Having been invited to the One&Only Spa for their Winter Warmer special, I was rather curious to find out what the One&Only Cape Town was like, since the new 'resort' or should we say 'mini city' at the V&A Waterfront, has been on everyone's lips...

As you walk into the One&Only Cape Town, the smell of relaxation seems to waft towards you, in a grandiose way. The ginormity of the main entrance, foyer and bar area is balanced by the modern but restrained décor — with the exception of the massive glass sculpture hanging overhead.

I was guided to the spa. "Over the bridge and on the other side you will find the spa, Madame". Ah I see, an oasis within an oasis.

Modern African feel

There's a distinctly African feel to the space, with African influences reflected in both the design and treatments on offer at the spa, but these seem to be complemented by some Eastern inspiration — such as the staff's earthy-coloured kimonos.

Antelope and ostrich sculptures peer into the space, and all the art and furniture is continent-inspired.

On offer are tailored holistic experiences, ranging from pure relaxation to unique signature wellness journeys.

I was here for their Winter Warmer treatment, which is available during the week until 31 August 2009.

'Unwind, balance, uplift'

The philosophy of the One&Only Spa is unwind, balance and uplift. Mood lighting, unobtrusive music, flowing fountains and manicured staff, all add to the tranquil ambiance of the place.

The Winter Warmer includes a 20-minute hot stone back massage, followed by a facial and facial massage, as well as head massage.

Walking me through the passage en route to the treatment room, which is lined with stones and lit by miniature blue lights, my masseuse explains the essentials of the massage to me.

The treatment rooms are rather avant-garde with high natural wood ceilings and state-of-the-art facilities.

Science and nature

The One&Only Spa uses a range of products called ESPA — an international brand which is a fusion of science and nature with many of their products containing citrus, plant extracts and essential oils. The brand also boasts a combination of modern and ancient therapies, which is rather fitting for a contemporary African establishment.

It's always rather disturbing when receiving great pleasure from another woman, but I was unfazed the hot stone massage was divine, reaching every knotted fibre in my stressed back — bliss.

Adding to the comfort, the bed has a sort of electric blanket built in, winter warmer indeed.

Before my session had begun my therapist made me smell and choose between different oils and products from the ESPA range for my different treatments.

For the hot stone massage she used the restorative body oil which is a combination of stress-reducing aromatic essential oils, which comforts — a 'hug in a bottle'. It's aimed at restoring emotional equilibrium.

These oils contain ingredients such as myrrh, sweet orange oil, rose geranium, carrot oil and lavender, plus skin-firming palmarosa. Sounds exotic doesn't it?

A bowl of hot water containing this essential oil was placed below the bed and drifted up towards my face, putting me into a trance-like state, until it was time for the facial.

Step one: bed must be mechanically adjusted for your comfort. Step two: facial...

The facial foaming cleanser which she used was rather tingly on my skin, it felt like the first rays of summer tickling my face after a cold winter. The foaming agent yucca is actually a desert plant containing 'nature's detergent', and is combined with sea algae and red mandarin (possibly the tingling agent).

'Surprisingly stimulating… '

Having your face contorted in all directions is surprisingly stimulating, although sometimes weird. For this she used the balancing face treatment with orange blossom, frankincense, macadamia and avocado. This moisturises dehydrated skin but doesn't make it oily.

Lastly, I got a head massage with a hair mask which is good for your hair and was led off to the 'facilities' i.e. vitality pool, steam room, sauna (with automatic ice bucket outside in case you get too hot) and change rooms.

All very hi-tech with all the add-ons you could need. Now if I could just work the automated locker it would be great...

For reservations, please contact the spa directly on +27 21 431 5810 or visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com for more information.