It may sound like a form of torture, but nothing could be further from the truth as I subjected myself to undergoing a spa treatment called Thabayadiotyso, which is named after the “The Proud Mountain” sentinel of Pilanesberg.

My wife and I spent a relaxing weekend at Kwa Maritane, in the  North West Province, where the new spa and gym, which opened in December last year, was high on my agenda of things to visit.

The spa treatment begins with a full body exfoliation using warm volcanic Eifelfango clay, followed by a rejuvenating shower. The pampering never lets up as I succumbed to a full body massage in which the masseur uses smooth Mountain Aloe oil. The experience then culminates in a deep cleansing facial of warm volcanic milk. The treatment lasts about 90 minutes.

The new spa draws its inspiration from the surrounding Pilanesberg National Park and offers a host of signature treatments.

The spa consists of two treatment rooms suitable for private use and one luxury suite, suitable for couples or friends looking to take part in a shared experience.

 It also has a manicure and pedicure lounge, relaxation area and hydro pool, rasul chamber and Roman bath.

The spa’s therapists are recruited from the surrounding areas and have all received intensive training.

In addition to the spa, Kwa Maritane offers gym facilities where one can maintain a level of fitness while away from home.

Another interesting facet of the bush weekend was a facility for which the resort is well-known.

 An underground tunnel leads from the hotel to a watering hole, where you can view the animals without them seeing you.

 When we visited the spot, once in the late afternoon and again in the early morning, our luck was out, however, as there was no real activity, apart from a few passing birds.

Our biggest thrill occurred
during a drive to the secluded and exclusive Tshukudu Lodge (which accommodates only 12 guests). We saw a young leopard on a hill. The traffic jam that developed around this sighting wouldn’t have been out of place on Jan Smuts Avenue.

On another game drive we saw a large herd of elephants with young ones, rhino (with a baby), hippo (with a three-week-old baby in the shade of its mother), some warthog, giraffe, and a variety of buck.

On asking our guide about the lack of monkeys and baboons, he replied they were at Sun City getting food.

The day culminated in dinner in the boma with roaring fires to keep out the winter chill.

The Legacy Group of Hotels and Resorts, of which Kwa Maritane and Tshukudu Lodge belong, also owns the popular Bakubung Lodge, a
15- minute drive (if you stay within the speed limit) from where we stayed.

 These lodges are well worth a visit – and are only two hours from Joburg.