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LES NOUVELLES ESTHETIQUES
SOUTH AFRICAN SPA AWARDS 2009

The 5th annual Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards hosted by Les Nouvelles Esthetiques South Africa in association with Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Paris, on Sunday the 26th July 2009, at the glamorous Hilton Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg.

The Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards Gala Dinner evening was filled with excitement and glamour as some of the industries most respected and well-known names came together to acknowledge their peers, while being entertained by Denis Gunn and the band, Rhapsody.

Through the success of the previous awards, the Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards increases in its stature each year, providing the South African and International Spa Visitors and Media with a comprehensive choice of award winning spas, and a reliable source of spa information and recommendations, within South Africa.

“Each year the level of the competition increases, as the finest spas in South Africa are represented and the judging process becomes more difficult, with the distinguishing factors this year, consistent to all the winning spas, being an absolute attention to detail, impeccable spa standards and faultless service excellence, ensuring each spa experience was beyond the clients expectations.“ described Dr Nadine de Freitas, Managing Editor, Les Nouvelles Esthetiques South Africa.

The 2009 Spa Awards consisted of five (5) Categories, namely Boutique Hotel Spas, Day Spa, Resort/Hotel Spa, Unique Spa Concept and Safari Spa categories.

The Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards Day Spa Category Finalists were Soulstice Day Spa, the modern, architecturally profound spa, adjacent to the SiverStar Casino in Mogale City, inspired and named after the ancient Sun Goddess of Wellness, and adhering to the philosophy preached by Sulis: “Take time to restore yourself.” Danika Spa, located in the heart of Klerksdorp, where the focus is on privacy and the total spa experience, as all guests are treated as royalty. San Aquam Urban Sanctuary Spa, a professional Ayurvedic spa experience located in Durban North, with personalised medical consultations and treatments tailored to restore any imbalances in the body according to Ayurvedic traditions.

The winner of the Day Spa Category was Camelot Spa at Ville d’Este, Saxonwold, Johannesburg – where time stands still. Set in an historic setting with exquisite Italian-style architecture, featuring the original fountains, columns and Romanesque frescoes combined with contemporary spa features create the feel of secret space within the confines of the city. The sounds of many tinkling fountains throughout the garden and the fragrance of the freshly clipped lavender hedges and tall cypresses welcome the visitor to the ultimate spa experience.

Umngazi River Bungalows & Spa was announced as the winner of the Unique Spa Concept Category. Set high on the Umngazi hillside, with breathtaking views of the beach and ocean below, guests are treated to a secluded, tranquil spa experience, which is difficult to beat.

The judging of the Unique Spa Concept Category is always extremely difficult, as all spas in this category are very different from one another, but we are proud to announce the finalists in this category: Chicama Country Spa at Glenburn Lodge, in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind, with tranquil, spectacular views from every angle. The spas “Vineyard” theme and décor is complemented with the use of Theravine products and Zorgvliet Wines, allowing guests to step into Cape Town in Gauteng. Angsana Spa, located at the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town. Angsana Spa, a traditional Thai spa which takes its name from the exotic Angsana Tree, noted for its crown of golden fragrant flowers that burst into bloom unexpectedly for just one day and hence its philosophy - to seize life spontaneously, to sense the moment and savour time as it passes inexorably. And The Soul Khaya, a sanctuary of bliss and tranquillity, located in Lanseria, just outside of Johannesburg. The Soul Khaya endeavours to help guests to ‘take the journey home’, to restore their soul. The rituals are unique, comprehensive and decadently indulgent, and are performed with sheer commitment and intention.

The finalists for the Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards Boutique Hotel Category, are Ginkgo Spa at Steenberg Hotel, located on one of the Cape's oldest wine estate and set in the beautiful Constantia Valley originally known as "the feeding place of swans". The serene setting and gentle, yet powerful energy radiating from the Steenberg Mountains re-inforces the philosophy behind the Ginkgo Spa emblem consisting of three ginkgo leaves forming a circle, representing the three important areas of balance, mind, body, and soul - all within the concept of holism. Saxon Spa & Studio, located in the exclusive Saxon Boutique Hotel in the tranquil suburb of Sandhurst, Johannesburg. The Spa redefines the ultimate escape from life as guests can unwind and enjoy tranquil ambience and quiet, discreet service. This world-class Spa has been designed with the most up-to-date equipment and wellness treatments, including a bouquet of hydrotherapies. And Isiphiwo Guest House & Spa, a luxury spa which offers first class treatments by highly trained therapists. The spa is set on a hillside in the Africa bush, only 10 minutes away from Pretoria. The exquisite surroundings and elegantly decorated interior creates the feeling of ultimate calmness and relaxation, as the enthusiastic spa team take guests on an unforgettable journey.

With Feather Hill Wellness Retreat & Spa being the winner in the category of Boutique Hotel Spa. A piece of heaven only one and a half hours from Johannesburg, nestled in the heart of the North West Province. This unique resort is situated on the edge of a hill with unlimited views, surrounded by the well known Sugar Bush trees and unspoilt scenery. The colonial gardens with cobbling waterfalls and streams are complimented by the Tuscan architecture and stylish interior. Feather Hill is a soothing sanctuary where one can go to be pampered beyond expectation.

The Resort/Hotel Spa Category included some of the countries most magnificent resorts, where the finalists were the elegant Librisa Spa at The Mount Nelson Hotel, one of Cape Town’s leading spas escapes. Treatments have been developed uniquely for the spa, which is housed in three original Victorian buildings, with its eclectic decor combination of timeless elegance and contemporary style. Gingko spa at Arniston Spa Hotel, located in the idyllic fishing village of Arniston in the Western Cape, where an overnight stay will turn any quick get-away into a true "Stress Buster" break and a 3-day break feels like a 2 week holiday. The spa prides itself in offering treatments that are based on traditional hands-on touch therapy principles. One & Only Spa, at the heart of the One&Only Cape Town, the Spa is situated on a private island in the centre of the resort's waterway. A serene haven amidst the bustling city of Cape Town, the spacious 1,200-square-metre One&Only Spa’s philosophy is focused around three different pillars which are: Unwind, Balance and Uplift.

The winner of the Resort/Hotel Spa Category was ONEwellness at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sandton Isle, Johannesburg. With a prime location and large windows overlooking the city, the 620m² ONEwellness spa offers facilities and services with one primary objective – total harmony and relaxation - to release all ‘emotional toxins’ in a safe, calm and soothing environment. In line with the ‘green’ philosophy of the ONEwellness group, this unisex spa is environmentally friendly with a theme of ‘natural and organic’ running throughout. This ranges from the elegant décor that incorporates earth elements, colours and textures such as natural Bamboo floors and cabinets, to carefully selected, recyclable products and natural, environmentally friendly treatments and hydrotherapies, including the signature, ONEjourney.

“The Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards Safari Spa Category was the most closely contested category and as the international flagship category for the year to come, and we look forward to presenting the unique soul and beauty of Africa, through our combination of safari and spas. “ says Dr Nadine de Freitas, Managing Editor, Les Nouvelles Esthetiques South Africa.

The finalists were Tau Oasis Spa at Tau Game Lodge, Kapama Spa and Karkloof Spa. Tau Game Lodge is situated in the North West Province, in Madikwe Game Reserve. On entering the spa guests are transported into another world - a calm sanctuary with its natural surroundings, specialised authentic African treatments and customised hydrotherapy experiences. Kapama Spa located in the Kruger National Park is a purpose built Safari Spa on the edge of a waterhole that is frequented by numerous game species including Elephant. Guests have the rare pleasure of enjoying a blissful massage while viewing game at the waterhole, combined with the sublime architecture truly offering guests a once in a lifetime experience. Karkloof Spa, located just 24kms from Pietermaritzburg, in Kwa-Zulu Natal’s midlands. It epitomises a Safari Spa of vast spaces yet offers intimate exclusivity. Personalized on every level and complemented with unfailing luxury, this is an oasis for the senses. Inspired by Africa and her flowing waters, Karkloof Spa captures the imagination and allows one to escape into an environment of harmony, individuality and balance.

With Amani African Spa at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge being selected as the winner of the Safari Spa Category. Earth Lodge is a sanctuary symbolising a new era in luxury South African safari lodges and has been described as the most environmentally sensitive lodge in Africa. Sculpted into a slope of the earth, almost invisible in the landscape, the lodge and spa uses texture, light and space to present a space like no other, where everything has been created for sheer indulgence, yet the superior individual guest experience and synergy of flow remains the central focus from lodge to spa.

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques would like to congratulate all the finalists and winners as they continue to excel in providing the South African community with the keys to relaxation and wellness. The Spa Awards programme is more than pure recognition of achievement, it sets a benchmark for spas in South Africa, and all the finalists and winners are worthy of this acknowledgment.


Spa Recognition Awards 2009

“We focus a large amount on the actual spas, however there are a number of individuals, as seen by the impressive list of nominees, who go above the call of duty and through their work the entire industry benefits”, said Dr Nadine de Freitas. These Spa Recognition Awards include three categories, The Spa Ambassador Award, The Humanitarian Award and The Spa Visionary Award.

The Spa Ambassador Award, symbolises a person who represents the industry, in a thankless capacity. The award goes to a person who has made the industry proud and whose presence in the industry is noted internationally. The Spa Ambassador Award 2009 was awarded to Celeste Peters, TUV Rheinland for her consistent motivation of spa standards and improvement in service excellence. The Spa Humanitarian Award, is awarded to a person who by definition is actively concerned in promoting human welfare. The 2009 award was awarded to Mariet Smal, from Isa Carstens Health & Skincare Academy for her groundbreaking work in Injury Prevention for therapist within the spa industry, through posture, improved massage techniques and ergonomics of the spa spaces. The third award was the Spa Visionary Award 2009, which was awarded to Lilian Terry, who sadly passed away at the end of 2008, but whose groundbreaking work in the field Aromeopathic complexes, a unique combination of essential oils and homeopathic ingredients, which synergise to create powerful, natural, energy treatment oils that enhance and rebalance health and well-being, continues in the spa industry today, throughout the world. Lilian was special in that she connected and befriended people instantly all over the world with her gregarious and approachable nature, combined with her incredible knowledge, yet she continued her research in order to more effectively treat people’s specific needs.

We look forward to hosting the Spa Awards in 2010 and Spa Recognition Awards 2010, as South African Spas and individuals continue to flourish in an internationally growing market place.
  

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Award Winners
  

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