Man, I feel like a woman!

As their first clients for the day, we were ushered promptly on arrival into one of their therapy rooms to prepare for our exfoliation. If you're new to the spa experience, the disposable undies might be an initial hurdle; just remember, more coverage up front, less in the back - it can get tricky.

We were exfoliated from our shoulders down with delicious aromatic salts; the best part is when they get to those hard-to- reach places like your back - it's a blissful sensation. We were then covered in a body mask and left to marinate for half an hour. With the blinds down and the lights dimmed, the soothing instrumental classics led us swiftly to sleep. Awoken shortly after by one of our softly spoken masseuses, we showered off the mask and revealed our glowing, smooth bodies.

Neck deep in a foam bath

Robed up, and with slippers strangely shaped for alien feet, we were led down the passage to the hydrobaths, complemented by a welcome flute of champagne and some chocolates. With jets of bubbles massaging our bodies from every direction, we toasted to relaxation and again slipped into our own worlds - especially as it's pretty hard making conversation above the sounds of the motorised hydrobaths. "Relax" was the word illuminated by the shimmering pretend candles between our baths - and relax was what we did, as we slid neck deep into a warm foam bath.

Drained of all stress and ready for part three of our spa package, we dried off and headed back to the therapy room for a one-hour full-body Swedish massage. I watched my masseuse's perfectly manicured toes tiptoe around the table as she removed all my pent-up tension and stress. Sprawled out over the table, my mind was able to transcend this world, for a much more pleasant one.

The Breathe Spa is located on an enchanting golf estate that would entice even a non-golfer to have a round. The spa therapists are warm and friendly, and the facilities make it worth every penny. If you need to escape the city for half a day and indulge in your own company, or if you'd like to spend some quality time with a loved one, this is one of the best places to do it.

Renewed and revitalised, we left Pearl Valley, ready to face the world again.

For more information, go to www.pearlvalley.co.za/stay/breathe-spa.html.