Fordoun Hotel and Spa

Frommer's Review

Located 90 minutes from Durban is a destination spa with a real difference: Besides the usual suspects (flotation pool, heated pool, hydrotherapy bath, steam rooms, sauna, and the like), a Fordoun treatment includes a session with Dr. Elliott Ndlovu, a traditional sangoma (healer) and Inyanga, whose consulting rooms are surrounded by his medicinal garden, in which he tends some 140 indigenous plants. For those unfamiliar with African healing traditions, sangomas have various ways of consulting with your ancestors in order to ascertain both the problem and the healing path -- if this sounds like claptrap, it's worth noting that Dr. Ndlovu, who was recently invited to L.A. to consult, is highly regarded, with a number of famous clients (including Mira Sorvino). He's also a rather good businessman. You can visit the spa (and Dr. Ndlovu) as a day patient, but after a day of sensual treatments (don't miss the rasul, a Turkish steam room with African clay treatment), you may be too relaxed to leave. The homestead, an ex-dairy farm set amid the typically lush green hills of the Natal Midlands, is comfortable enough, but the decor is entirely lacking in character.

Facilities:
Restaurant; spa; pool, mountain biking, trout fishing, horse riding

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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