Relaxe and renew at the Life Day Spa

26 Apr 2010

Never having experienced a floatation tank or pool, but hearing great things about them as the ultimate relaxation activity, I was quite excited to get the chance to try one at the very swish Life Day Spa at Crystal Towers Hotel in Canal Walk. Luckily not only did I manage to get my float on, but I also tried out the Middle Eastern Mud Ritual.

The floatation pool at the Life Day Spa takes the form of a fairly decent sized circular pool filled with salt-infused water about three-feet high, dimly lit by surrounding soft lights and a faux star sky ceiling. The water is heated to body temperature and the salt and water is at the perfect ratio so that you feel utterly weightless, designed to make you feel like you're back in the womb I believe. Can't say it felt exactly womb-like to me (not that I remember what that should feel like), but was more trippy what with the starry ceiling sky and Enya sounds being emitted through the water. I had a 30-minute session in the pool and it seemed over before I knew it; I could have quite happily stayed a little longer gently floating from one end to the other.

After having a quick shower to get rid of all the salt and to try and rinse some out of my eyes (that would teach me to attempt backstroke in a floatation pool), it was off to get all dirty with the Middle Eastern Mud Ritual. This took place in the exotic Rasul Chamber and consisted of anointing yourself in a yummy smelling exfoliating scrub, taking a quick shower and then smothering yourself in natural medicinal mud, then just letting the nutrient-rich mud detoxify and moisturise you while you relax on heated benches and herb-infused steam permeates the room. The ritual usually ends with a rain-like shower from the ceiling. I'm not too sure what happened but after what felt like an hour-and-a-half and still no rain shower, I decided to take a normal shower to wash the mud off as I was feeling like I was as relaxed as I would ever be.

The floatation pool and Mud Ritual are the ultimate treatments in relaxation and getting away from it all. You feel truly secluded and undisturbed while having these treatments that leave you with a calm mind, relaxed and renewed body and wonderfully soft skin.

Not only does the Life Day Spa offer some wonderful packages and treatment options, but anytime you come in for a treatment - be it only for a pedicure - you get to take advantage of the Spa's purifying steam room, sauna, relaxation stations and heated outdoor pool. For more on the Life Day Spa and all the treatments on offer, go to
http://www.lifedayspacapetown.co.za/index.php .