Spa Places in the News

Librisa Spa Now Open at The Mount Nelson Hotel - Indigenous Treatments and Products at Cape Town's Newest Destination Spa

Cape Town, South Africa (May 06, 2008) – The Mount Nelson Hotel, one of Cape Town’s finest examples of style and timeless luxury, is now home to the Librisa Spa, offering a holistic spa experience unlike any other in South Africa. Named after the fragrant South African flower Librisa Pelargonium, the US$2.5 million development takes inspiration from nature, with a strong botanical theme running throughout – from products and treatments, to décor and accessories. Traditional herbs and flowers as well as African indigenous plants have been used for centuries for therapeutic and medicinal purposes.

Cape Town’s new world-class spa utilizes three primary product ranges which combine blends of healing herbs and botanical extracts – Africology, a locally-produced anti-aging skincare system using 100 percent natural plant extracts; The Victorian Garden, unique to Librisa Spa and also locally-produced, is an organic range incorporating essential nutrients and proteins for the skin; and Algologie, imported from France and retailed exclusively in Cape Town at Librisa Spa, focuses on maintaining beauty using seaweed and other innovative marine and botanical ingredients.

“All treatments are based on the therapeutic healing power of touch, rather than machines, and we embrace the use of natural products rich in botanical and marine essences,” comments Spa Manager Ms. Samantha Reynolds. Reynolds, whose portfolio includes working at some of London’s top spa destinations including The Refinery and The Sanderson hotel, designed and developed the treatments.

The distinctive treatment menu ranges from massage therapy to wraps, purifying facials, and finishing touches such as manicures, pedicures and waxing. Men’s treatments are also available as well dedicated teens and children treatments, a first for South Africa.

A signature spa package, the Vine Secret Vintage Experience (approx. US$130 for 120 minutes), is the ultimate in spa bliss reflecting the local vineyards of the Cape wine country. The package includes a head-to-toe combination treatment consisting of a crushed grape-seed exfoliation, a scented cocooning body wrap, a revitalizing radiance facial, and an indulgent massage.

Built into an existing structure dating from the late 1800s, the 6,100 sq ft complex has been sensitively renovated to reflect the Victorian influences of the space, yet create a completely modern look. The spa features hand-painted silk wallpaper, hand-blown glass, stylized botanical motifs, and a cutting-edge chandelier by local manufacturer Willowlamp. Glass, marble, dark wood, water features, and a palette inspired by nature complete the look of the Librisa Spa.

Spa reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly on +27(0) 21 483 1000 or by visiting the website at www.mountnelson.co.za.