Living in Johannesburg is stressful. I don’t doubt that many residents find themselves grinding their teeth following a near miss with a random taxi or venting their frustration at a blameless call centre operator who just happens to pick up the phone following a bungled service related issue. These and other issues tend to raise the blood pressure somewhat.
Thankfully, it is possible to escape the rat race and de-stress. And it’s possible to do so without even leaving the city. Enter Soulstice Day Spa. Located at Silverstar Casino in the West Rand, the spa offers a comprehensive range of luxurious facilities and treatments guaranteed to take the edge off.
In addition to a collection of well-appointed, soothing treatment rooms, the spa offers a mystical flotation tank (complete with twinkling ceiling) an amethyst crystal rasul chamber, a heated jet spa pool, two mosaic ‘water lounges’, a purifying steam room, a heated rock pool and relaxation area, a state of the art gym and outdoor pool and private outdoor entertainment area featuring a sensation shower and fireplace. An executive couples suite is also available for those seeking downtime with their loved one.
Being a stressed-out Johannesburg resident, I have had reason to visit the spa on more than one occasion and have always left feeling refreshed and even positively benevolent towards taxi drivers. Recently, I took advantage of the spa’s Thalgo Poynesia Spa Ritual which quite frankly, was just what the doctor ordered.
The treatment is broken up into stages and incorporates age-old rituals and oils used on the beautiful Polynesian islands. The treatment kicked off with a brisk, full body scrub incorporating algo-monoi – (a marine alga blend rich in trace elements used to protect and enrich skin and hair), coconut shell, white sand and pure vanilla extract. In addition to filling the room with a beautiful scent, my skin was left exfoliated and smooth.
Following a quick shower, I was treated to a ‘Mahanna’ massage, a soft, rhythmic treatment designed to echo the ebb and flow of the tide. The massage helps soothe stressed nerves and induce a feeling of wellbeing. Clearly it worked as I nearly fell asleep. Massage pads filled with sand brought me round.
The last stage of the treatment entailed an application of Polynesian ‘Skin Glow’ - shimmering oil made with real pearls that left my skin and hair looking sun-kissed. Throughout the treatment, my head and legs lay on pillows of water aimed at inducing a floating feeling. My eyes were covered with a warm mask and relaxing music filled the room. Suffice to say I left the treatment room rather reluctantly.
Before I left the spa I made use of the numerous facilities, enjoyed a delicious, fresh chicken wrap and smoothie on the pool deck and soaked up the atmosphere. It was a truly indulgent, soothing way to spend an afternoon and a great way to kick-off spring.
Clearly I’m not the only one who thinks Soulstice is doing a good job. In 2012 the spa was awarded the Best Hotel Spa award in South Africa at the Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards. The awards are held annually to acknowledge spas that perform to world-class standards. Hygiene, service and hospitality, attention to detail, treatment quality and the spa’s exterior and interior are all judged.