My Mom and I were invited to celebrate an early Mother’s Day at the Taj Hotel with a spa treatment followed by Afternoon Tea. We cleared our diaries pretty quickly and booked our afternoon of spoils. The timing was perfect because my Mom leaves for Thailand tomorrow to meet her new grandson (and my handsome nephew) and so won’t be here for family celebrations on Mother’s Day this Sunday.

Our afternoon started in the Jiva Spa where we were booked for an Autumn Bliss spa treatment. This 90 minute session included a 30 minute back, neck and shoulder massage, a spa energising facial and a mini manicure. We were led to the change rooms and given keys to a locker where we could change out of our clothes and into a spa robe and slops (branded disposable undies optional). We then waited in the relaxation room with a delicious warm detox tea until we were called for our treatment. The whole spa was dimly lit and perfectly tranquil with candles flickering and calm music playing in the background.

My therapist was really lovely – she didn’t talk to me at all which was just what I needed and she was skilled and the treatment elements flowed seamlessly. The bed was so comfy and warm (it heated up!) and I was close to dozing off for the majority of the time. The session really stretched and the 90 minutes didn’t pass too quickly. After the treatment I was given some calming beads and then taken back to the relaxation room where my Mom was already waiting for me and were given a fruit platter and some more detox tea. We could have hung out there longer, but we had an Afternoon Tea to get to, so just stayed for a few minutes. One of the Jiva Spa staff whom we’d met when we first arrived complimented my Mom by introducing himself to her again and saying that he didn’t recognise her because she was looking so fresh and youthful after her treatment. Flattery will get you everywhere.

The Afternoon Tea was decadent and delicious and we were hosted very enthusiastically. It started with a savoury platter served straight to our table followed by a sweet spread on display buffet style. Although I have a savoury tooth, I tucked in to the buffet and can say that my favourite was the warm chocolate dessert with vanilla custard and the creme brulee. Yum. My Mom and I also shared a slice of chocolate mousse cake, but it was so rich and chocolatey that neither of us could finish it. I know, it’s a sin to leave cake on your plate, but we really tried.

We rolled out of the Taj after four hours in a place where it felt as if time had stopped and that we’d stepped into the East. If you’re looking for a special way to celebrate Mother’s Day with your mom or other mom friends, then a spa treatment and/or Afternoon Tea at the Taj Cape Town is a super option. There are a variety of tea options to choose ranging from Sweet Tea for R125 to Gin Afternoon Tea for R285 which includes sweet and savoury items and G & T.

The Autumn Bliss special at Jiva Spa runs until the end of June for R950 per person and if you’d to book for Mother’s Day tea for this Sunday then email restaurants.capetown@tajhotels.com. Tea includes buffet, tea and a glass of L’Omarins Brut Rose.

*This post is written in partnership with the Taj Cape Town. We were hosted for this Mother’s Day experience.