Arabella Spa - Services and Treatments

The Arabella Western Cape Hotel and Spa is home to the world-first, sensory African Rainforest Experience, which comprises of therapeutic showers, scrubs, steam treatments, African colours and local fragrances to stimulate all senses.

Contact the Arabella Spa on +27 28 284 0036 or email to book your treatment.

Download the full Arabella Spa Brochure here.

The fifteen steps included in The African Rainforest Experience are:

1. Exfoliation Room - 10 minutes
   Receive a salt scrub on heated slab by a therapist.
   To clear old, rough and dry skin and to make the skin more receptive to the treatment to come. Lying on a heated slab, the body is kept warm as the scrub is applied. 
   
   
2. Ante Room - 5 minutes
   Guest to take a hot shower (or to be showered down by therapist). Afterwards guests ladle themselves from the cold-water fountain in the anteroom.
   The hot shower warms the body up, relaxes the muscles and opens the pores of the skin. The cold-water splash then improves circulation. In order to be effective, these steps should not be rushed. They give the body a signal to start to detoxify.
   
   
3. Eucalyptus Steam Room experience (42ºC) - 10 minutes
   The steam, in combination with eucalyptus, opens the pores and benefits the respiratory system. Plus, eucalyptus is very effective against headaches, fatigue and stress. The steam room further encourages relaxation and detoxification.
   
   
4. Cold Shower - 3 minutes
   Therapist or guest to ladle themselves from the cold water fountain in the Anteroom.
   After the high temperatures of the steam room, it is important to cool the body down. This further stimulates the lymphatic system to clear toxins.
   
   
5. Rest on mosaic slabs underneath heated aromatherapy towel - 5 minutes
   Oils like lemongrass, lemon, orange, lavender, peppermint, ginger encourage relaxation and help to induce feelings of calm and serenity.
   
   
6. Aromatherapy Sauna (75ºC) - 5 minutes
   Guest to select preferred Aromatherapy oil to be infused inside the sauna.
   The aroma you choose is very important. Trust your instincts and go for the oil that appeals most to you at that moment. The therapist will also advise you on the effects of specific oils.  The heat in the sauna helps increase the benefits of the oil - helping the body detoxify faster. The pores open and the body starts to perspire, flushing away toxins.
   
   
7. Waterfall Shower - 2 minutes
   Cool to cold shower or cold water hose 
   For skin cleansing and to close the pores. Again lymphatic drainage is stimulated and circulation enhanced, helping to detox.
   
   
8. Dry heat Sauna (75ºC) - 5 minutes
   The dry sauna causes more perspiring so the body is further cleansed. Muscles are relaxed by the heat. 
   
   
9. Cold Mountain Mist - 5 minutes
   Soft cold mist falls lightly down on the skin and cools the body down. 
   
   
10. Dry Relaxation Beds - 15 minutes
    Whilst relaxing, drink one glass of water     
    It is very important to drink a lot of fluids in situations as you are perspiring a great deal. This ensures that you detox but not dehydrate. Rest is also important when the circulation is stimulated. This is where the body calms down, refreshes and relaxes.
    
    
11. Reflexology Footbaths with pebbles - 12 minutes
    Alternate 3 times:
    3 minutes warm water (38ºC)
    1-minute cold water (as cold as possible)
    The warm water regulates the body temperature. Through heat, the water will activate circulation, giving a relaxed and calm feeling.
    
    
12. Rainforest Shower Beds (30-40ºC) - 6 minutes
    3 minutes soft rain lying on back
    3 minutes pulsating rain lying on stomach
    Pamper and relax under a cascade of warm water. This treatment is for the soul. Remember our bodies are over 90% water. A relaxed mind helps bring your heart rate down.
    
    Rest Area - 30 minutes
    
    
13. Drying and application of soothing and rehydrating moisturizers - 10 minutes
    After the hot sauna and using the showers, the skin needs its moisture replenished with soft, hydrating cream.
    
    
14. Relaxation experience in the Candle Room - 30 minutes
    Whilst rehydrating with a glass of water.
    Your body's detox system has been activated but you will be feeling very, very relaxed. Fall asleep; allow the body to calm and awake feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. 
    
    
15. African Tea Ceremony - 10 minutes
    Time for Tea. The ingredients are important. A rooiboos /chamomile mix is relaxing. A Rooiboos/ peppermint mix is detoxifying and cleansing.
    
    Total time - 130 minutes. 

Body and soul are restored.