so special: imagine rolling green hills, the sound of running water and birdsong, and beautiful gardens…This peerless garden setting, under a thatched lapa, is where your treatments take place (although the beautifully decorated lodge rooms can also be used for this purpose). This is very much in keeping with the spa’s emphasis on nature, and extremely conducive to letting go of city stresses.

Ubuhle Nature Spa’s signature package starts with an exquisite massage, including a special focus on head, neck and shoulders. There really is nothing to beat the combination of an excellent back rub whilst listening to Mother Nature do her thing – the effect was almost surreal, and it’s no wonder I dropped off several times. Next comes a facial, but don’t expect any plucking, tweezing or steaming. True to the nature ethos, Ubuhle has elected to use only natural ingredients – so you’ll find your face cleansed with yoghurt, toned with papaya and cucumber, and finally nourished with a soothing honey mask. The benefit of using these, rather than commercial products, is that they’re calming to even the most sensitive skins, says Karelle. The facial is followed by a back exfoliation, and finally, a long, lazy soak in the Jacuzzi.

In between treatments, you’ll be treated to lunch: a salad bursting with all sorts of flavoursome goodies and, with a nod to decadence, a truly tempting (and very chocolatey) dessert – it might be on the healthy side, but you certainly won’t feel as though your tastebuds have been cheated.

Karelle explains that the idea is to follow your relaxation session with a romantic retreat at the lodge – and if this is your plan, you certainly won’t be sorry. Fortunately, though, for those who can’t make a weekend of it, Sandton is but a short drive away – and that tingly feeling of being rested to your very core will linger for some time...

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