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The Cradle of Humankind has always been a place that intrigued me
due to its enormous significance to humanity, as we know it today,
yet a place that the so few people in South Africa visit.
So, the initiation of the Blue IQ project, the new development at
Maropeng and now the Forum Homini Boutique Hotel, was just
irresistible to a curious mind. And the further addition of spa
facilities, under the guidance of Woodlands Wellness, made the
package perfect.
The Forum Homini Boutique
Hotel
The Forum Homini, a five star boutique hotel is an experience of
inestimable value. It is located in a private game reserve, The
Cradle of Humankind, one of the world's most famous heritage
sites.
Forum Homini is an architectural masterpiece set in a solemn and
poetic landscape. Sweeping views of the valley abound from luxury
suites with roofs covered in African veld, allows the hotel to be
camouflaged and non-invasive to the surrounding area. This unique
design has a slightly subterranean feel and light and shadow play
on the expanses of glass and stone, ensuring natural light and
warmth. As you walk through this incredible site, you are
presented with images layered and overlayed, even distorted by
time; a subtle handprint, an ancient totem, sculptures with
references to evolution.
This lifelong vision was the brainchild of Hendrik Marais who
wanted to, "make the dramatic story of the evolution of man
accessible, interesting and fun. This has manifested itself in
Forum Homini Boutique Hotel and we hope that in its concept and
welcoming hospitality, it becomes the gem within The Cradle."
The hotel has 14 luxurious suites, which are partly submerged.
They are like sophisticated caves with raked off shutter concrete
roofs that open up onto the view beyond. Suites include:
stalactite lights handmade by Karen Vermeulen; fireplaces designed
to make the fire look as if it's encased by glass; king size
luxury beds; large oval baths and open-air showers.
The Restaurant: Roots
From the moment of arrival at Forum Homini we were made to feel
welcome, allowing me with absolute confidence to confirm that one
of the cornerstones of Forum Homini is hospitality and certainly
an appreciation for cuisine, its role in reaching your soul and
most importantly leaving you with a longing to return.
The restaurant, Roots under the guidance of Chef Patron, Philippe
Wagenfuhrer, whom believes "Food is about giving and the act of
cooking is a gift from the cook to the diner", takes each patron
through a multitude of tastes, as he introduces innovative
culinary ideas, from an ancient tea ceremony, to a relaxing
weekend brunch to a special occasion 6 course dinner, each course
served with its corresponding wine.
Root's culinary philosophy centers around pure, clear flavours
that are decisive and refined. The African, Asian heritage so
evident in the cooking is combined together with traditional
French influences, as Philippe Wagenfuhrer has worked all over the
world in countries such as Antigua, Barbados, United Kingdom and
France, bring his experience of each culture to soulful dishes
that exude passion in every bite.
The Spa
Most spas are designed to create the perfect relaxing and
rejuvenating space to ensure clients leave refreshed and revived,
however at Forum Homini, the space carries a natural energy of
peace and tranquillity, allowing Woodlands Wellness to introduce
spa facilities seamlessly within the comfort of each guests room.
"As our focus at Woodlands is wellness, going one step further in
providing healing modalities best suited for the clients emotional
and spiritual well-being. So, the introduction of a day or two's
escape from the hustle and bustle of urban living, to the
environment of Forum Homini, allows a guest to retreat into the
arms of wellness and gently restore the soul." Says Marisa Farinha
Lloyd, owner of Woodlands Wellness Centres.
Their anthology of treatments and packages have been selected for
the therapeutic properties and their ability to relax and bring
balance to your body. Some delightful examples include 'Being' -
Humble beginnings as your feet are gently soaked in a synergistic
blend of juniper, tangerine and blue mountain sage. While your
feet are immersed in the warmth of water, a head massage works the
trappings of stress, releasing tension in your face, head and
neck. And then begins a rhythmic massage of African descent, at
first gentle stretching to prepare the body followed by a massage
with Swarthout dumbbells, which will result in absolute
relaxation; 'Earth' - Breathe...one...two...three, a restorative
treatment designed to balance your bodys' energy system, using the
warmth of stones to work out blockages in your back, neck and
shoulders followed by a session of reflexology for the hands and
feet which focuses on the energy meridians of the body; or
Heavenly Journey, Forum Homini's signature treatment - you will be
lulled into gentle relaxation, leaving behind all your thoughts of
stress. A sublime massage of warm oil to soothe your aching body,
followed by a shirodhara treatment (the streaming of warm oil over
the forehead).
Additional to the spa treatments available, Woodlands Wellness at
Forum Homini has also introduced 'afriKan Yoga Journeys' Yoga and
Tai chi Retreats and Workshops. Paul, the principle facilitator,
has over twenty years of experience in the fields of Hatha style
Yoga, Music, Tai chi and Meditation, allowing the retreat to be
both informative and deeply rejuvenating.
A typical retreat would include carefully graded sessions of
either Tai Chi or Yoga, so allowing both experienced and beginners
to participate, a variety of wellness treatments, excellent
cuisine, professional music recitals, and sounds therapy sessions
to facilitate deep relaxation. Further deepened by the sounds of
nature and bird singing as you enjoy the grace of the Cradle of
Humankind Nature Reserve.
Collectively, between the architecture, environment, hospitality,
cuisine and spa facilities, the Forum Homini is a special place,
which is aptly described by the owner, Hendrik Marais, "Forum
Homini is not in your face, it's not a theme park or a museum.
It's a six star 'think park!' A place where you can relax, dine,
and stay in superb luxury: be near nature and be infused with the
story of humankind. Contemplate and meditate; enjoy talking to
like minded people knowing you're exactly at the spot on earth
where it all happened!"
For more information contact Woodlands Wellness Centre on 011 957
3269 or Forum Homini by visiting:
www.forumhomini.co.za
History of the region
Only 45 minutes from Johannesburg, nestling in the peaceful
Sterkfontein rural valley, lies The Cradle of Humankind, a world
heritage site and the world's richest hominid site. Visitors can
view a strip of a dozen dolomitic limestone caves containing the
fossilised remains of ancient forms of animals, plants and most
importantly, hominids. The Sterkfontein Valley landscape comprises
a band of important palaeo-anthropological sites, which include
Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai, Coopers B and Wonder Cave.
These sites have produced the remains of hominids from over 2 to
3.3 million years ago, the early stone-age, the middle stone age,
the later stone age including the early and late iron age and up
to the present day.
In 1936, the Sterkfontein caves produced the first adult
australopithecine. In 1947, the almost complete skull of an adult
female Australopithecus africanus was discovered by Dr Robert
Broom. The remains were initially named "Plesianthropus
transvaalensis" ("near-man" of the Transvaal) which inspired the
nickname "Mrs.Ples." "Mrs Ples" is estimated to be between 2.8 and
2.6 million years old and ranks high on the long list of
australopithecine discoveries for which Sterkfontein is now
famous.
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