By: Lance Liebenberg
Spas are no longer the domain of the spoilt and pampered. In the frenetic pace of urban life we ignore looking after our bodies, mental equilibrium and spiritual well-being at our peril. We need to occasionally relax, empty our minds and soothe our souls in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
For those of us who cannot find the time or means to visit tropical spas, The Spa at The Fairlawns, right in the heart of Sandton, seeks to recreate the principles of holistic healing in a pampering environment.
The Balinese Spa Garden, with its hydrotherapy treatments, relaxation and dining pavilions and outdoor massage areas is as close as one is going to get this side of the Indian Ocean to what we all instinctively crave - time-out to renew our batteries, get our skins to glow and our energies to flow.
Established in Morningside Manor, and set in a tranquil haven in the middle of one of the busiest cities The Fairlawns Spa embraces the timeless sensations of peace and tranquillity allowing you to slip into a world of relaxation, soothed by the gentle caress of soft music and fragrant oils.
The Fairlawns Spa is also ideally situated to treat work stress related symptoms, emotional tension, tension headaches, neck and shoulder spasms, jetlag, insomnia as well as a variety of other ailments. Massage and relaxation therapies seek to re-establish homeostasis in the body so that it can proceed to heal itself as only the body knows how - You are not spending on yourself, you are investing on yourself.
Designed to be a holistic sanctuary for the mind, body and soul - Asian Style, and with the emphasis on personal service and a combination of Eastern and Western philosophies, innovative signature treatments and treatment rituals, the Fairlawns Spa radiates a warm and homely ambience set in beautiful surroundings offering peace, tranquillity and comfort. Intimate retreats are designed to blend romance and serenity with exotic sensuality and the architecture of our intimate outdoor spa pavilions draws upon local Balinese inspiration to blend seamlessly with the beauty of the natural environment.The Fairlawns Spa has fused ancient philosophies, beliefs and wisdoms with both modern products, as well as Balinese, Indonesian, Indian and Oriental recipes as well as fresh and natural ingredients. Current treatments include Hydro Active Mineral Salt Scrubs, Swedish and aromatherapy as well as Indian head and scalp massage and treatments being introduced at the Fairlawns Spa will include Polynesian Massage, Stone Therapy, as well a unique combination of Asian massage techniques known as Fusion Therapy - this uniquely combines both the Hot Stone Therapy with stroking fore-arm techniques used in Polynesian and Thai Massage.
Hot Stone therapy is becoming widely known for its deeply relaxing benefits. It employs a technique that uses smooth, heated basalt stones, which are placed on specific acupressure points on the body to melt away knots, tension and stress. It can be applied as a relaxation technique using hot essential oils. The hot stone experience relieves pain, promotes harmony, balance and peace. Stone massage is very effective to create harmony, a positive energy flow, promoting a sense of balance.
Hot Stone Massage is based on 'anma', the oldest form of East Asian massage. Anma is a kneading, rotation and vibration-based massage. It is one of the most powerful, therapeutic treatments and was introduced to the Western world, not only as a form of massage, but as a traditional art and ancient wisdom.
Balinese Massage therapy is an amalgam of ancient therapeutic techniques whose variety is endless and is a therapy where pushing techniques predominate, working very deeply to ease muscle and joint pain. It is an ancient system of healing, which relies upon deep pressure massage to break down tensely knotted tissue and promote harmony of body, mind and soul. It will improve circulation, calm your nerves, and alter your mental state.Stress can lead to imbalances within many areas of the body's systems and massage helps to reduce this stress and therefore leads to the rebalancing of the body. This, in turn, contributes to improvement in the function of all major body systems.Fairlawns Spa is one of the first to offer the unique MatiSpa treatments recently launched in South Africa using a menu approach to treatments whereby the client selects the various elements of the Spa packages from a selection of treatments much as one would off a menu at a restaurant - this means that the client has a customised session blending different therapies based on their preferences and needs, all with the objective of relaxation and balancing of both the spiritual as well as physical body.The Fairlawns Spa mission is to give each and every person who graces the Spa a complete sensory experience; a sublime experience that celebrates the simple sensory pleasures and soothing comfort of the human touch, an experience of seduction and indulgence of the soul...Spa Facilities
Five indoor treatment rooms, including two wet rooms, (vichy shower, soak bath, en suite shower) and a double treatment room; steam rooms, hydrotherapy bath, comprehensive spa villa for couples, external bale for clothed massage treatments, (foot reflexology, thai massage and shiatsu), relaxation bale, dining bale (sala), Kneipp therapy pond, cold plunge pool, meditation area. Day suites also available. Luxury accommodation for overnight packages. Fully equipped gym, outdoor swimming pool, spa menu (cuisine), spa retail, gift certificates.
Leave some time to lounge in the relaxation bales (Balinese Pavilions) nestled in the bamboo groves and enjoy the dappled sunlight and the sound of wind chimes and birdsong.
Body Treatments
Scrubs, wraps, massage therapies, bath and steam treatments, manicures, pedicures, waxing, foot and hand treatments, sports injuries,Beauty: facials, eye treatments, colour licitation, face mapping, firming and toning, body contouring, MLD
Massages offered: reflexology, shiatsu, (pressure point) Swedish, aromatherapy, hot stone, kahuna, fusion (lomi lomi performed with hot stones), four hands massage
Signature treatments: fusion massages that incorporate different traditional massage techniques.
Eastern techniques focus on the body's energy meridians and have a balancing, energizing effect, while Western techniques concentrate on the muscle, bone and blood circulation that helps release muscle tension and reduce stress.
Other Treatments include
- Chocolate mousse wrap (not for eating)
- Energy chair massage
- Honeymoon packages (in spa villa only- steam shower, outdoor vichy shower, massage area, lounge area, soak bath, private garden)
- Milk and honey bath
- Papaya and yoghurt wrap
- Papaya body scrub
- Rice body polish (exfoliation with ground rice blended with herbs and honey
- Thai traditional facial (uses fresh fruit and white clay)
- Travellers recovery pack (body wrap, face mask, body massage, herbal infused steam)
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa is a luxurious 5-star boutique country hotel situated in Sandton, Johannesburg....