Mud Bath Spas and DIY Mud Masks in Cape Town

Mud baths, mud masks and Mud Day; it’s time to get dirty.

This feature is outdated. Instead, read this: Palm House Boutique Hotel has luxury spa specials.

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On June 29, every year, it is International Mud Day. Say what? You’re thinking that there must be a mistake, right? Why mud? As much as mud is known to be one hell of a mess, and an all-around nuisance that you want nowhere near your clothes or home, mud actually does have very many wonderful benefits; from an enriching form of child’s play to a spa day fit for royalty.

Where did it all begin? Back in 2009, at a World Forum for Early Childhood Care and Education, Gillian McAuliffe and colleague Bishnu Bhatta were discussing the challenges faced by children when playing in the mud. The pair were concerned about the lack of access to clothing that can be dirtied, cultural cleanliness preferences enforced by parents, a lack of cleaning supplies and a lack of muddy conditions for kids to enjoy.

Gillian decided that she needed to do something about the obstacles preventing kids from enjoying the wondrous simplicities of mud. Together with a group of school kids, they managed to raise a total of $1000 to pay for new clothing for children at an orphanage in Bishnu, Nepal so that they too could enjoy a Mud Day event. And so, many a muddy little body had the time of their lives romping in the mud. Since then, International Mud Day sees kids from all over the globe participating in the gloriously muddy sport of getting dirty.

Currently, the Mother City is under  Level 4 water restrictions, and it is the middle of winter, so having a big old mud party is not the ideal way to celebrate. However, mud has many other wonderful benefits for the skin that adults can enjoy! We’ve taken the liberty of listing the places in Cape Town that you can go for an utterly invigorating Rasul Chamber mud bath as well as how to make your very own cleansing face mask. Happy cleansing!

Middle Eastern Rasul Chamber Mud Ritual at Life Day Spa
With two branches in Cape Town, one in Century City and one at the V&A Waterfront, Life Day Spa comes highly recommended. The branch at the  Waterfront has been voted the Best Day Spa in South Africa, 2017 and to celebrate they’re offering a special deal that let’s you bring a friend for FREE for the entire month of July 2017.

Created in the vision of the traditional Turkish Bath, the Middle Eastern Rasul Chamber Mud Ritual makes use of pure, natural earth mud that is medicinal, exfoliating, cleansing and rejuvenating all at once! Cover yourself in mystically medicinal mud and feel impurities be drawn from your skin as it dries. To end off the treatment, you will be treated to a gentle cleansing rain shower.

Enjoy this ceremony alone, with your other half or a group of friends. Wanting to celebrate a special occasion in the mud? Life Day Spa also offers packages that include sparkling wine and a selection of treats to indulge in while your skin is having muddy magic worked on it.

Century Boulevard | Century City | Cape Town
The Pavilion | Ground Floor | Corner Portswood and Dock Road | Waterfront | Cape Town

Traditional Arabic Rasul at The Twelve Apostles
This hotel boasts a stunningly picturesque view of the Atlantic Seaboard! The five-star luxury accommodation  looks onto the rolling seaside, and the Twelve Apostle mountain peaks form a beautifully burly backdrop. Their in-house spa is magnificent and luxurious beyond measure.

Their traditional Rasul treatment has been revamped to offer a pampering and opulent smoothing skin treatment which sees the blend of mineral rich mud, steam and heat to create a cleansing experience that releases toxins from your skin and plumps it right up. All you have to do is relax, and apply the mud to yourself as you please. You can use it on your body, hair and face for a top-to-toe cleansing experience. When the mud softens, all of the amazing vitamins and minerals are absorbed into your skin and body. Once you’re done lapping up the muddy gloriousness, you can take a soothing rain shower and clean up. The treatment is best enjoyed with a partner or friend. The sessions are available for either 30 minutes and 60 minutes respectively. Price is available upon request and you can book online at 12apostleshotel.com.

Victoria Street | Camps Bay | Cape Town

DIY Mud Face Mask Recipes
Can’t afford to make a trip to the spa or are you just looking for a little mud to add to your home beauty regime? Here are two awesome mud mask recipes to get your face feeling fresh and renewed!

DIY GlamGlow SuperMud Face Mask Video by Kate:

Wellness Mama’s Mud Mask Recipe
A trusted internet wonder, Katie Wells aka Wellness Mama, has been writing books and blogging on all things health and wellness for years! Here is her recipe for the perfect mud mask:

Mud Mask Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of bentonite clay

• 1 teaspoon raw honey

• 1 teaspoon of water (or more if needed)

• 1/2 tsp of powdered calendula and chamomile flowers (optional)

• 2 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)

Mud Mask Instructions

1. Mix the bentonite clay with the powdered herbs (if using) in a small bowl.

2. Add honey and mix to form a thick paste.

3. Add enough warm water to form a thin paste. Add lavender essential oil (if using).

4. Immediately apply to face and neck in a circular motion, avoiding the eyes.

5. Leave on 10-15 minutes or until it has hardened.

6. Wash off with a (dark coloured) washcloth soaked in hot water (really hot water helps to steam off the mask without having to rub the skin).

7. Pat skin dry and enjoy your smooth skin!

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Cape Town has a wide range of world-class spas that are sure to tickle your fancy; why not check out our comprehensive listing of Spas and Wellness Centres in Cape Town?

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Words by Cheri Morris

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