Category Archives: The Royal Palm Hotel

4 organic face masks you can make at home!

Sustainability is a growing concern in our current climate. We at Spa Royale, situated at Royal Palm Hotel, are focused on being aware of our environment and educating ourselves on what can be done to reduce wastage and consumption, and improve on sustainability. This is the way forward to ensure a happier, healthier planet.

Spa Royale takes its commitment seriously, and has carefully put in place new measures to address sustainability. The change starts here, with all of us as individuals as well as companies to make a difference.

Out with facial mittens and non-biodegradable sponges, and in with 100% recyclable toweling material, that not only provides a hygienic option but due to being manufactured by pure wood fibers makes it completely eco-friendly.

Out with buying small quantities and in with buying bulk to reduce wastage, bottled water, plastic wraps, and in with using biodegradable wraps. We also ensure our wastage is separated into recyclable groups.

Saving energy is also a growing concern so we contribute to conservation by reducing energy consumption on laundry, and rather invest in a biodegradable option and also importantly detergents used are green and safe.

To form part of our green outlook, we at Spa Royale encourage you at home rather than buying cheap face masks that are not good for your skin or the environment, try out some organic options where all the ingredients can be found in your kitchen.

Yuvati Shah, owner of Spa Royale at Royal Palm Hotel, Umhlanga suggests these easy home remedies that will revitalize your skin.

  • Turmeric Mask – This spice is considered a bit of a holy grail in the skincare community. It is anti-inflammatory, so it reduces redness and other irritants and it also brightens skin and may even fight signs of aging. This is all old news on the eastern side of the globe, where Indian brides have been using turmeric masks to catch a natural glow on their wedding day for many years. But now, the rest of the world is catching on. Many people swear by a simple turmeric powder and honey mask, but you can add milk or yogurt to make it a bit creamier.
  • Avocado Mask – These yummy green masks tend to pop up on every DIY corner of the internet simply because avo is a great natural moisturizer. It adds hydration to dry skin whilst soothing and revitalizing it in the process. Shah recommends combining half an avo with honey and yogurt or oats.
  • Cucumber Mask – You probably know that placing cucumber slices over your eyes is great for reducing bags or puffiness. But cucumbers are more than just a spa accessory. They naturally calm irritated or inflamed skin — sometimes even sunburn — and because they’re practically all water, they provide tons of hydration. For an extra soothing boost, mix half of a (mashed) cucumber with aloe vera gel. Milk and yogurt are still safe bets here, but if you’re looking to soak up excess oil, add some oats and honey instead.
  • Brown sugar Mask – For a good facial scrub, just grab the sugar bowl. Brown sugar is the ingredient favored by skincare experts, because the individual sugar crystals will gently exfoliate your skin, flushing out any oil and grime. It also prevents moisture loss and keeps you hydrated. Brown sugar masks frequently use coconut or olive oil, to amp up the moisture even further. You might also consider a few drops of vanilla extract or lemon juice. But if all else fails, there’s the old standby: honey.

SpaRoyale@RoyalPalm is located on the first floor of the Royal Palm Hotel, Umhlanga. For bookings and enquiries contact 031 566 1286 or email info@sparoyale.co.za.

Healthy happy home cooking tips from Royal Palm Hotel

There is nothing better than having a meal at Royal Palm Hotel, where you can enjoy brilliant breakfasts, leisurely lunches and delicious dinners. But for those days that you are on the home front, remember to prepare healthy home cooked meals instead of heading out to get takeaways.

There are loads of benefits of cooking at home, and it’s not as daunting as many of us think. And convenience food can generally take a significant toll on your mood and health. They are also high in additives, sugar, salt, unhealthy fats and calories.

By cooking for you and your family, ensure you use fresh, wholesome products, which helps you look and feel healthier, boost your energy amnd stabilizing your weight. When preparing food, you know exactly what you are putting in your body.

The best part about cooking at home is that it isn’t complicated, and using ingredients the way nature intended, including lots of vegetables and healthy sources of protein, ensures both tasty and nutritious meals.

Cooking at home can also be a great stress reliever, creatively fulfilling, increases resilience to stress, anxiety and depression and can boost your mood and super importantly, creates great bonding time.

When sharing a home cooked meal be sure to make it a social experience, switch off the screens and cook with others.

Some recipes from Executive Chef of Royal Palm Hotel, Qhawe Tshabalala, will get you back in the kitchen while staying healthy, and they include:

CHICKEN STIR FRY

Ingredients

  • Sesame Oil
  • 1\2 kg chicken breast
  • 2 tbs brown sugar
  • 11\2 tsp corn starch
  • 5g white cabbage
  • 1 x carrot, peeled and cut julienne style
  • 3 cups broccolini florets
  • 2tsp chillis
  • 1 x cup egg noodles
  • 6 tbs soy sauce

Method

  • Heat up the sauce pan, and add the sesame oil
  • Add the chicken, brown sugar & corn starch, and sauté until golden brown
  • Next, add your vegetables but make sure you don’t overcook them, as they need to be al dente (meaning that they still have some crunch to them)
  • Lastly, crush your egg noodles, and add to the pan, for 1 minute
  • Plate and serve with a soy sauce

TACOS

Ingredients

  • 1x onion
  • 1 x red pepper
  • 1 green pepper
  • olive oil
  • 1 pinch paprika and cumin
  • 500g beef mince
  • Organic beef stock
  • Small size wraps/tacos
  • Tomatoes
  • Spring onion
  • Corianda leaves
  • Lime juice
  • Avocado
  • Crème fraiche

Method

  1. Peel and dice the onion and the peppers.
  2. Soften in 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over a low heat.
  3. Peel, finely slice and add the garlic, along with the paprika and cumin, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
  4. Add the beef and stir until it has browned.
  5. Pour in the stock, cover, and cook for 45 minutes, or until reduced and delicious.
  6. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4.
  7. For the salsa, roughly chop the tomatoes, trim and finely slice the spring onion, then pick and roughly chop the coriander leaves. Combine with the lime juice, then season carefully to taste.
  8. For the guacamole, halve and destone the avocados, then mash the flesh with a fork. Squeeze in the lime juice, add the crème fraiche, season, and gently mix it all up.
  9. Spread the wraps out on a baking tray and place in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes.
  10. Fill the wrap with the meat, salsa and guacamole or lay everything out and let everyone help themselves

Both of these meals are great family meals!