So you've tried the weekend get away, an end of the month breather to claim back your sanity and recharge your batteries for another round of battle at work, traffic and school lift clubs.
There's little out there that could surprise you when it comes to the pamper class, but among the gems you may want to count Mount Grace Country House and Spa. It's a little corner of the Earth that is simply not of this world in terms of luxury and relaxation.
Mount Grace is nestled among the Magaliesburg Mountains, a piece of paradise that will literally leave you breathless and not because of the altitude either.
Acres of the most immaculate lawn and perfectly pruned trees and shrubs greet you, along with friendly smiles from the staff.
After an hour's drive from Joburg, along fairly dull surroundings, the country house is an oasis if ever there was one. As you get closer you can literally feel your lungs open up to welcome the crisp mountain air. It's only the beginning.
You enter another time zone where there are no exhaust fumes, annoying drivers or call centre agents. There's no news from the outside world forced upon you. It's just you, your loved one and time, precious time to do whatever you want.
You can hike, go mountain biking, play tennis and do a few laps in the massive swimming pool. We chose to do none of that. Doing nothing but eating, being massaged and sitting in a heated pool seemed like the perfect thing to do all weekend long.
Choices of rooms range from a rather tight Garden Room to the truly magnificent Luxury Villas. Even if you're on a bit of a budget you can still make the most of the facilities. On the other hand if you're in the mood to spoil yourself, you can truly indulge yourself. There's an old school charm about the place, but it's not stuffy in any way.
Massages come in every incarnation; Swedish, Indian - hell, even Hawaiian. There are spa treatments, body treatments, facials and grooming treatments. Talk about too much choice. In truth, no matter what option you go for you will not be disappointed.
While waiting for your treatment you get to admire the calm surroundings of the spa centre. Soft music and the sound of running water immediately put you at ease as other guests shuffle by in their gowns, clearly happy at the experience.
We're led into a tented room away from the centre and settle down for a facial, scrub and a detoxifying body wrap. Lord knows, us city dwellers need to detox. The masseurs were well-trained, courteous and had us begging for more.
A few fine glasses of wine and a scrumptious buffet was the perfect way to end each day. The desserts like panacotta, chocolate pudding and cheesecakes outshone the main meals by far. There is, however, such a thing as over indulgence and here is where you need to be wary.
It's a surreal experience being so at ease and feeling at one with nature, where luxury is a necessity and relaxation is compulsory. It almost seems too perfect; as if at some point someone is going to wake you up and tell you it was all a dream, you're late for work and someone has to take the kids to school.
Mount Grace allows you to stay in that dream a little longer. It's as easy as putting up the “do not disturb” sign. - IOL
For more information visit www.mountgrace .co.za