Sabi Sabi Earth Nature Spa at Earth Lodge

Overall Impression Located in the well known Sabi Sabi Reserve and managed by Camelot, part of a chain of South African spas, the Sabi Sabi Earth Nature Spa at Earth Lodge was a quiet haven from the world. After settling in comfortably at the lodge on our first day, we dedicated most of our second day, excluding game drives, of a three day stay at Earth Lodge to spa activities. It was a smart decision. The half day of spa treatments helped us relax and enriched our game viewing oriented stay at Earth Lodge.

The reception area of the spa was adjacent to a small work out section and an outdoor Zen garden. Coming in from the sweltering heat of the South African summer we appreciated the cool temperature and warm staff welcome as soon as we entered. We were particularly pleased to discover we were the only guests at the spa during our morning and early afternoon treatment sessions.

Having the facilities to ourselves was an especially agreeable way to enjoy the spa and the kind of experience that is seldom if ever possible in an urban setting. We thoroughly enjoyed our Sweet and Savory scrubs, couples massages and post lunch pedicures. To take full advantage of the bush setting and all the benefits the lodge offers, I would encourage friends and acquaintances visiting Earth Lodge to dedicate half a day or more to spa indulgences.

General Manager Hlengiwe Mbuyazi

Handicapped Access Spa representatives indicated that handicapped guests can enjoy reflexology treatments, manicures, pedicures and Indian Head Massages. Depending on the nature of the handicap, the therapist will assess whether she can perform other treatments.

Location At Earth Lodge within the Sabi Sands Reserve, part of the Sabi Sands Reserve near Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Managed Camelot International

Number Of Staff There were two full time Internationally Qualified therapists, and a Spa Attendant.

Owned Hilton and Jacqui Loon

Size The spa was about 144 square meters in size. There were three single treatment rooms, one double treatment room and three staff members.

Treatment Rooms Our scrub treatments were in separate single rooms with en suite showers. Following the scrubs we entered a spacious couples treatment room facing a water feature where we had our massages and later enjoyed side by side pedicures.

The spa had four treatment rooms: one twin room for dual treatments, two therapy rooms for massage, facials, and body treatments, and one massage a room that also housed a hydrotherapy bath.

Treatments Available Massages, facials, hydrotherapy and scrubs, manicure, pedicure, eyebrow shape and tint and eyelash tint.

Year Opened-Renovated The spa was established in 2000 when the Earth Lodge opened.

Special Training Staff were trained as part of the Camelot Spa International Education Group. Boasting seven accredited schools across South Africa, Camelot instructs its therapists about Spa Therapy or skincare. The program is registered with the South African Department of Education as a private higher education institution. Students can choose between registered South African and international qualifications. Health and skincare therapy training programs include diplomas in health and skincare therapy, natural and holistic therapies, therapeutic aromatherapy, therapeutic reflexology, therapeutic massage therapy as well as a range of modular and advanced post-graduate courses.

Common Areas There was a small reception area with a desk for staff, a shelf of products and two seats for guests. Indoors, the sunlit spa was decorated in earth tones. The outside of the building and the interior gardens were designed in a Zen style.

Earth Nature Spa was built in the same organic architecture style as Earth Lodge. The idea behind it was to emphasize a minimal impact on nature and maximum tranquility for guests. The walls were unadorned and featured an unplastered cement finish with bits of stone, pigment and straw visible. There were original wooden sculptures by local sculptor Geoffrey Armstrong and furniture was designed “to complement and reflect nature in its shape and form.”

Amenities Earth Collection amenities (shower gel, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner), bath robes, slippers and disposable underwear. Earth Lodge materials were natural and sourced locally whenever possible. We were offered refreshments, fresh lemon water and herbals teas.

Facilities There were twin hydro bath tubs. The spa also housed a small fitness center with an exercise bicycle, health walker and weight training area. Each suite at Earth Lodge had a private plunge pool. The lodge had a swimming pool built half indoors, half outdoors with the following dimensions: 3 meters by 5 meters and 1.45 meters deep.

Lockers And Bathrooms There were no lockers as all guests were staying at the property. The treatment rooms had showers.

Cleanliness Excellent

Date Of Review November 2007

Number Of Treatments Six

ReviewersArticle by Elena del Valle

Photographs by Gary Cox

Treatments Experienced Each of us enjoyed three treatments. We started with a 30-minute Sweet and Savory Scrub. The scrub was a combination of salt and sugar granules with a mildly stimulating ginger essential oil blend. The salt gently exfoliated our skin clean and the sugar formed a sticky coating that moisturized our skin leaving it silky and smooth.

Next we had an hour long Camelot Universal Signature Massage right before lunch. From the options of light, medium or firm pressure I selected firm. It was a deep and relaxing combination of massage techniques. Following lunch at the lodge we had Spa Pedicures. These included a full pedicure and moisturizing paraffin treatment. Our therapists, Hlengiwe Mbuyazi and Nicky Fitchet, were professional, attentive, and personable.

Would You Return? Yes