We love our neighbourhood, but until recently there have been some things that it just didn’t offer, so one had to venture out to town or the suburbs for those. But did you know that you could now get your massages and beauty treatments right here in the ‘hood?

Sojourn Natural Spa is an oasis of tranquility in Woodstock. The concept behind the Spa is to be all natural, environmentally friendly and holistic, and a sense of serenity surrounds you as soon as you walk through the door.

Put your feet up!

The Spa is located in the Upper East Side hotel was started by Diana Carolin about a year ago. Diana grew up in Constantia and when I asked why she chose to open a spa in Woodstock, she said that she believes that since Woodstock is upwardly mobile she thinks it is the right place to position yourself in the market. Many of their clients come from the hotel, but Diana would also like to attract more local clients from Woodstock and surrounds. (Stay tuned, a special offer only for ILW readers in this post!)

left: Diana Carolin, owner; right: Beauty therapist Rayhaana

Diana has an interesting background. She trained in London at The London College of Massage in Deep Tissue and Therapeutic Massage after which  she worked at the Dorchester Hotel as a massage therapist. Her superior skills quickly made her a favourite with the A-list guests visiting the hotel, and celebrities she massaged include Nelson Mandela, Angelina Jolie, Martin Lawrence (who reportedly tipped very generously), Natalie Cole, Shania Twain, Lindsay Lohan…..the list goes on!

She then worked for Unlisted London, for similar well-to-do clients offering massages in their own homes. But after 5 years in London she had had enough of the big bad city and moved back to South Africa and opened a Health and Wellness spa in the little town of Bredasdorp, before eventually relocating again and is now based in Woodstock. In all Diana has 13 years of massage experience, and has also trained in Aromatherapy, Traditional Therapeutic Chinese Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Indian Head Massage, Nutrition, Counseling and is a qualified Reiki Master.

Sojourn Natural Spa offers an array of facials, massages, manicure and pedicures, gel nails and overlays, waxing and tinting treatments. They also offer therapeutic deep tissue (sports) massages, corporate massage (they can come to your place of business) and pregnancy massages – a fantastic treat to spoil a mom-to-be if you have one in your life.  You can see their full menu here.

Tools of the trade

Sojourn Natural Spa earns it’s green credentials in many ways. All the products in use in the spa are locally made and mostly fair trade, vegan, organic and beauty without cruelty. For example they use Esse products for skincare and Milk and Honey for massages. The therapists uniforms and all the soft furnishings in the Spa are made from hemp fibre, a more sustainable cotton alternative.

Diana believes in keeping things simple and natural. She thinks anyone can look good naturally, and she clearly loves her job- she likes to empower people to feel good about themselves and believes that beauty comes from within.  With this philosophy it is not surprising that the spa is clearly a place where customers become friends – trust me if you try a massage once you will certainly be back!

WIN!!!: SNS is offering one lucky ILW reader a free massage- just think about it – have a relaxing massage by the hands that massaged great men like Nelson Mandela and A-list celebs like Angelina Jolie! All you have to do is  leave a comment on this post OR ‘like’ their facebook page here, leaving a comment on their wall that you are entering the competition. *

But wait there is more – they also have a fantastic special offer for June and July: Only R230 for a 45 min massage AND an express manicure or pedicure. On your way yet?

Quick facts:

Address: Shop No 9, Upper East side Hotel, Brickfield road, Salt River, 021 8016662

Opening hours: Mon to Fri 10h00- 18h30 Saturday by appointment only

Contacts: 021 801 6662

Email [email protected] to be included on their mailing list or to get their latest price list sent to you.

You can also connect with them on their facebook page or their website.

*Terms: By entering you agree to be included on the Sojourn Natural Spa mailing list. Competition closes 31 July.