We’re very excited about some new developments at Red Carnation. You’d think we would stop at the epic scenery, opulent suites and sumptuous dining, but we thought we’d give you even more to look forward to! September 2011 sees the grand re-opening of the famed spa at Cape Town’s glorious Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, and the unveiling of our long-awaited range of deluxe body products and spa treatments, B|Africa.

The Spa  has been touched by the brilliant hand of designer, Toni Tollman, of Red Carnation’s Tollman family-owned business.

The Spa Lounge at The Twelve Apostles

An unearthly, all-white crystal grotto is just the beginning of the sensual journey you’ll undertake at this magical spa. Stone, marble, granite and glass are used to create a natural temple for body and soul. No detail is left to chance, as walls and ceilings are patterned with ornamental cornices and motifs.

The Rasul Chamber

The treatment rooms are state-of-the-art, and include hydrotherapy baths and rain showers, as well as a Rasul Chamber for traditional steam and mud cleansing rituals; a very special experience. You’ll also find a superbly-equipped salon, Tranquility Lounge, Vichy Shower and Wild Lanyana Arometherm Room.

Are you pining yet? We know we are. “We have no doubt that our guests are going to love it as much as we do,” says Toni Tollman. “While the interior of The Spa is exceptional, The Twelve Apostles’ unique position on the mountains overlooking the Atlantic Ocean means that a sunset treatment or romantic couples picnic in our newly-renovated outdoor gazebos is an absolutely unforgettable experience.”

B|Africa

But there is more good news. Our award-winning South African spas at the ultraluxurious Twelve Apostles, The Oyster Box and Bushmans Kloof will now be stocked with B|Africa, our exclusive new product range.

We turned to the ancient African landscape for inspiration and ingredients of potent restorative power. Bea Tollman, founder and president of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection says, “The unique natural habitats of each of the Red Carnation properties are encapsulated in our sensational B|Africa products and treatments, which harness the essential, life-giving properties of Mother Nature’s rich bounty to calm, detoxify, nourish and energise body, mind and spirit.”

Extravagant ingredients include Baobab oil, avocado butter, indigenous honey, rooibos, Mongongo nut, Ximenia and Marula oils, and west coast sea salt high in mineral value. These natural wonders are used to create such products as Fynbos Sugar Scrub, Ceremony Bath Milk, body balms and crystal-infused body oils.

We have developed a body range that is luxuriant and decadent, but with a deep sense of responsibility for the beloved land from which we obtain the vital elements to make it so. We are passionate about Fair Trade, sustainable harvesting practices and organic ingredients.

Aarti Valabh

The Hammam at The Oyster Box is a traditional Middle Eastern steam bath, a bit like a wet version of a sauna!  It’s a wonderful way to relax tense muscles and cleanse your body.  In centuries past the Hammam was known as “the silent doctor”- a place of cleansing and healing for both body and soul.

Words cannot really do the experience justice – you just have to go for it.  However, you might find some background information helpful, and inviting. The word Hammam, comes from the Arabic root ḥmm,  meaning “heat”.  Today the meaning varies, depending on the dialect of Arabic – it can mean “bathroom”, “hot springs” or “spa town”.  In Western Europe it is generally referred to as a “Turkish Bath”.

How do you take a Turkish Bath?  The process varies slightly from country to country (these traditions can still be experienced in many natural hot springs of Turkey, Tunisia, Spain, and Morocco), but the process generally goes something like this.  You will be given a cubicle in which you take off your clothes and wear the loin cloth provided by the staff. After changing you will be taken to the hot room of the Turkish bath in which you just relax and work up a sweat while your muscles loosen up. If you want, there will be a member of staff in the Turkish bath who will give you a Turkish massage. After the hot room you go to the warm room where you can either wash yourself or a staff member will scrub you down using Turkish soap and a special cloth that gets out all your old skin blocking your pores. Once this has finished you are taken to the cool room and given lots of towels to wrap yourself in. Here you can just relax and order some tea or any other drink that’s available. 

Who first came up with the idea?  The Romans built bath houses all over their empire and Turkey was no exception.  The Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans who later replaced the Romans continued the tradition (so the facilities and customs are both similar to that practiced in the Roman hot baths, or Thermae).  They built large baths in the most populated areas for the public to use (as most homes would not have private washing facilities).  Going to the baths became a popular part of the culture – people would meet friends, take a picnic and make it a pleasurable part of their weekly routine.  Despite the fact that modern Turkish homes have bathrooms the practice of visiting a public bath is still a central part of the culture – one can find Turkish Baths in almost every neighbourhood of all the big towns and cities in Turkey.

The Hammam at the Oyster Box is true to these ancient traditions.  Turkish stone mouldings and tiles create an authentic oriental atmosphere – it’s an oasis of calm and contemplative relaxation where the stresses and strains of everyday life are alleviated by a gentle, therapeutic massage treatment, based on ancient cleansing rituals.

For more information about the Hammam and the complete range of spa treatments available at The Oyster Box Spa, download the spa brochure or contact myself directly:

Spa Manager – Aartie Vallabh  Tel: +27 (0)31 514 5070 | Email aartiv@oysterbox.co.za