It’s practically a given that relaxation is the order of the day when one visits a national park. That concept has now been extended through the introduction of a selection of spa treatments when visiting Addo Elephant National Park outside Port Elizabeth.
Addo Indlovu Spa has been operating in the Park since October – providing guests with the opportunity to unwind even further in the comfort of their rooms or a private outdoors massage in their gazebo near Reception at Main Camp. Day visitors need not feel excluded as the treatments are for both overnight and day guests.
The treatments include foot massages and pedicures as well as head, neck, shoulder and back massages, as well as full body massages. There is also a kiddies’ spa menu for little hands and feet.
“The name ‘Indlovu’ means elephant in isiXhosa, which is the local language spoken in the Eastern Cape. These are also the people whose lives we want to enrich through training and job creation,” says Managing Director, Tania Rossouw. She says as she is from the Eastern Cape, her love for the area and passion for training brought together the concept of Indlovu healing.
All four massage therapists are previously disadvantaged ladies from the local Addo community who Tania has trained and nurtured with the necessary skills. She says she came up with the concept about 18 months ago when she went for a treatment at another spa in the area and came across a cleaning lady she had previously trained up as therapist. This made her want to nurture and improve these women’s capabilities and employ them to make full use of their skills and training.
Addo Indlovu Spa’s aim, says Tania, is to deliver five-star customer service which also offers value for money for their guests and at the same time respect the environment. Only natural products with natural ingredients are used. They make their own foot scrub with salt and essential oils, including spekboom bought from a local entrepreneur. The spekboom is crushed as the juice from the plant is exceptionally healing and hydrating to the skin.
As a special treat, all guests are offered African face paint after their treatments.