Right now, stress levels are through the stratosphere and tensions are running high – so why not consider taking some time out to pamper yourself or your loved one at the Granny Mouse Country House and Spa?

Many people have likened the pandemic to wartime! Interestingly, the word spa stems from the Latin phrase “salus per aquam” – meaning health from water – and was used by Roman soldiers to treat aching muscles and wounds from war. Spas, healing waters, hydrotherapy and hot springs date back thousands of years and were used for exactly what we all need right now – a little rejuvenation and relaxation as we wrestle with the prospect of another difficult year!

It’s interesting to note that, a few decades ago, it wasn’t heard of for men to go to a spa or beauty salon – and, in the beginning, spas only accommodated men. Ironic isn’t it?

That’s why the nice thing about spas is that they didn’t remain as the best means of recuperating from battle even if tackling life itself sometimes feels just like that. In fact, the first real deal beauty luxury spa, called the Red Door Salon, was opened by Elizabeth Arden in 1910. Treatments included facials and manicures and it began what we experience in the modern day. In the 1980s, it became the pampering session for wealthy women who hosted their special social occasions, birthdays, and hen parties.

Since then, demand for spa and so-called beauty treatments has grown and changed. Gone are the days of just accommodating only the super wealthy. Spas now offer both relaxation and health and beauty benefits for an extremely wide range of clients, extending from women to men, teenagers and even little kids.

At spas, actions speak louder than words. So, with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, why not arrange a couple’s treatment as a part of a romantic getaway? Or arrange that couple’s getaway to reconnect, even after Valentine’s Day is over. Book now and enjoy a couple’s experience with your loved one at Granny Mouse Country House and Spa.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1754027/pdf/v061p00273.pdf

https://www.champneys.com/blog/the-history-of-spas-and-spa-treatments/

If you are a nature lover, like we are at Granny Mouse Country House and Spa, then you will know why the KZN Midlands is definitely the perfect place to visit. The fact that we have some of the loveliest gardens in the area makes it doubly rewarding to take time out to stroll over our green lawns and admire the beautiful countryside that the birds and the bees and plenty of other interesting critters call home.

While you are out enjoying some fresh air, keep an ear out for the lovely bird calls that add a special touch to the great outdoors. In the Midlands, there are over 180 bird species, making this a must see place for every bird watcher to stop over. Large numbers of indigenous birds love our beautiful gardens and lawns and the birds that our guests and visitors are most likely to see include the Fork-tailed Drongo, Moorhen, Hadeda, Egyptian Goose, Black-eyed Bulbul, Black Flycatcher, Fiscal Shrike, Cape Robin, Black-headed Oriole, Thick-billed Weaver, Masked Weaver, Olive Thrush, Gymnogene, Long-Crested Eagle and African Crowned Eagle.

Our garden residents are not restricted to birds, though. Some super cool reptiles that you may be lucky enough to see include geckos and other small lizards, or even rare chameleons. Unfortunately these creatures are becoming more and more endangered and even a brief sighting of one would be a real coup!

Frogs are also super important members of our environment and we know that if we have rich frog life in our garden, we have a happy habitat. So, when visiting Granny Mouse, why not head out at night and do some frog spotting, which is great fun for young and old.

Our nature spotters might even be privileged enough to see some local animals who are renowned for their shyness – a blue duiker, possibly the cape clawless otter, a greater cane rat, a small spotted genet or even bush pig.  These animals are not usually seen, so you will be super blessed if you get an opportunity – and if you manage to snap a photo that’s a bonus.

Oh, and when it comes to wandering round in the shrubbery after sunset, our night owl guests at Granny Mouse might even spot some of their fellow owls, night jars or even bats. They are incredibly shy, so you will most probably spot them in the quieter parts of our gardens.

During the day, you are sure to be entertained by many of our resident insects including butterflies of all colours, and dragonflies who love to pop in and say hi at our pool. So, come stay at Granny Mouse Country House and Spa to see the wonders of nature.

Source: https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kwazulu-natal/garden-information/wildlife-biodiversity/