Simola Spa opened in December 2007 and is situated on the edge of the forest overlooking Knysna Lagoon. The 325 hectare 5 star estate has sweeping views of the surrounding forest, Knysna Lagoon and the Heads. The Spa relaxation lounge with its sauna, steam room and heated rim-flow pool offers breath-taking views over the valley. The views from the outside pool deck are equally magnificent. The spa has 3 treatment rooms, 1 couple’s room, a Hydrotherapy bath room and a Rasul chamber.
The world famous golf course is the first Jack Nicklaus Signature course on the Garden Route. The magnificent greens are bordered with indigenous vegetation and lush forest.
The Spa uses Africology products for all of their treatments and I experienced Simola’s signature Uhambo Massage. The 2 hour experience began in the Rasul Chamber. My Therapist, Clarice handed me a bowl of Rooibos body mud to apply and left me to relax in the Rasul for 10 minutes of dry Sauna heat which was followed by 10 minutes of steam and ended with a shower of rain to rinse the mud from my body. I was then taken to the pool area to relax for 10 minutes before my full body massage began.
The Uhambo Massage is a heavenly combination of Hot Stone, Bamboo and Swedish massages – 75 minutes of sensory stimulation and relaxation for the body. Black Pepper Balm is used as the massage medium, focusing mainly on the back and after the 5 hour drive from Cape Town to Knysna it was absolute bliss to have every muscle knot released. The massage began with the warm stones which relaxed the muscles, followed by deep tissue Swedish manipulations and finally the soothing rolling movements of the Bamboo stick. The treatment ended with a Foot scrub applied to remove excess oils from my feet and finally my feet were wrapped in warm toweling booties – a perfect end to a unique treatment experience.
– by Sarene Kloren
