Typically I am hesitant to spend money at spa's as I find I know too much, think of the hairstylist getting advice from another. The knowledge of proper lymph drainage versus correct petrissage techniques find me more tense and critical within my own mindspace instead of on some lush island in my dream world where I'm supposed to be. Tonight would be different, I deserve to switch off.
I had decided to spoil us for a change, a little bit of rest and relaxation is exactly what Mr H needed on this particular day. Mowana Spa's current Winter special was R1000 for the both of us and I honestly didn't expect much. The attention to detail was phenomenal and I couldn't stop commending the staff on the level of service that we receive.
Now I don't want to go and ruin it for you if you were expecting to go, so if you are going to look into Mowana - take my word for it and stop reading here! For those who couldn't care less let me tell you what we received for our R1000 and give my honest feedback on the experience.
The spa has been overhauled since its origin as Mangwanani. On arrival we received warm welcome beverages and after a simple clipboard reference check we were given our keys to our respective lockers as well as pamphlet and pen to keep on us during the sessions - indemnities!
Impressed by the personalised name badge on my locker, a snug robe and pair of slippers greeted me as I opened the locker door. The entire bathroom is covered in petals, towels, scents and shower facilities with full use of their shampoo, conditioner and body washes. Excitedly Mr H and I were lead to our table where we were able to order any beverages we desired at no extra cost. Soon after a gourmet starter soup was served I remember thinking "Ahh, this is what they meant by dinner included" - I was soon to be corrected.
Gently lead to our outdoor heated group massage room, therapists stand like soldiers in silence as we enter. My only crit is that the heaters were a little too close to our faces but we all sat in silence as music gently played in the background. I think it would be in the best interest of the spa to perhaps allow the therapists to enjoy each others skills as part of their ongoing training, perhaps they do already? My reason for this comment is due to the several layers of dermis I think I may have lost as my therapist scrubbed and scrubbed my calves with sugar scrub for most of the session. I should have just said something to her but in silence - I suffered. Mr H seemed happy and relaxed and thats all I wanted.
Dinner was then served after the session and it was nothing short of a culinary treat that included chicken, veggies and an avo-type sauce. 5 star!
We were then shown to our individual couple massage rooms and given the choice of 3 types of massage, two of them being Calabash and Hot Stone. The setting finds us surrounded by the unusual sound of croaking frogs as they serenade us from outside the open veld. While it was very peaceful it almost seemed like a chaotic aftermath as people started wrapping up and the noise levels increased between the therapists. I don't want to sound pedantic but were twice interrupted, fully unclothed and on the bed by fellow therapists wanting to know if our session was over.
A chocolate fondant dessert followed after our session and again I have nothing bad to report back on. We were given carte blanche to order whatever drinks we wanted at no extra cost. The value for money aspect was fantastic and we left feeling spoilt with our R100 Mowana Spa voucher and chocolate gift box.
If you're looking for a place to unwind and simply enjoy time out at, Mowana Spa is offering a lot more than I've seen at many of the spa's I've been to. Indaba has done themselves a huge favour by keeping the spa in tact after Mangwanani's departure. With a little more training the therapists could get this right and the spa and hotel could benefit hugely. Its not that its doomed to failure by the obvious self taught / in-house training they've received, its that if you want to impress me you've gotta be better than I am.
Overall experience 8 out of 10. Chances of returning 7 out of 10. Perhaps you should visit and decide for yourself.
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