Location: CAPE GRACE SPA, Cape Town, South Africa
Category: Hotel Spa
Price Range: ($41-$93) Facials ($60-$97) Body Treatments ($60-$107)
Treatments Received: Therapeutic massage, reflexology
Summary: The Cape Grace Hotel and Spa is ideally positioned on the waterfront in Cape Town’s harbor and marina area. The Spa is located on the top floor of the hotel, with sweeping views of the city and the yacht marina and Table Mountain off in the distance. The Spa is exclusive to hotel guests but I managed to have them allow me to enter.
This Spa was ranked the best spa in AFRICA in 2007. The Spa opened in 2004 while the hotel had opened in 1999. The Cape Grace Hotel was ranked No. 1 hotel in the world in 2000 and 2007 and it is truly a very special place with a wonderful ambience. The décor was very serene and elegant, in a subdued color scheme, very calming. I was told that Bill Clinton had been a guest here in the past. So, I was expecting BIG things from this spa and really looking forward to being a client there.
The spa really wows you as you step out of the elevator into a very beautiful mosaic entrance. Irene, the front desk receptionist was absolutely fabulous – friendly, smiling, anxious to help. I was wowed by her attitude, to be sure. I wish more spa employees had her initiative and willingness to accommodate. She was something. Lots of smiles abound in this spa.
I wish my overall experience was as great as the staff experience. The small things that contribute to a truly special experience were lacking. Interior details make up such an important part of the impression one has of a facility such of this reputation. There were minimal amenities with only one small counter for hair drying, applying makeup, etc. There was only one stall in the bathroom! The showers need updating and the keys to the lockers were loose and not secure at all. The dressing area was very small in which only two persons could fit comfortably at one time. And I couldn’t help but notice the carpeting was in a sad state and needed replacing. I really expected more from a hotel of this grandeur and reputation.
My massage therapist, Victoria, was very nice but seemed newly trained. The décor was based on the interesting premise of herbs and spices, naming the treatment rooms calendula, cilantro, paprika and saffron with gauzes covering the massage beds that represented the color of that particular spice. The six treatment rooms had a marina view, which was nice, not that you are looking at the view when you’re laying down on a massage table anyway! The lounge area had a Jacuzzi tub with no water in it. Odd!
The spa has a rain and body shower, steam room, sauna and a mineral spa bath in addition to the open air Jacuzzi. There is also a hot spa area with three chaise lounges for reclining and relaxation. Hair and nail services are available as well. The manager told me there are 50 on-call therapists but only six there at a given time as there are only six treatment rooms.
Spa product lines here: Nimue (for men and women); Africology, a local all-natural South African line of products for body, face and feet; Comfort Zone; Charlotte Rhys; Davines; and Redken.
All in all, I think as a spa experience the Cape Grace spa disappoints. It will suffice if you are a hotel guest and in need of a massage but I cannot imagine one would want to linger here as though it was a resort experience. It isn’t Scottsdale or Bali!!
Category: Hotel Spa
Price Range: ($41-$93) Facials ($60-$97) Body Treatments ($60-$107)
Treatments Received: Therapeutic massage, reflexology
Summary: The Cape Grace Hotel and Spa is ideally positioned on the waterfront in Cape Town’s harbor and marina area. The Spa is located on the top floor of the hotel, with sweeping views of the city and the yacht marina and Table Mountain off in the distance. The Spa is exclusive to hotel guests but I managed to have them allow me to enter.
This Spa was ranked the best spa in AFRICA in 2007. The Spa opened in 2004 while the hotel had opened in 1999. The Cape Grace Hotel was ranked No. 1 hotel in the world in 2000 and 2007 and it is truly a very special place with a wonderful ambience. The décor was very serene and elegant, in a subdued color scheme, very calming. I was told that Bill Clinton had been a guest here in the past. So, I was expecting BIG things from this spa and really looking forward to being a client there.
The spa really wows you as you step out of the elevator into a very beautiful mosaic entrance. Irene, the front desk receptionist was absolutely fabulous – friendly, smiling, anxious to help. I was wowed by her attitude, to be sure. I wish more spa employees had her initiative and willingness to accommodate. She was something. Lots of smiles abound in this spa.
I wish my overall experience was as great as the staff experience. The small things that contribute to a truly special experience were lacking. Interior details make up such an important part of the impression one has of a facility such of this reputation. There were minimal amenities with only one small counter for hair drying, applying makeup, etc. There was only one stall in the bathroom! The showers need updating and the keys to the lockers were loose and not secure at all. The dressing area was very small in which only two persons could fit comfortably at one time. And I couldn’t help but notice the carpeting was in a sad state and needed replacing. I really expected more from a hotel of this grandeur and reputation.
My massage therapist, Victoria, was very nice but seemed newly trained. The décor was based on the interesting premise of herbs and spices, naming the treatment rooms calendula, cilantro, paprika and saffron with gauzes covering the massage beds that represented the color of that particular spice. The six treatment rooms had a marina view, which was nice, not that you are looking at the view when you’re laying down on a massage table anyway! The lounge area had a Jacuzzi tub with no water in it. Odd!
The spa has a rain and body shower, steam room, sauna and a mineral spa bath in addition to the open air Jacuzzi. There is also a hot spa area with three chaise lounges for reclining and relaxation. Hair and nail services are available as well. The manager told me there are 50 on-call therapists but only six there at a given time as there are only six treatment rooms.
Spa product lines here: Nimue (for men and women); Africology, a local all-natural South African line of products for body, face and feet; Comfort Zone; Charlotte Rhys; Davines; and Redken.
All in all, I think as a spa experience the Cape Grace spa disappoints. It will suffice if you are a hotel guest and in need of a massage but I cannot imagine one would want to linger here as though it was a resort experience. It isn’t Scottsdale or Bali!!
Facility: 3.5 Services: 4 Staff: 5
Highs:
- Great towels, soft and absorbent