Health Spa Reviews - Marrakech Wellness, Johannesburg

   

Review by Liesl Grobler

The philosophy of Marrakech on 7th states the following:

"Intangible elements within Marrakech invite you to step into a mystical place, unmistakably a wellness retreat, it takes clients on a journey into a world situated between dreams and reality, wellness brought to light by a fresh new voice in wellbeing, a haven where the senses will be delightfully treated in unison."

It is not often a place lives so thoroughly up to such a lofty statement. Marrakech on 7th not only lives up to the surreal and wonderful blurb, they out-do it.

Arriving at Marrakech is literally arriving in a little world apart. A place where dreams take you to relax and rejuvenate. The attention to detail leaves every little stone turned and the design and décor gives an authentic Moroccan flair while being perfectly casual. Strong and specifically placed environmental elements hone positive energy and add to an experience not easily surpassed.

One can spend pages raving about the unreal surroundings that make Marrakech, like the koi pond surrounding the open air lounge. Or the inviting foyer with Moroccan detail and the smell of friendly incense. The true essence of Marrakech's undisputed integrity lies in the philosophies around the treatments. That is after all, why we go.

Owner and hands on manager Fatima Duarte, who found herself intrigued by Moroccan culture, lives by the rule that wellness is a complete practice. Wellness can't be truly achieved if all aspects are not taken into consideration. Her point of departure is keeping it natural. The therapy rooms rely almost solely on natural light and where possible all treatments and massages are done completely without machinery. She believes in the principle of individuals and allows each of the 15 therapists to express who they truly are through keeping each therapy room as much of a clean slate as possible.

All therapists have different skills and training and as with the attention to the outward detail, clients are often paired with therapists based on their needs. The idea of keeping what they do profound truly showed in the Kahuna massage I was treated to. This is an experience I would recommend to anyone and Marrakech on 7th is a perfect venue for first timers.

Since the opening of Marrakech in August 2004 there have been some nice developments. The centre can accommodate custom functions with holistic wellness at the core, routine beauty treatments and a variety of specialist massages, their undeniable speciality. They also boast a state of the art hair salon with as much focus on the serene and relaxing as the rest of the centre. When asked about future plans, Fatima explained that the centre evolved as opposed to expanded and that they've achieved what they wanted to for now to ensure the experience stays specialized and focused, never diluted.

The urban centrality of this little getaway creates the perfect opportunity to get away without leaving town. The open-air lounge is perfect for pre booked light lunches for clients having treatments, a manicure or a pedicure or just taking in the utter relaxation of the friendly surroundings.

Fatima's approach with her therapists is keeping it light, honest and interesting is filtered right through to client level and this is an experience one should most definitely indulge in for rejuvenation and relaxation, be it for routine beauty or hair care or something special like a Kahuna massage.

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