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Bliss at Arabella Spa
WITH a new name, two exclusive international cosmetic houses and the most divine waterbeds, The Arabella Spa on the 19th Floor of the Westin Grand Hotel is in the running for top city spa.
While closed for a three month revamp, spa manager Samantha Reynolds oversaw a transformation of the front areas and spa cubicles as well as the addition of sleep-inducing waterbeds for post treatment relaxation. The rebranding also includes two Arabella-exclusive lines - Anne Semonin originating in Paris and Ligne St Barth made on the French Caribbean Island of Saint Barthelemy.
The occasion for the visit was my nephew Josh Gelb’s farewell before he heads to Israel for a gap year of touring and bible study. First we lounged at the lap pool and marvelled at the view and then enjoyed the salt-water Jacuzzi - surely the most lofty in the city, before waiting in the treatment reception area. Although we booked a duo room for our treatments we were separated by a screen so that we could chat while maintaining privacy.
I was very impressed with my therapist Luan. He explained the St Barth range and allowed me to customise the treatment by selecting coconut or avocado oils and a selection of three beautifully scented lotions to “seal-in” the benefits. I chose vanilla as I found the lily and other botanical a little too floral.
The massage was in a typical Swedish style but I liked that Luan asked me about which areas he should focus. He also checked in with me about the pressure. The 60-minutes sped past, especially the last few that included a head and face massage. Bliss. I needed about another half-an-hour. The great advantage of using an oil and then an “after cream” is that my skin didn’t feel at all oily after the treatment as it usually does after massage and had I wanted to, I could have dressed without first having a shower.
Once ensconced on the heated waterbeds I had to prevent myself from falling asleep by talking to Josh but, as delicious an experience as it was, we got bored and headed to the hot area. The Arabella Spa embraces the European style of men and women sharing sauna and steam facilities in a “nudity-optional” environment. The views from the floor to ceiling windows really are staggering. Although only cosmetic changes were made to the pool area they include two hideously pink walls which seem entirely out of place in a generally masculine environment.
I didn’t like that our robes and towels were handed to us at reception when we arrived and prefer towels to be left in the locker. Although it seems like a perennial gripe, I find the paucity of places to hang towels an unfortunate aesthetic rather than practical consideration. While we were at the pool there were more guests than places to keep things with the result that towels were left on the floor. Also, during peak times water and glasses need to be refreshed more frequently.
Our St Barth Harmony 50-minute treatment costs R675.
Arabella Spa 021-412-8200.
[22-Jan-09]
Brian Berkman
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