DALLACE JOLLY

We are a little over halfway to the time of year when we traditionally take our annual leave and recharge our batteries.

But this year has been different to its predecessors. More draining and demanding I would say.

We’ve had the World Cup, extra long mid-year school holidays, an uncharacteristically cold winter and all the pressures that come with the delights attached to such business.

With this in mind, it only makes sense that we should stop and smell the massage oil for a few hours, don’t you think?

On Monday morning I took a leisurely drive out to the Soulstice Spa at Silverstar Casino nestled invitingly at the foot of Krugersdorp Hill. In a usual week, the only thing Monday morning has going for it is that it ends at noon.

Not this Monday though! The moment I wrapped myself in that fluffy robe, slid my tired feet into those spa slippers and heard the click of the lock on the locker housing my cellphone, the burdening load of reality disappeared. At least for the next four hours anyway. This was all very rebellious and soothing at the same time.

I had an hour to kill before my Sulis Relax Ritual began so after sipping some herbal tea and getting into spa mode I made good use of the spa’s hydrotherapy facilities (free of charge if you book treatments); which include an outdoor pool, outdoor and indoor heated spa baths, Swiss shower, steam room and sauna. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit to make use of these facilities!

Burnedine, my saint and saviour, found me lounging in the sun on a lounger and quickly took my lunch order before leading me up the escape route to sanctuary.

My 90-minute ritual began with a hot sugar fullbody exfoliation followed by a quick shower to rinse off. Then the real bliss began with a fullbody massage using techniques from around the world (and some stretching of my limbs by Burnedine which was invigorating – like someone doing your gym workout for you!)

To ensure my face looked as good as my body felt, Burnedine ended my spa sojourn with a Dermalogica Classic Facial. Because the therapist performs a face mapping analysis this revolutionary facial is customised for your face.

Once she had scrubbed, masked, toned and moisturised my face, she broke the news to me that it was all over. All that remained was to bid farewell to my haven over a delicious Thai beef noodle salad on the deck overlooking the fountains.

The hardest part of indulging in a morning at Soulstice Spa is unlocking that locker and facing reality once again. My only mistake was not doing one of two things that magnificent Monday: booking into the Silverstar Hotel and going for post-spa nap or arranging someone to drive me home.

Dear Readers, I implore you to learn from my mistakes!