The Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards Day Spa Category Finalists Were

The 10th annual Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards hosted by Les Nouvelles Esthetiques South Africa in association with Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Paris, was held on Sunday the 27 July 2014, at the prestigious Maslow Hotel, Sandton. Johannesburg.

The Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards Gala Dinner evening was filled with excitement and glamour as some of the industries most respected and well-known names and media came together to acknowledge their peers. In keeping with the New York Gatsby theme, charleston dancers, art deco décor, a taste extravanganza buffet, followed by energetic entertainment from Funeka and Si-Anne, guest were kept enthralled throughout the evening.

Through the success of the previous awards, the Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards increases in its stature each year, providing the South African and International Spa Visitors and Media with a comprehensive choice of award winning spas, and a reliable source of spa information and recommendations, within South Africa.

“Spas offer a precious refuge from a frenzied lifestyle. A time and place to relax and disconnect from the world as you recharge your mind, body and spirit, and an opportunity to bring your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual selves back into alignment. In whatever amount of time one can afford, spas provide peace, relaxation and guidance to help create a healthier lifestyle.“ Dr Nadine de Freitas, Managing Editor, Les Nouvelles Esthetiques, South Africa.

The 2014 Spa Awards consisted of six (6) Categories, namely Day Spa, Hotel Spa, Boutique Hotel Spa, Unique Spa Concept, Safari Spa and Aesthetic/Medi Spa categories.

Day Spas

The Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards Day Spa Category Finalists were:

Shambala Wellness Spain Walmer, Port Elizabeth. Shambala means a Place of Peace, Tranquillity and Happiness. Shambala have created their own little piece of paradise to invigorate client’s body mind and soul. Urban Glow Day Spa in Boksburg is a contemporary urban sanctuary designed to transport guests to a place of relaxation, wellness and mental escape by engaging all the senses. The hydrotherapy areas include a steam and rain shower Rasul and floatation pool. Senses Day Spa in Pietermaritzburg is set in park-like surroundings where clients can enjoy quiet time, exceptional personalised service, innovative treatments and personally-designed packages.

The winner of the Day Spa Category was Langaro Lifestyle Centre in Camps Bay. Offering a professional, upmarket environment with expert, trend-setting practitioners. Langaro has created a "one of a kind" space in Cape Town where clients can get a host of treatments under one roof. The Directors have a shared vision and goal to build a lifestyle brand that is synonymous with the best customer service as well as an unprecedented level of perfection within the 7 divisions that make up the core of the brand: Hair, Nails, Beauty, Wellness, Fitness, Fashion and Corporate services.

Hotel Spas

The Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards Hotel Spa Category Finalists were:

Mount Grace Country House and Spa in the Magaliesburg. A fusion of contemporary luxury and classic charm, the Mount Grace Country House & Spa is an elegant countryside hideaway. The legendary Hydrotherapy Spa Garden offers guests hot and cold pools surrounded by exquisite tranquil gardens. Fancourt Spa in George. Guests can enjoy a gentle swim in the heated Roman Bath, with magnificent vistas of the Outeniqua Mountains, or visit the sauna, steam rooms, chilled plunge pool, tepadarium, jacuzzi. Treatments are inspired from rituals from around the world. The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spain Sandton is a retreat for peace and harmony, a truly original wellness centre designed with guest’s wellbeing in mind. There is a wide-range of treatments available including Tibetan Sound Therapy, Rasul Chamber, a colour-enhanced Steam Room and Flotation Pool as well as an interior-heated jet pool and cold plunge pool.

The winner of the Hotel Spa Category was Arabella Hotel & Spa. Fusing Far Eastern and Western knowledge, the spa is home to the world-first African Rainforest Experience, a two-hour sensory water and steam treatment inspired by African rains. Everything at the Arabella Spa is about indulgence. The spa facilities include a heated indoor hydro pool, heated outdoor lap pool, sauna, steam room and fitness centre.

Boutique Hotel Spa

The Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards Boutique Hotel Spa Finalists were:

Pevonia Spa at Banskia Boutique. “Celebrating the art of living well & turning it into a lifestyle philosophy”- is the mission of The Spa at Banksia. Their professional approach offers guests a transformative wellness experience that goes beyond the ordinary. The Spa is located in a separate loft area overlooking the Victorian manor house and gardens. Georgiou Boutique Hotel and Spain Port Elizabeth offers the highest quality in comfort and luxury. Guests can enjoy opulence in the honeymoon suite with Jacuzzi, suites with fireplaces, courtyards and verandas with a river bank for relaxation, an indoor heated swimming pool as well as outdoor pools.

The winner of the Boutique Hotel Spa was Fordoun Boutique Hotel & Spa. Situated in Nottingham Road, the gracious Fordoun hotel and spa fuses state-of-the-art leisure and spa facilities with the timeless tranquillity of by-gone days, boasting an oasis of relaxation and sensory bliss. The Fordoun Spa offers a new kind of experience - pampering, relaxation, and "serious" treatments combined with an African flavour that is proving popular with both local and international visitors.

Unique Spa Concept

Special Recognition:

Mukda Thai Spa situated in the picturesque Gordons Bay offers an authentic Thai Wellness experience. Focusing on a holistic approach based on traditional eastern healing therapies, they have developed a concept of traditional Thai soothing signature treatments. LééfSPA in Randburg is an oasis for the body and soul and brand extension of Leef Magazine. Offers a unique pampering experience where outer and inner beauty meet, LééfSPA strives to bring out the natural beauty in every woman, as in the pages of the Magazine

The Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards Unique Spa Category Finalists were:

Mowana Spa at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Sandton is a wellness sanctuary. Their commitment to service excellence and Staff Empowerment through training and mentoring ensures that guests’ needs are met and expectations exceeded as they enjoy a Day of African Rejuvenation. Umngazi River Bungalows and Spa is set high on the Umngazi hillside on the road that leads from Mthatha to Port St Johns. The Spa is in 10 thatched treatment huts which are set high up on the hillside with stunning views overlooking the river and across the endless horizon of the Wild Coast. Jiva Spa at the Taj Hotel at the Taj Hotel in Cape Town draws from ancient Indian healing wisdom and Ayurveda, offering authentic, traditional Indian wellness treatments and experiences in a stylish and soothing setting.

The winner of the Unique Spa Category was:

Brookdale Health Hydro. Situated in the picturesque Natal Midlands, Brookdale’s mission is to promote wellness and lifestyle management through diet, exercise and stress relief to anyone who desires to improve their lifestyle. Through passion and commitment, Brookdale has grown from strength to strength as the resort has expanded from 12 to 24 rooms.

Safari Spas

The Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards Safari Spa Category Finalists were:

Iketla Spa at Sondela Nature Reservein Bela Bela. The lodge is surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty, silence, peace and tranquillity – iKetla Spa offers clients a combination of massage and body treatments whilst enjoying the breathtaking views and unrivalled sunsets away from the hustle and bustle of the city.Emoya Luxury Hotel and Spa Bloemfontein is situated on the western border of Bloemfontein, a luxury day and night spa offering a unique experience of true African indulgence. Boasting the first Rasul Turkish mud bath in the Free State, a 10-seater vitality jacuzzi combined with a mist room and outdoor massage area, are a few of the facilities that guests can enjoy at Emoya Spa.

The winner of the Safari Spa Category was:

Tswalu Kalahari Spa in the Green Kalahari, is an inspirational venue for one of the most unusual spa experiences in Africa. The indoor spa area is a natural extension of the earth, inspired by nature and the splendour of the Kalahari, creating a sense of tranquillity and barefoot elegance. The authentic signature massages convey the Spa’s philosophy of “nature above man”.

Aesthetic Institutes / Medi Spas

The Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards Aesthetic Institutes/Medi Spas Category Finalists were:

Pure Esthetics on 11th. Based in the heart of Sandton the spa combines the latest cosmetic and aesthetic procedures with the most advanced products, offering an abundance of treatments available for aesthetic facial rejuvenation. Pure Aesthetics issituated in the Linksfield Netcare. In conjunction with a Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, they offer a variety of non-invasive, results driven treatments for a variety of skin concerns. Offering the best of both worlds - a clinical environment, with the sumptuousness of a spa. Umhlanga Laser & Aesthetic Clinic has earned its reputation as being one of Umhlanga's most sought after Unisex Skin Care Clinics. Facilities include a medical suite, Health & Wellness Consultant and in-house hair salon. Their affiliation with top anti-ageing specialists has placing Umhlanga Laser & Aesthetic Clinic in the ranks of some of the most prestigious aesthetic clinics in South Africa.

The winner of the Aesthetic Institutes/Medi Spas Category was:

Nanita Dalton - Laser, Skin & Body Institute. Their aim is to be the salon of choice by giving clients the best advice and providing a complete, comprehensive range of specifically designed treatments and selected professional products to ensure the best results. Since 1991, they have strived to maintain the very best standards, offering everything from dental treatments, hair styling, Botox and fillers, peels and skin tightening to nails. Nanita Dalton is recognized and accepted by the most professional, national and international associations.

Les Nouvelles Esthetiques would like to congratulate all the finalists and winners as they continue to excel in providing the South African community with the keys to relaxation and wellness. The Spa Awards programme is more than pure recognition of achievement, it sets a benchmark for spas in South Africa, and all the finalists and winners are worthy of this acknowledgment.

Spa Recognition Awards 2014
“We focus a large amount on the actual spas, however there are a number of individuals, as seen by the impressive list of nominees, who go above the call of duty and through their work the entire industry benefits. The Spa Recognition Awards, are a true reflection of the Spa Industry’s opinion, as individuals are nominated and voted for by the spa industry in their individual categories”, said Dr Nadine de Freitas. These Spa Recognition Awards include four categories, The Spa Ambassador Award, The Humanitarian Award, The Spa Visionary Award and Spa Management Excellence Award.

The Spa Ambassador Award goes to a person who has made the industry proud and whose presence in the industry is noted internationally. The Spa Ambassador Award 2014 was awarded to Alison Yammin, Marine Spa Distributors. Alison’s vision is one of perfection and superiority of her brands. She believes in quality, the experience and a good presentation. Additionally she won the Think Big Award at Mega Partnering Africa, in association with JT Foxx, founder of Mega Partnering and serial entrepreneur, considered the world no 2 wealth coach, with business interests spread throughout the world. The SpaHumanitarian Award is awarded to a person who by definition is actively concerned in promoting human welfare. The 2014 humanitarian award was awarded to Ian Macfarlane – Cape Town Medi-Spa and Ubuntu Touch Project –Ubuntu Touch Upliftment Projectis the Medi-Spa Wellness Academy’s flagship project. It was launched in November 2012 and provides training opportunities for women from disadvantaged communities and also to enhance the wellness of the corporate sector, with a special focus on the call centre industry. The training is directly linked to employment opportunities.Spa Visionary Awardis awarded to a pioneer within the Spa Industry. A industry leader who has made truly outstanding contributions to the development of the Spa Industry over the past year and whose ideas have lead to a change or noted improvement in the spa industry. The Spa Visionary Award for 2014was awarded to Lisa Smit – LS Enterprises / Theravine. Lisa worked with various different sectors to formulate the TheraVine™ Skin and Body Care Range as it is seen today. Development and research started in 1989 where she worked with top international development chemists, viticulturists and botanists from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. 5 years were dedicated to establishing a suitable market position followed by 10 years committed to zone in on creating a highly active anti-oxidant product range which in the end led to the successful launch of TheraVine™ in 2004. The growth and expansion of the product is reflected through its presence in most of the industry’s leading spas in South Africa, as well as international representation through stockists and distributors of different continents.

The Spa Management Excellence Award is acknowledges the dynamic spa manager who best keeps the balancebetween a motivated team, good working environment, superb guest experience, profitability, and efficient spa operations, with appreciation of the role of the spa manager is one of the most challenging in this industry.The winner of the Spa Management Excellence Award 2014 was Jackie Armitage, The Oyster Box Spa, one of the countries busiest spas and two times winner of Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Award in the Hotel Spa Category.

We look forward to hosting the Spa Awards in 2015 and Spa Recognition Awards 2015, as South African Spas and individuals continue to flourish in an internationally growing market place.

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Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Award 2014 Summary:

Day Spa Category:

Langaro Lifestyle Centre– WINNER

Senses Day Spa

Shambala Wellness Centre Spa

Urban Glow Day Spa

Unique Spa Concept

Brookdale Health Hydro– WINNER

Mowana Spa

Jiva Spa at the TAJ Hotel

Umngazi River Bungalows and Spa

Special Mention: Mukda Thai Spa and LeefSPA

Hotel / Resort Spa

The Arabella Hotel & Spa– WINNER

Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa

Fancourt Spa

Mount Grace Country House & Spa

Boutique Hotel Spa

Fordoun Boutique Hotel & Spa – WINNER

Pevonia Spa at Banskia Boutique

Georgiou Hotel & Spa

Safari Spas

Tswalu Kalahari Spa- WINNER

Iketla Spa at Sondela Nature Reserve

Emoya Hotel & Spa

Aesthetic Institutes

Nanita Dalton Laser, Skin and Body Institute- WINNER

Pure Aesthetics

Pure Esthetics on 11th

Umhlanga Laser & Aesthetic Clinic