Health Spa Reviews - Chicama Country Spa

   

Review by Lisa Witepski

Only two words are needed to describe Chicama Country Spa: five-star. Everything about this exquisite venue, from its stunning design and peaceful location, to the quality and variety of its treatments, speaks of excellence.

That's an attitude owner Claudia Schoeman has tried to cultivate. She started Chicama as her own venture, back in 2004. One year later, she was approached by Glenburn Lodge to incorporate the spa as a facility on the game reserve. Demand for Chicama's services has seen the spa's facilities grow considerably; yet it has not lost its intimate atmosphere.

Claudia's prior experience as a therapist on board ships had taught her precisely what she would not like a spa to deliver, and she consciously set out to offer the opposite: intensely personal service offered in an inviting environment, by therapists who know how to make a guest feel valued.

And that's exactly what you'll find at Chicama Country Spa. The spa's setting might be spectacular, with an airy, open reception area setting the tone for a decidedly upmarket experience, but the warm greeting of the spa's staff ensure your initial impression of the venue is welcoming rather than intimidating.

It's also unique. Chicama is a wine spa, a sophisticated, one-of-a-kind theme that ties in well with its flagship product, Theravine, This product, produced in Stellenbosch, uses grapes as a base to create treatments that are richer in antioxidants than both Vitamin E and Vitamin C. Also on the menu is Matsimela, another local, product which uses sumptuous indigenous ingredients (think rooibos and aloe) in a remarkably well-priced range. What's more, Chicama has teamed up with acclaimed wine estate, Zorgvliet, to offer delicious wines as part of every meal. "We'd like to bring a little bit of Cape Town to Johannesburg," Claudia explains.

Chicama's extensive facilities include a Jacuzzi, Rasul chamber and hydrotherapy rooms, and I'm able to experience most with the stunning Oasis Package. My day begins with a morning-fresh fruit salad, after which comes a languid soak in the Jacuzzi. Next is the Rasul Chamber, a fragrant steam bath which leaves my skin soft, thanks to a rich mud scrub. The pampering continues with an outstanding back, neck and shoulder massage (including a blissful scalp massage), a luxurious Theravine facial and a pedicure. Lunch is a gustatory delight: a full buffet starting with a crisp salad, a tongue-tingling seafood curry, rosemary-spiked lamb and chicken satays, and rounded off with milk tart. The varied, hearty feast is a welcome departure from the usual health fare offered at spas.

Claudia takes great pride in the skill of Chicama's team of therapists, who are specially selected to ensure they share and reflect the spa's caring ethos. As usual, it's the little touches that confirm the spa's superiority: the personalized welcome note on my locker, the fresh sprigs of lavender and rose petals on my gown and slippers. Small things, but they're a significant indication of the care taken to ensure the spa is in a league of its own.

Also impressive is Chicama's value for money - although it's distinctly exclusive, treatments and packages are also well priced. Would I return? Definitely - preferably with my partner so that we can both enjoy some serious spoiling at a location that's unashamedly romantic.

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