Review by Lisa Witepski
The drive into the Silverpine Spa is deceptively ordinary: from the turn off the quiet Randburg street and into the car park, there's nothing to hint that a sumptuously relaxing spa experience is just seconds away.
It's only when you're welcomed with a warm and friendly smile as you alight from your vehicle that you get an inkling of the pampering that awaits; a realisation that grows as you're ushered into a light and airy reception room, where a blazing fireplace is just one of the many small details that all add up to create a sophisticated yet inviting ambience.
A converted house in the heart of Randburg, co-owners Dheena and Malani Saman have strived to create an urban oasis, an idyllic retreat just minutes from Sandton's bustling CBD whose central location belies the fact that, once ensconced in the spa, your stresses seem worlds away.
That's thanks in no small part to the very careful attention to detail that makes a visit to Silverpine not just a relaxing interlude, but an entire surrender to serenity. Little touches, like the spa slippers (we're talking beaded sandals and thick, thirsty gowns, rather than the standard towelling spa 'fashions'), the therapist's melodic welcome song, and the care with which they tend to your needs, make all the difference.
If the smiling service puts you at ease, it goes without saying that Silverpine Spa's carefully selected menu of treatments will do the same. Saman explains that the accent of the spa is firmly on relaxation, rather than beauty, and each treatment is based on massage therapy. I was treated to a relaxation facial, hot stone massage and, best of all, an Indian head, back and shoulder massage - and I wished each would last forever. My therapist, Lydia, truly had magic hands, kneading away knots I hadn't even known existed.
Massage being Silverpine's focus, it's not surprising that the spa has recently developed its own technique, blending the principles of Kahuna, Swedish, hot stone and Shiatsu massage. The signature treatment is performed by two therapists at once, literally melting your stresses away.
The treatment is to be introduced as part of Silverpine Spa's spring menu, an array of treatments that have been reviewed and tweaked with input from the spa's therapists, so that it is a true reflection of clients' needs and preferences.
That's important, because one of the factors that sets Silverpine Spa apart is its complete focus on the client. The spa prides itself on its flexibility: it's open on Sundays, and if you happen to run late, therapists will adjust their schedules so as to ensure you don't have to cut your treatment short. You can even customise your own package, requesting treatments that aren't usually offered. This willingness to accommodate clients is vital, given that a large percentage of Silverpine Spa's clientele are corporate.
Superb value for money is another defining factor at Silverpine Spa: three different packages cater for all budgets and expectations at extremely reasonable prices; with a half-day package including three treatments and breakfast or lunch and a full day package including breakfast, lunch and six treatments. During the balmy summer months, Silverpine Spa delights with a romantic evening package where the glow of dozens of lanterns welcomes couples to an evening which includes a three-course meal and two treatments.
It's because the spa is relatively small that it can easily accommodate clients' wishes, and its size also contributes to the intimacy of the spa experience; a quality that's reflected in the fact that the meals - enjoyed in Silverpine Spa's sun-drenched lapa, situated next to the pool in a tranquil courtyard - are all homemade, and available in Halaal or Kosher variations.
Saman's intention has been to create a haven where clients leave feeling absolutely content, indulged and spoilt with special care - and that's exactly what he's achieved.
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