FORDOUN – ACCLAIMED SPA WITH AN AFRICAN TWIST…
Fordoun in the heart of the famous Midlands Meander in KwaZulu-Natal is not only one of South Africa's top spas, but it offers a unique twist.... Its very own Zulu traditional healer and some 'weird but WONDERFUL' home-grown treatments
The boutique, five-star Fordoun Hotel, Spa and Restaurant in the heart of the famous Midlands Meander in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa has been beautifully converted from an 1800’s dairy farm and comprises seventeen luxurious, individually appointed double suites with private verandas, under-floor heating and dream bathrooms, each with bath and shower, and a dressing area.
Fordoun Spa boasts a team of experts that include skilled masseurs, Reiki and Bio-energy specialists, a traditional African Healer and highly trained aestheticians. The spa features internationally acclaimed treatments such as the rasul, (a Turkish steam and clay treatment room), a saline Floatation pool, heated swimming pool, a gymnasium, sauna, steam room, vichy shower, hydrotherapy room, and a couples’ treatment suite with hydrotherapy bath.
The spa offers a holistic range of signature products, created in conjunction with Dr Elliot Ndlovu, herbalist and ethnobotanist, who is an Inyanga (medicinal healer), Sangoma (spiritual healer) and a director of Fordoun Spa.
KwaNdlovu (Place of Ndlovu) is located next to the main spa and consists of two African therapy rooms and Elliot's consulting room, all built and designed in the Zulu style and surrounded by Elliot’s herb garden. All Ndlovu products are carefully created from indigenous traditional healing plants - based on the theme of the seven Chakras and the seven colours of the rainbow.
Ingredients include the African Potato, Wild Dagga (African indigenous cannabis), Artemesia, Marula Oil, Aloe Vera, Rooibos Tea and essential minerals sourced in the area. The local community gathers clays for Dr. Ndlovu’s products and treatments such as rasul. As is the traditional practice, clay may only be gathered at full moon and only by pre menopausal girls or post menopausal women. Two old ladies on the farm boil the raw clay for 3 days and then form it into the balls. Fordoun also makes use of the internationally acclaimed Elemis range, which complement the local Ndlovu and Africology ranges.
Signature treatments with an African twist include:
Nduku Nduku Massage (45 mins) - A unique experience making use of the traditional Zulu Knobkierie sticks concentrating on the back of the body
Inkomfe Herbal Wrap (African Potato) (1 Hour) - An exotic blend of African essences, rich with hydration and anti-aging properties. The African potato is a traditional “miracle” plant that has anti-cancer properties and improves immunity.
Fordoun African Earth Experience (75 mins) - A stimulating and cleansing body wrap using Dr Ndlovu’s unique ingredients.
Royal Zulu Bath (30 mins) - A soothing bath soak experience filled with the healing properties of the African potato, wonderful aromas of lavender and Rooibos (Red Bush) blend. Rich with anti-oxidants, soothing for the mind, body and soul.
Traditional Healing Consultation (30 mins) - Consult with Tr Dr Elliot to bring clarity to life situations. For full details visit http://www.fordoun.com/african_traditionalhealer.htm
African treatments are prepared by Africology on site with instruction from Dr Elliot. http://www.fordoun.com/afr_product_range.html
The full treatment menu can be found on http://www.fordoun.com/treatmentmenu.html
Despite its luxurious atmosphere, and emphasis on quality, Fordoun’s rates are surprisingly competitive in relation to similar hydros elsewhere. Rates start from R750 per person sharing Valid until Dec 2012) , including Breakfast and free use of the pools, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, gym and floatation pool at the spa. A wide range of overnight spa packages is available.
Elliot also does guided tours of his herb garden and its over 120 healing plants – and day trips to his functioning Zulu village Thendela in the rural foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains, including visit to the stream where he met his ancestors and had the Calling to become a Sangoma/Inyanga. A book based on his Calling has been penned local author Melanie Reeder called A Sangoma’s Story http://www.fordoun.com/Sangoma%27s%20Story.pdf
Fordoun offers activities such as mountain biking, long walks or fly-fishing on the property but most guests also like to explore the surrounding Midlands Meander arts and crafts route or enjoy a few rounds of golf nearby. Fordoun is just 90 minutes’ drive from Durban - or 4 hours from Johannesburg.
Claire Roadley
Marketing & PR Manager
Ethos Marketing®
Unit 5, Field Place Estate, Byfleets Lane, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, RH12 3PB
Tel: 44 (0)1403 243619
claire@ethosmarketing.co.uk
http://www.ethosmarketing.co.uk
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Ethos Marketing is the UK Sales, Marketing and PR office for luxury hotels and game lodges in Southern and East Africa.
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