Spa Days In A Pandemic: Pampering Yourself During COVID-19

One of the best ways we often deal with stress is by booking a spa treatment and getting lost in a full body massage. Suffice to say living in a pandemic has been the definition of stress. Thus, nothing would feel better than booking a spa treatment. However, it’s not that simple.

The coronavirus pandemic has brought with it a list of rules and regulations. Now, in an industry that relies on intimacy, will you have to postpone your next spa day?

Visiting the spa

“At the present time salons are able to offer all services, but spas cannot offer the same level of service and the standard that our guests are accustomed to, such as refreshments and the use of spa facilities for relaxation purposes,” explains Tanya Lopes, spa manager of the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, which is located in Sandhurst, Johannesburg which is set to open its doors in early 2021. This is done to ensure that it could provide the standard and service level that they are known for.

We could all use a break

OYSTER Box SPA Plunge POOL

Now, while some spas are still closed, others have begun to open their doors. This is especially important because from a financial perspective as the industry’s workforce is majority female. Moreover, beyond economic need, spas are treasured gathering spaces for women. It allows them to unwind, relax and bond – which is something that we can all appreciate.

“There is definitely a need for self-care especially after people have been in lockdown for so long. Everyone needs a little break from reality in these stressful times. A pedicure or relaxing massage can make you feel renewed and ready to take on the challenges of life again.” explains Joanne Lyons, Spa Manager of The Twelve Apostles Hotel And Spa in Camps Bay Cape Town. Jackie Armitage, Spa Manager of The Oyster Box in Umhlanga, Kwazulu Natal, shares the same thought:

“People are craving ‘touch’ & physical connection and more so after being so cut-off for this lock-down period.”, explains Armitage “They want to relax and de-stress and are desperate for a way to escape and be nurtured in tranquil surroundings.”

A Day At The Spa

The desire to get back into the swing of things does not mean that safety precautions are not being taken. In fact, spas are doing their best to ensure the safety of their clientele. As a result, few treatments are currently unavailable.

“We are committed to making all guests feel comfortable and safe in order to relax enjoy their favourite treatments. There’s been extensive work put into ensuring that we comply with all regulations and are ready to invite our guests back, safely!”, explains Lyons. As such, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is currently not offering wraps and scrubs as access to the showers in their changing areas is currently prohibited, as is their Rasul Chamber.

New spa regulations

The sentiment is the same over in Umhlanga as Armitage shares that The Oyster Box has added extensive new protocols with every spa procedure to ensure each and every area of safe health and care has been taken to safeguard both guests and our team with therapists wearing full PPE for safety and health purposes.  While guests are also welcome to visit the spa together, The Oyster Box is no longer doing treatments for couples in the same room, and they are also not offering pregnancy treatments or treatments for guests under 16 years of age. Additionally, they are no longer offering the 4-Hands Massage due to social distancing protocols, and they are also, presently, not offering waxing and sugaring treatments.

While they are only opening their doors next year, all services at Saxon Spa have undergone risk assessments. Furthermore, safety precautions have been implemented to ensure the highest level of safety is adhered to.

Keeping in touch

Also, even if you can’t pop in for a visit, the spas are still taking care of their clients.

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa uses newsletter to stay in touch. Through it, they offer home care suggestions and consultations. Both The Oyster Box and The Saxon have their staff regularly calling up their regular clients and offering telephonic consultations. The Oyster Box even offers to deliver home care products for a completely touchless interaction.

Conclusion

While it may be a while before the pandemic ends, and we can return to normal, it’s still important to indulge in some self-care. While you won’t be able to enjoy your usual beauty routine, there’s no reason you can’t relax while observing health recommendations – whether you’re getting pampered at the spa or at home.