After much activity from the previous days, I wanted to relax and so I booked myself to this day spa called the ‘Mangwanani Spa’, which means ‘Good Morning’ in Swahili.
The Mangwnani Spa
A Little piece of history : Mangwanani African Spa came into existence in 2002, when Erin Limbert, Mangwanani’s dynamic CEO. Ever since, the spa has worked for the upliftment of rural women by training to produce some of the finest qualified therapists available. Mangwanani African Spa has an average of 120 000 visitors enjoying its facilities annually and currently employs 1000 employees. I saw only women there. I had booked myself for IZIMANGA – Traditional Full Body Massage with Hot Stones and NEO MAOTO-Traditional African Royal Foot Massage (from toes to knees).
Location:The spa is in an amazing setting in vineyards at Zevenwacht Winery, which is juts 45 minutes drive from Cape Town. I first stopped at the Winery’s restaurant and had a small session of wine and cheese tasting with the owner.
Then was driven up the hill to the spa in a smaller van. Once there, I was greeted with a traditional song by the women working there which set the atmosphere right.
A traditional song welcome!
Facilities: There were welcome drinks and we were given lockers and robes( which were so soft) and requested to change. There are no changing rooms, just shower rooms, so pretty much community set up. I soaked the the beautiful atmosphere at the balcony for sometime, before I was called for the massage.
The beautiful valley from the spa balcony!
A fireplace to add to the charm!
The Treatment: The massage was bit of a disappointment though, as there were multiple treatment rooms side by side and even the slightest noise could be heard. No scented candles or peaceful music. The therapist was ok and so was the massage. This got me asking for more. From here, I was lead to a row of chairs set on a room overlooking the beautiful valley and was given a nice food massage along with a bunch of ladies in a row.
Small Splash Pool
The group foot massage
The treatment room
My verdict: Having tested the Spas all over the world, I like to call myself the Spa connoisseur. This was an average experience. From here I proceeded back to the lounge where drinks were served again. I decided to soak in the sun and the viewas much as possible, trying to make up for the money spent. On my way out I was again treated to an awesome song and dance routine by the women of the Mangwnani Spa. Have a look. This just was a bonus :)!
A Happy Me!!
They were so much in the spirit, it was amazing!
And Finally the video!
