Health Spa Reviews - Lapologa Day Spa

  

Review by Marie van Heerden

A visit to the Lapologa Day Spa in Derdepoort, Pretoria, will leave you refreshed, relaxed and revived, and, best of all, you will not have take out an overdraft to afford this exhilarating experience.

The Spa is situated close to the Kollonade Shopping Centre, but once you get there you will feel as if you are hundreds of miles away from any city. Driving through the entrance gates you are faced with beautiful gardens, ponds and several charming thatched roof buildings. The only sounds you hear are those coming from the abundance of birdlife..

The spa is run by a mother-and-daughter team. Daughter Martie Burger welcomed me at my car, escorted me to the breakfast room, introduced me to the other guests, and made sure that I was comfortable.

As we enjoyed a delicious, healthy breakfast, Martie briefed us on our day ahead.. We would be given three treatments before, and three after, lunch. In between treatments we could use the pool, shower under the waterfall in the reflexology pond or laze in the Jacuzzi. Before departing guests would be treated to chocolates and liqueur would receive a special gift.

Lapaloga accepts only 12 clients at a time, and each one has their own therapist. After breakfast Martie introduced me to Catharine, my therapist for the day. She took me to a chalet, gave me a towelling gown and slippers to wear, and told me to make myself comfortable.

"You are my queen today," said she, "I will do everything to make you feel like a real queen." And that is exactly what she did.

The first treatment was a foot exfoliation and massage. Catharine used a mixture of coffee, brown sugar, cinnamon and oil to exfoliate my feet and lower legs and then massaged me expertly for more than half an hour. She made sure that I was satisfied with the pressure she used and comfortable with the temperature and background music in the chalet.

After a short break, in which I enjoyed some fresh juice and wandered around the splendid gardens, I was taken to another chalet where I was given a full classic facial which included a 30 minute face and neck massage. I could choose between Ahava and Annique products. Again I was impressed with Catharine's skill and professionalism. My skin looked and felt radiant afterwards.

A hand exfoliation and massage followed. It was not just my hands which received attention, but almost my whole arm, and I could not believe that half an hour could pass so quickly and blissfully.

Lunch was served next to the Koi Dam and it was great. Martie senior prepares all the food herself and she presented each of us with two individual quiches, home baked bread and a crunchy salad. We had a choice between wine, sparkling wine or cold drinks and were offered a delicious dessert. The other guests agreed that the food was outstanding and we were all already planning a return trip in the near future.

My afternoon started with an Indian head and neck massage next to the waterfall. It was extremely difficult to keep my eyes open as Catharine performed her magic.

After a relaxing sojourn in the Jacuzzi I was given a full body African massage in yet another chalet. The massage consisted of a combination of techniques. Catharine used hot stones, reflexology and traditional massage techniques to pamper every inch of my body.

My last treatment of the day involved a full body exfoliation and wrap. I was thoroughly scrubbed with a mixture of, amongst other things, honey and poppy seeds. Afterwards Catharine sent me to the shower before covering me in cream and wrapping me up in plastic. Coming out of the warm cocoon my skin felt softer than it has ever felt before.

As promised, our day ended with more indulgence and we all received a beautiful gift. We were all sorry to go.

Lapaloga is not sheer luxury and elegance, but offers a lodge-like, rustic atmosphere. The staff was very friendly and professional and all the other guests were extremely satisfied with the experience. As I told my husband when I got home "I have been to more luxurious spas, but never to one that offers better value for money".

• Full day package is available during the week.
• Half day packages are also available.
• Individual treatments, at very reasonable prices, can be booked.
• The spa is perfect for couples, girly outings or corporate treats.

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