Need some special time out whilst you are pregnant? Why not indulge in some “me time” at the Camelot Spa at Granny Mouse and take advantage of having a little time to spoil yourself before baby is around and the centre of attention?

The Camelot Spa’s Robyn Lowe says that, unfortunately, many moms-to-be think that a spa is out of bounds whilst expecting. But nothing could be further from the truth and, provided you know what to avoid and work closely with your therapist who knows what’s good for you and your little one, you actually can benefit from a little relaxation and pampering.

The only time that we could advise you to not join us for a spa treatment is if you are “high risk” and have thrombosis, oedema or pre-eclampsia.

To put moms’ minds at rest, she says the things that are best avoided are heat treatments such as saunas, steam baths, jet baths and heated blankets as well as detox body wraps which raise your temperature. Also, it’s best to avoid aromatherapy using essential oils (although gentle citrus oils can be good for you) and reflexology treatments.

That said, indulging in simple treatments like basic massage, facials and manicures and pedicures can go a long way to relieving some of the biggest discomforts of pregnancy including helping to relieve tired muscles and reducing water retention, assisting with circulation and nourishing parched or stretched skin.

Most importantly, enjoying a spa treatment at Granny Mouse will definitely reduce any anxiety and stress and help you to relax and rest. It will also help you to feel beautiful at a time when you are probably struggling with the after effects of hormonal changes, poor sleep, back pain and even temporary weight gain.

Studies have even shown that spa treatments can be even more helpful than you realise. By reducing stress and anxiety and enjoying your treatment with a well-trained therapist who can share your excitement about your new arrival, you can even enjoy some pre-birth bonding time with your little one – and this, according to some experts, not only promotes your maternal feelings but may even help reduce the possibility of post-partum depression.

The Camelot Spa at Granny Mouse offers a variety of safe luxurious spa treatments designed specifically for our extra special pregnant clients. For example, we have a Mummy Mouse Meander 2 hour 30-minute package which is a real spoiler and enables you to enjoy a gentle back, neck and shoulder massage, a Thalgo classic facial and a deluxe pedicure (R1118).

We also encourage you to pick and choose treatments that suit you – you can select any 3 treatments for a 1hr 30 minutes (R798) pamper session or any 4 treatments for a 2 hour pamper session (R924).

Some options include the C Spa Basic facial, hand and foot massage, head and scalp massage (with includes neck and should or back, neck and shoulder massage) and a wide range of manicures and pedicures. Why not try our deluxe pedicure with paraffin which is particularly good for soothing swollen ankles or even an Indian head massage or milk shimmer hydrobath?

And, just in case Dad has forgotten, May is the ideal time to join us as you now most definitely qualify for spoiling on Mother’s Day!

As you will notice at Granny Mouse, our gardening team is just as busy during the autumn and winter months as they are during the spring and summer.

In fact, according to our green fingered specialist, Sean Granger, if gardens are well taken care of during autumn, they will look lovely during winter and most definitely be low maintenance and quite spectacular in spring.

We actually look forward to the autumn months as the beautiful countryside that surrounds us becomes clothed in a carpet of golden brown with leaves turning to deep reds and oranges before they drift to the ground.

During the winter, in KwaZulu-Natal, we also look forward to the beautiful blooms of our indigenous aloes both in our garden and even along the roadsides en route to Granny Mouse.

As autumn arrives, you should keep watering and cutting back summer flowers to help them to bloom for longer – and, while are you at it, make space or even prepare new beds or borders for various winter plants.

Be sure to add lots of compost as well as organic matter and bone meal before planting.

There are a number of ways to ensure that even a traditionally brown winter garden can still be colourful. Winter seedlings, when planted in a warm and protected spot, are perfect for adding a splash of radiance while plants with colourful leaves that do not die down during winter can also add interest.

Winter seedlings to look out for include snap dragons, pansies, alyssum, primulas, rudbeckia, lobelia, phlox, delphiniums, dianthus, foxgloves and petunias amongst others.

If, like us, you are situated in an area that is prone to frost, make sure that you protect the plants in your garden. Tropical varieties – and especially those with large leaves – may need some extra protection when temperatures drop. You can cover leaves with materials such as hessian. If planted in containers, move cold sensitive plants indoors or into warmer, protected spots.

Most importantly, make sure that you mulch. Made up of shredded leaves, sticks, grass and bark, this not only helps enrich the soil but keeps it warm and moist during the harsh winter months.

The most inspiring thing about tending your garden during winter is that this determines just how beautiful it will be in spring. Find out which plants and bulbs can be planted during the colder months, ready to burst into colour as it becomes warmer.

Last but not least, if you are planting a mixture of various varieties, remember to group plants with the same watering requirements. Water newly planted seedlings regularly until they become established and don’t forget to water those growing in the shade of trees because they compete with the tree roots for both water and nutrients. Dense trees also prevent a lot of rainwater from actually reaching the ground.