By Clare Thomas
April 23rd, 2008
Mothers are glorious beings who deserve to be celebrated, deserve pampering and deserve a good old 'thanks for being my mom' kinda deal.
I know I for one don’t do it enough, yet there are myriad ways you can show her that you love the magic she brings to your world.
Spa-licious kidnapping
One idea, my favourite choice, is to kidnap mom for a night and head on over for some luscious treatments out at the Klein Genot Wellness Spa (
www.kleingenot.com) out in Franschhoek, where luxury, elegance, serenity and pure country bliss cradle you in their arms.
The estate itself is set under the majestic Franschhoek mountains, with 20 hectares of vineyards lining the view to their rocky faces, the gentle evening and morning light tickling the autumn vine leaves with hues of golden green, and then… the stillness, the sounds of calm.
Wrap-up in eastern spa philosophy
Angie, the dynamic woman who runs this spot, has used her extensive knowledge of the eastern spa philosophy and general zest for life to appeal to all the senses. Hence various subtle scents dance in the air of temperate rooms, gentle music plays in the right place at the right time, and bouncy lawns cushion your feet. It all works to satisfy your soul as it nourishes you from the inside out…
The place feels like an extension of Angie's home, with just seven luxurious rooms available.
Unexpected cherry delights
We were encouraged to kick back, pop our tired feet on the table and read, have a cup of tea with delicious sandwiches and cakes, play a game of chess, watch the black swans sailing across the trout pond as the night trickled in, help ourselves to anything in the drinks fridge… whatever our fancy.
And the people who work there – whew! What a team indeed. Their smiles and laughter and honest, relaxed, brilliant service are the cherry on the top. A big cherry too. They’re amazing. We even woke up to washed cars the next morning!
Mind's eye therapy
The late afternoon saw mum and I heading on over to the spa to enjoy a little pampering for our relaxed and happy souls.
The drive out there does wonders: mum was telling me "studies show that people who live closer to the earth, live a happier life, and that when stressed, looking at the colours blue and green juxtaposed, it calms the spirit (even if it's only blue and green paper) – the colours remind you of sunshiny days and being in nature..." And anyone who has done that drive before knows blue and green abound - the perfect prelude to what’s to come).
Pampering-induced cheeky snoozes
Each therapy room leads out to a little terrace with a deck chair and then shoots off into the vineyards and up to the mountains. It’s with this view that you treat yourself to the magic of their various offerings of bliss.
A great option is the MatiSpa Body Treatment (an oil based body exfoliation that leaves you feeling like silk, followed by a body wrap – you can choose between varying types, but trust me, once you smell the chocolate mousse option… you’ll struggle to choose another - then a quick shower followed by a 40-min massage with their exclusive aromatic oil).
During my treatment, I promptly passed out, only to embarrassingly awake to not such a little snort! Gotta love deep cheeky snoozes while being pampered. It rocks.
Mum came out glowing with serenity and as she soaked in her jasmine bath later in our room, whispered a loving ‘thank you for this’ through the candle lit room. I smiled. A deep, happy smile.
Just me and mum
It’s not often in my days that it’s just me and mum, quietly enjoying life together. Distractions abound in city life and real honest time spent side by side is rare. This is the perfect setting for such a moment rediscovering this magic woman and letting her know how much she means to you.
And with winter coming, their rates are a little lower, and the blossoms in the orchard will soon be budding. Klein Genot is waiting to delight and nourish you…
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