Health Spa Reviews - The distinctive Zau Spa

   

Review by Christa van der Merwe

7 Hospital Street in Cullinan is a fantastic place to be on a Sunday afternoon. Actually, on any given day of the week. Not because of the Cullinan Hospital, but since this is the address of the inspirational Zau Spa - winner of the Unique Spa Concept of the Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards of 2007.

Zau means 'peace' in Arabic, but one gets so much more than peace in this unique and inspirational environment. Spa-savvy guests already expect certain things from an excellent spa - drinks on arrival, snacks throughout the day, excellent therapists and great products. Zau has all this, and offers it in abundance. But aside from the friendly service and exceptionally able hands, Zau has the 'it' factor so many Spas lack. Combine creativity, inspiration and passionate therapists and you have the wow-factor firmly in place. They are there because they care and want to make a difference to the guests who arrive in states of disrepair and weariness.

Welcomed by a life-size cement angel and statues of cement ladies with glass and bottle inlays - the winding road to the main entrance only becomes more interesting. Scales, bowls, sewing machines and all kinds of household items are cemented into walls and floors, and can be found throughout the mine house which was once the home of Janharm Vorster - icon of Cullinan and owner of the distinctive Janharmsgat Agterplaas (barnyard theatre).

Our half-day package started with a healthy and beautiful presented deli lunch - chicken pie, two salads, two vegetarian dishes and soft breads with a pate and cheese. Upon arrival Mary immediately offered us refreshments from the complimentary bar and escorted us to the lounge where a fire was warming the cosy lounge and dining room. After a foot wash we were given slippers, and then shown to the change rooms where we snuggled into fluffy gowns, ready for the first treatment.

Treatment one was 'Mother Natures muti mud facial'. Whitney expertly applied the mud which is sourced from the Sterkfontein caves. The facial consists of cleansing, massaging and toning. It was so relaxing that the Metroman who accompanied me fell asleep!

A blissful full body hot stone massage with avocado oil, and an Indian back, neck and shoulder massage made up the other two treatments for the afternoon - each treatment most pleasurable and done with the utmost professionalism using Eco Therapy products which are organic.

Between treatments we rested for about ten minutes and enjoyed refreshments before we were collected again by the therapist for the next treatment. Zau boasts with excellent private breakaway areas - rustic wooden loungers provide the perfect view over the silver dam while quiet corners with water features and chairs are an ideal to relax with a magazine.

By taking in only 18 clients at a time, Zau ensures personal attention - ideal for couples or friends wanting to spend some quality time together. This was one of the main criteria of owner Liz van der Merwe when she approached Janharm to partner in this Spa project, housed on the edge of the Cullinan mine dam.

Only half an hour's drive from Pretoria and about an hour from Johannesburg, it is within easy reach for a proper breakaway for body and soul. But half a day in Cullinan is just not enough - one needs a bit more time to stroll through the historic town and visit Lavender Inc, the lifestyle shop, and have a strong espresso with Stavros, the owner of 'As Greek as it gets Restaurant' in Oak Street.

I would highly recommend an overnight stay at Janharm's 'Gastehys' across the road from Zau Spa. Settle in to the 'Grend Room', 'The Leka Room' or the 'Fensie Room' at a fraction of Joburg prices and take some time to discover the hidden treasures of the old mining town where the world's biggest diamond was found.

Owner Liz was telling us before we unwillingly left, that a certain gentleman from Pretoria has been to the Spa 21 times over a seven month period - I can certainly see why. This Spa lives up to its promise of being 'distinctive, tranquil, mystical and revitalizing' and I have already diarised my next visit.

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