A SWEET ESCAPE
expect an intimating overly designed space here, rather, it lives up to name of being an “African Spa” complete with relaxed treatment settings – either in the lodge itself, or in one of the comfy treatment rooms that dot the garden – and the warmth and welcome of a lovely group of local massage therapists.
A full day spa experience is definitely recommended. We started tucked up snuggly in front of the lodge’s fire, a glass of wine each with which to toast our good luck, and a two-hour pamper session of foot and hand massages – which was made all the more enjoyable, by swapping stories and opinions with our therapists.
Next up was a heavenly head and shoulder massage, and then – because getting pampered is such hungry work – we popped back to the restaurant for a light lunch, before winding our way through the garden to a treatment room for our next three treatments.The afternoon eased by in blissed out warmth and relaxation as we received facial massages, a full body exfoliation massage and a hot stone massage to effectively ease away any last remnants of stress.
TOUCHING TREATS
We emerged feeling almost drunk on relaxation, and went off to explore our room, which – like the restaurant – had a lovely view of the surrounding hills. It also had a heart made out of rose petals on the bed, a bottle of bubbly on ice, and candles flickering around the bath – if you have an anniversary to celebrate, this is the place to do it! The spoils continued that evening when we arrived for dinner to find our table set up solo in front of a roaring fire, festooned with candles and rose petals, chocolates on the side plates and a little gift box in the middle. It was so touching, the sheer amount of effort that had gone into making our stay as special as possible, and the superb three course meal we had was just the cherry on the cake.
We started the next morning with a wholesome breakfast and an invigorating outdoor shower, before having to, sadly, face our car in the opposite direction, and head back to real life on the red brick road. As we meandered through the valley, we spotted some mountain bikers enjoying some of the many trails on the estate, and were waved through the main gate by some of the local wildlife, before we hit the sugar cane again. Mid-Illovo certainly lived up to its name, but the sugar was the least of its sweetness.
For more information on iNsingizi Lodge & Spa, please visit www.insingizi.co.za.