Glasshouse review

I had to start a new category for this review. I thought that seeing as this website/blog is called Relax with Dax, it should cover some proper relaxtion options, not just restaurants, shows and events. So in the Relaxation category I hope to review and share various relaxation options in Cape Town.

I’ve never been into massages, facials, pedicures and all those ‘treatments’ that women seem to be having all the time. This form of relaxation and body treatment has definitely increased in popularity, evident from the number of spas around these days. I don’t know much about spas. Although it seems they are mostly frequented by women, I would imagine they are not only for women. I was quite surprised to learn about a place in The Foundry in Greenpoint (next to Beluga) which is a spa for men only. Glasshouse describes itself as a grooming emporium for men. I thought this would be a good place to start investigating.

I booked in for a hot stone massage, facial and pedicure this last saturday morning. I arrived at 9:45am and left at 12:15pm, two and a half hours of pampering. I use the word, pampering, for a reason. Women use this word when they describe their visits to spas and I think I know what they mean now. Whilst I may not necessarily have had any pressing grooming requirements, the value is not just in the grooming but in the great feeling that is brought on by being pampered. I definitely felt spoilt.

I arrived and was offered something to drink, I opted for a cup of filter coffee while I filled out the ‘first time visitor’ form. A few basic details about what products I use (soap), skin problems I have (none), etc. While finishing my coffee I looked around and was impressed with the decor, stylish and definitely oriented toward men.

Ashton came and collected me for my first treatment, the hot stone massage. I was a bit nervous because I’ve only been for a massage once before and it was terrible. I was in pain the whole time and the only relaxing thing about it was the release of tension I felt when she told me it was over. This was completely different, Ashton asked me how much pressure I liked and she did it just how I liked it. I’m a firm believer in the power of touch. I’m sure that massages are very good for your muscles etc, but I think that there is a lot to be said for human contact. I became very relaxed after a few minutes and enjoyed the sensations of stone and skin and heat. When she as finished, she left me for a few minutes to ease myself back into the real world. I walked down the passage to find the shower running for me. I nice hot shower was a great and I enjoyed washing my 20 strands of hair with awesome smelling fancy shampoos.

After my shower I was handed a glass of cold water and shown to the next room for my facial. Ashton rubbed some stuff on my face and wiped it off again and then examined my skin to see if it needed any special attention. Apparently my skin is ‘mixed’ and in relatively good shape so she just did a few treatments to clear the pores, exfoliate and what not. The facial included a short face, neck and head massage which was pleasant.

Then off to the next room for my pedicure. My toenails got more attention than they’ve ever had in their lives. I thought my feet were in good condition but by the time my cuticles had been sorted out, my toenails clipped, filed and buffed and my heels sanded, they were looking brand new. This was all followed by a short foot massage.

This whole process took two and a half hours and I was sad to leave. I felt spoilt. I loved it. I’ll be back. There are many other treatments on offer as well as hair cuts and various shaves. Glasshouse offers hair removal, body scrub, body bronzing and more, as well as packages which combine various treatments. If you’re pressed for time, there are ‘express treatments’. Check out their website for info and prices.

Glasshouse
Unit 110a, The Foundry, 74 Prestwich Street, Greenpoint
Tel: 021 419 9599
www.glasshousemen.com