Finding bliss at Belmond Mount Nelson’s Librisa Spa

While any visit to The Belmond Mount Nelson is reason to celebrate, this time I was there with a particular purpose.

The aim? To review their new luxury, signature treatment, developed in conjunction with Thalgo: The Thalgo Prodige Face and Body Ritual, which includes the use of rose quartz wands – exclusively available at the hotel’s Librisa Spa. If, like me, you are new to the Thalgo brand, I’d suggest heading on over here, to read a little more about their marine-based treatments and products first.

The spa

While we’ve been lucky to visit the hotel a few times before, it was my first visit to the spa. The fact that I thought the reception area was the spa, gives you a little glimpse into how vast and indulgent the area is. The first section does indeed house the reception desk, as well as the changing rooms and facilities – a steam room, sauna and most beautiful little plunge pool. And that is, of course, if you don’t feel like making use of the hotel’s own pool, which is open to spa guests, together with dedicated sun loungers.

Walking through the reception area, you enter a separate building, which is home to the treatment rooms. In true Belmond Mount Nelson style, you can expect crystal chandeliers, lush wallpaper and luxurious couches, dotted throughout. While I admit I could go on and on just about the spa area, the conservatory does deserve special mention. Indoors, with sliding glass windows that open on to a water feature, you can relax with a cup of herbal tea, snack on some fresh fruit and relax while the dappled sunshine makes its way through the trees overhead. I felt like I could easily be in Bali, and not in the middle of the CBD.

In a prime example of hindsight, I wish I’d added a little extra time to my visit to make proper use of the facilities. The perfect excuse for a return visit, I’d say.

The treatment

Now, onto the treatment itself. Described as “a supreme treatment experience dedicated to youthfulness and intense relaxation, it includes luxurious textures and professional products with seven exclusive massage techniques to regenerate and reactivate total youthfulness. The treatment begins with an iconic body massage with the Prodige des Océans balm, before moving on to the facial. The theory is that once the body is relaxed and skin fully stimulated, the results of the subsequent are magnified.”

To clarify from the start, while this treatment includes a facial, it is so, so much more. Putting the above theory into practice, the two-hour indulgence starts with you sitting on the massage bed, breathing as your back and posture are relaxed, before your therapist starts with a full body hot stone massage. I admit that for the first few minutes I was wondering when the actual facial would begin, before just giving in to the bliss of firm, sweeping strokes and hot stones.

The facial itself is a signature Thalgo Prodige Face and Body Ritual – with the Belmond Mount Nelson and Librisa Spa the only spa to offer it in the Western Cape. Added to this, the Belmond Mount Nelson has added their own special touch in the form of rose quartz, developed in conjunction with Thalgo.

Said to do everything from prevent ageing by the ancient Egyptians, rose quartz is filled with natural minerals and can reduce inflammation and support the renewal of skin cells. And, of course, what better way to pay homage to the Cape’s favourite rose-hued hotel, than with this stone?

I’d discussed my particular skin concerns with the spa beforehand – particularly its uneven texture, redness and breakouts – and admit to leaving with the glow that only some serious pampering will give you. So, don’t think it’s only about the indulgence – it’s about results, too.

The verdict?

If you are looking for an indulgent top-to-toe treatment in Cape Town, I don’t think you can do better. Apart from the ritual itself – which left me feeling more relaxed and pampered than I’d been in a very long time – the facilities are just sublime and will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into your own private piece of paradise.

The Signature Prodige Ritual costs R2 000 pp and lasts for 120 minutes.

Note: I enjoyed my treatment as a guest of the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel. All views and images are my own.