The “Oscars” of the SA spa industry, first held in 2005, the internationally-acknowledged Les Nouvelles Esthetiques SA Spa Awards recognize excellence in spas and individuals who set the benchmark in quality and innovation within the Spa, Health & Wellness Industry in South Africa.
Opened in 2008, Camelot Spa at Villa D'Este is set in a restored, historic, Italianate building off Johannesburg's Jan Smuts Ave in Saxonwold and its original fountains, columns and Romanesque frescoes breathe a sense of urban tranquility.
“While we are faced with high levels of stress like never before, we need to invest in ourselves and realise just how important our health is,” says Camelot Spa CEO Debbie Merdjan.
“Along with a desire for overall wellness, spa trends have moved towards destination day spas where you can literally press pause in the hurly burly of life. Other trends include innovative treatments which fuse ancient with cutting edge techniques as well as healthy spa cuisine on-site.”
When Villa D'Este was built in the 1920s it was fabulously formed according to the eccentric and Italian-inspired wishes of its original owner and then more so by its second owner in the 50s. Complete with cherubic fountains, frescoes, columns topped with eagles and a curved entrance façade facing a reflection pool, all of which has been lovingly restored in Camelot Spa at Villa D'Este.
“I chose Villa D'Este for its unique atmosphere and charm. I fell in love with the property at first sight and immediately saw its potential to be an extraordinary spa. From the outset we paid attention to detail in not only restoring the building to its original splendour but providing the elements for the ultimate day Spa treatment experience.”
Along with treatment rooms decorated in a design aesthetic fusing a quirky mod-style with ornate belle époque forms, Camelot Spa at Villa D'Este's interiors have been painstakingly renovated to embrace elements of its idiosyncratic history - such as Romanesque mosaics and motifs and sumptuous trompe l'oeil paintings - along with new, moulded door details and baroque wall-papering.
Furniture elements include meticulously lacquered antique chests of drawers and side-boards and opulent, bespoke mirrors.
The spa's luxurious facilities include a number of elements which present a renaissance for the senses, including a flotation pool with underwater lights and black & white mosaics, a Rasul (steam) chamber with twinkling LED light roof, Roman Vitality pool (placed within the property's original indoor Roman-style bath), hydrobaths and outdoor sensation showers while a treatment conservatory is set amongst the beautiful gardens.
As it typical amongst all Camelot Group spas, a guest's journey begins with a unique Perennial Tea Ceremony and washing of hands with a warm invigorating refresher towel followed by a Welcome Ritual combining breathing techniques, stretching and a pressure point massage, before indulging in one of the numerous therapeutic treatments or Spa Journeys. (Guests also take home a Camelot Spa Rememberance Gift of fragranced infused bath salts).
After treatments, a rooftop relaxation area over-looks the 1000s of trees of Saxonwold while the Bird Cage Spa Café serves stylishly healthy cuisine, all of which makes Camelot at Villa D'Este a true day Spa within which to unwind.
With over 16 spas - from beach to bush and glamorous city locales- throughout Southern Africa, Camelot Spa group is at the forefront of spa culture, reflecting rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. (www.camelotspagroup.com).
