Spa Ritual therapies have been used for hundreds of years, boosting health and healing. “To massage is to work on the body with applied pressure. Not only is this an enjoyable and relaxing experience, but it also has numerous health benefits as well,” says Yuvati Shah, owner of Spa Royale at the Royal Palm Hotel Umhlanga.

Massage causes physiological changes in your body through:

• The relaxation response, which is an involuntary, yet predictable response of the nervous system to massage techniques and touch.
• Mechanical responses, which are physical effects that occur in the body when pressure is applied to the soft tissues.

Together, these responses can produce physical and emotional benefits. The physical manipulation in massage has two major physical effects:

• Increase in blood and lymph circulation
• Relaxation and normalization of the soft tissue (muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments), which releases nerves and deeper connective tissues.

A few Spa Ritual therapies offered at Spa Royale include:

• Changing Seasons Journey massage is beneficial in stimulating your senses with the changing of seasons. During this 120 minute experience, begin with a spring and summer, honey and lime body exfoliation, followed by a warm up with a 60-minute TheraNaka, Tri- Scented shea butter nugget autumn massage.
• 45-minute Egyptian Back Experience which focuses on stimulating the cells of the nervous system rather than on muscle cells alone. The treatment involves a combination of soft tissues and muscle manipulations, warm kneading and sweeping strokes. These basic movements lengthen and stretch inactive muscles while stimulating the blood and lymphatic circulation.
• The Indian Journey which is 70 minutes in duration. Start with a Himalayan body scrub containing essential minerals that leave the skin feeling fresh and revived. This treatment also includes an Indian head massage, treatment and foot massage.

If you are needing a little pick me up to get into the swing of warmer times to come, book a treatment at the Spa Royale at the Royal Palm Hotel on 031 566 1286 or email info@sparoyale.co.za .

The stunning Royal Palm Hotel, situated in Umhlanga, in the heart of the Umhlanga entertainment hub is all set to provide guests as well as locals a truly festive Christmas dining experience. So if you are considering booking your December holiday in Durban over Christmas, be sure to make a reservation at THYME@ROYAL PALM restaurant, located in the hotel. You won’t regret this year’s Christmas meal extravaganza.

Head Chef Qhawe Spesihle Mshengu Tshabalala and his team have created a scrumptious festive buffet menu which is sure to satisfy all tastes.

Upon arrival, diners will receive a glass of MCC Brut/Rose served with freshly shucked oysters.

The starter selection includes homemade bread and flavoured butters, smoked salmon trout, wholegrain mustard potato salad, fresh rocket, lemon and capers; finely sliced hams with harissa and pomegranate dressing; beetroot, goats cheese and hazelnut galettes; crumbed mushrooms with gorgonzola; seasonal garden salad and chicken liver pate.

The hot main selection features a roast leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic; roasted turkey with cranberry, apple and sage stuffing; honey and mustard glazed pork belly with crackling; melody of seafood with lemon and dill butter sauce; traditional chicken curry with poppadums and sambals, spinach, butternut and ricotta lasagna; roasted seasonal vegetables, coriander basmati rice and potato au gratin.

Sauces to accompany the above include red wine jus, mint sauce, apple sauce and horseradish.

Those who still have room for dessert will have such tasty sweet choices, from chocolate brownies served with homemade ice cream, traditional pudding with custard, macerated cherries and berries, traditional mince pies, local cheeses, fruit preserves, nuts and savoury crackers.

For this hearty offering the cost is only R490 per person excluding 10% service gratuity and lunch will be served from 12 noon to 4pm on Wednesday December 25th. Bookings are essential.

Every year Christmas bookings come in rapidly, so for more information or to reserve your place, contact Royal Palm Hotel on 031 581 8000.

Christmas Lunch Menu