TV 2M

Imagine a smoked ginger and crimson skyline towering down over a diverse natural landscape of wild flowers, untamed wildlife and restless waters. Imagine lying gazing at this distinct setting whilst enjoying the pampering and revitalization that goes along with South African traditional customs and massage techniques. A spa experience in South Africa has often been viewed as being one of the most unique and beautiful experiences that one can wish for. So what makes it so unique and what can one expect at a South African spa?

Spas in South Africa can be simple, uncomplicated and traditional as well as both sophisticated and chic. There is a little bit of everything for everyone. Spas are either set in safari or remote country settings or in classy city or beach hotels. However, it is not only the diverse settings which capture the attention of travelers worldwide, but the fusion of customs and traditions into the spa techniques and treatments. A number of South African spas utilize traditional oils and plant extracts in their treatment products and a great emphasis is placed on age old remedies and secrets.

A truly unique and not to be missed experience can also be found within the beautiful wine lands of South Africa. It is here where you can experience Vinotherapy, an innovative treatment originating in France that utilizes grapes and wine to assist in preventing or assisting in the effects of anti-ageing. The antioxidants as well as other properties of the grape are highly beneficial for the skin and for this reason the ingredients has been utilized in massages, full-body exfoliations and hydrotherapy treatments. With South Africa, boasting some of the best wines in the world, a day of wine tasting and Vinotherapy may just be the treat you have been waiting for.

A number of spas also provide you with a complete African experience. You can expect African dances, food and celebrations incorporated into your day or stay at some of the spa destinations in South Africa. The spa experience becomes one of the elements of your experience and allows you to experience both the African culture and the African therapist’s skilled techniques and products. If you are staying over at the spa, you may even be able rest in a traditional yet elegant African hut. This is a wonderful option if you are looking for both serenity and for a place to reflect in an uninterrupted natural setting.

Those of you seeking more sophistication and modern elegance will also find yourself spoilt for choice at some of the many exclusive spa destinations and resorts. Gaze down at the city nightlife from your treatment suite or relax for a day in spas boasting top of the line facilities and therapists. These classy spas can be found both in the city and in the more remote areas of South Africa, so your selection would be based purely on personal choice.

Nonetheless, South Africa is a spa crazy country which promises to offer an array of spa destinations as well as unique experiences. If you wanting to truly experience African culture at its best, booking into a South African destination spa or resort and choosing between the many traditional and natural spa products could set you on the right path.

Find spas and more wellness related information at: http://healthspaguru.com

Bookmark To

Moroccan inspired interior design and architecture has a warm, spicy flair-the perfect theme to create a private exotic oasis getaway right in your own home.Let your creativity flow as you delve into the artistic charm of this old world culture.
With several official languages, Morocco is a crossroad of many cultures and styles.Often used as a source of inspiration for painters, writers and hippies, Morocco can be seen as a captivating oasis. The Moroccan style is now hot in the US, imposing its magic in the exclusive pueblo designed homes of Santa Fe including California and its introduction into New York, Florida, chicago, and Texas.
Long on coastal seas, backed into desert and baked under a relentless sun, Moroccans take inspiration from the colors their geography provides.
Moroccan tiles also know as Moorish tiles or Zillij mosaic tile, Zellidj, Zillij, Zellij, zellige is an important element Moorish and Moroccan architecture and decorating. The word tile is derived from the French word tuile, which is, in turn, derived from the Latin word tegula, meaning a roof tile composed of baked clay. The process of production begins by mixing clay and water and kneeling them by hands and feet until they reach a high level of flexibility and homogeneity. Then, the mixture is cut into squares of 1 cm thickness each. The squares get dried up under the sun before they are put in a special oven for their first phase baking. The tiles are placed in different levels according to the degree of temperature required to attain a particular color. The white tile is often placed in the bottom followed by the blue, yellow, and the green on the top. The second phase starts when we remove the tiles from the oven and separate them by their colors; once we are done with this process, we start drawing the patterns of the intended design directly on tiles; this is done by ‘rasham’ followed by the cutting process which is performed by ‘naqqash’ who carefully separate the drawn pattern by a sharpened hammer. Last but not least, ‘khallas’ or finisher finishes the work by cutting the tiles’ edges assuring that they meet all requirements for production. With the help of our design team, the zillij master draws the design layout on the ground and places each furmah or piece of tile in its exact place in the overall pattern. Interestingly enough, the placement of tiles is done upside down, which makes it even more difficult to absorb.

The art of handcrafting Moroccan tiles remained very limited in use until the Merinid dynasty who gave it more importance around the 14th century. Blue, red, green and yellow colours were introduced in the 17th century. The old enamels with the natural colours were used until the beginning of the 20th century and the colors had probably not evolved much since the period of Merinids. The cities of Fes and Meknes remain the centers of this art.

what makes Moroccan tiles different from any other tiles?

Moroccan tiles are The art of mosaic tiles dates back many centuries in the old city of fez in Morocco. Handmade, hand-glazed and hand-cut Moroccan mosaics are crafted using traditional and regional organic clays and glaze pigments. Moroccan tiles are historic tiles dated many centuries ago from the famous Al Hambra palaces and Granada in Spain to the luxurious homes in Fez Morocco.Moroccan tiles are rich of complex geometric patterns that refflect the beauty of the ancien art of geometry.

Geometric patterns are among the most recogbizable visual expressions of Moroccan art and architecture.In the past, Moroccan craftsmen had an extensive practical knowledge of geometry. They know how to divide circle into twelve equal sectors without measuring the angles with a protractor. They could construct a large geometric pattern on the dome of a palace and ensure that the basic motifs linked to gether perfectly all the way around . Their skill was not based on theory or mathematical calculation; they created the patterns by drawing circles and lines. In the ancient world in Morocco, architects would use a piece of rope to draw up full scale floor plans of a building. One end of the rope was tied to a fixed point; the other was attached to a piece of wood. by walking round the fixed point with the ropetaut, the architect could mark out a perfect circle, the size of which was naturally determined by the length of the rope. Straight lines could also be drawn , again by holdingthe ropetaut between two points. A compass and ruler are sophisticated versions of the rope; nothing more was needed then, and the same principle applies to the geometric pattern of Moroccan mosaic tiles ( zillij tiles).
Moroccan tiles are suitable for indoor and outdoor uses such as kitchen backsplash, kitchen floors, Bathroom floors, Bathroom shower, swimming pool, fountain, fireplace, walls, wall clading. Moroccan tiles are very durable and require minimum maintenance and the solid prove that these tiles are durable is the palaces in Al Hambra, Granada in Spain and Morocco they have these tiles all over the walls & floors and even after so many centuries they look almost new.

By being the largest and the exclusive manufacturer of high-end Moroccan tiles in Morocco, Saint Tropez Boutique dedicated to preserve the art of handmade Moroccan tiles and Moroccan arts and crafts by investing money and time to operate several Moroccan tiles workshops in Morocco and making sure that each Moroccan tile is handcrafted from quality organic clay and traditional made using basic tools same used by the Moors for so many centuries ago. After several years of intense reserches, Saint Tropez Boutique came up with brilliant technique to have the famous Moroccan mosaic tiles pre-mounted or pre-assembled into sheets for easy installation. Saint Tropez Boutique is now able to produce pre-mounted Moroccan tiles into 12″ x 12″ sheets so anyone can install them without any assitance or special technique, all you have to do is add mortar to the back of the Moroccan tiles and install them same if you are installing Marble mosaics or Glass mosaic.
Moroccan mosaic tiles are timeless and works beautifully in traditional and contemporary interiors.

Bookmark To

The creative and often complex design of Moroccan home lighting is as attractive as it is functional.

Moroccan lamps, lanterns, chandeliers and sconces are some of the most beautiful lighting fixtures you will ever find anywhere. Whether you decorate your home in Moroccan home decor or in another style, you will find these lights have something to offer for every room in your home. If you appreciate rich colors and artistic design, you will be pleased with all the variety Moroccan home lighting has to offer.

Professional artisans handcraft Moroccan lighting. The tradition of hand-made lamps and lanterns goes back centuries and the 3 Unique Elements of Home Lighting in the Moroccan Style

The creative and often complex design of Moroccan home lighting is as attractive as it is functional. Moroccan lamps, lanterns, chandeliers and sconces are some of the most beautiful lighting fixtures you will ever find anywhere. Whether you decorate your home in Moroccan home decor or in another style, you will find these lights have something to offer for every room in your home. If you appreciate rich colors and artistic design, you will be pleased with all the variety Moroccan home lighting has to offer.

Professional artisans handcraft Moroccan lighting. The tradition of hand-made lamps and lanterns goes back centuries and the process used today is much like the process used hundreds of years ago. True Moroccan home lighting is not made on an assembly line, which only adds to its charm. You will not find “clones” amongst these lighting fixtures. Each one is unique because each one is made with a love of the craft.

Home Lighting: 3 Elements of Distinctive Moroccan Creation

Moroccan Lamps with Henna Tattooing: Henna tattooing is done on goatskin or sheepskin that is stretched over a frame. Artisans frame the work in metal and filigree and artists decorate them with henna. No two pieces are ever alike. Even those that are made to match are slightly different from each other primarily because you will not find stencil work on Moroccan lamps. Lines and curves form intriguing patterns that twist and stream around these original pieces. When you buy these exquisite pieces, you cannot help but think about the people who made them. The creators are part of the charm of henna tattooed lamps and lanterns long after they leave their hands.

Moroccan Lamps with Stained Glass: Stained glass lampshades and lights provide a warm glow to the interior or exterior of a well decorated home. The earthy tones of browns, reds, oranges, yellows, greens and deep blues are often combined to create exclusive colors making them a festive delight for the eyes. The stained glass may be pieced together between metal frameworks or shaped into tall, curvy wave-like lamps.

It may be placed in hanging chandeliers, small to large sconces, and table or floor lamps of various heights. The star lamps of Morocco are especially impressive when light filters through the stained glass to add a dimension of romance and exotic allure.

Moroccan Lamps with Metal: Metal is stamped and formed into patterned pieces. Wrought iron, brass and silver are common metals used in Moroccan home lighting. The filigree is intricate and offers the perfect showcase for light to shine through and cast itself across small or wide areas. For special effect, the metal is often “antiqued” to add extra texture. The larger lanterns made exclusively of metal are especially impressive when placed on patios and in the entrances to homes.

Professionals and amateur decorators alike recognize that the proper and decorative use of lighting is mandatory for pulling together a great design. A few well-placed pieces of Moroccan home lighting can turn something that’s nice into something stunningly beautiful.

The one-of-a-kind light fixtures lend themselves to open curiosity and conversation. Family and friends will enjoy the ambiance. Don’t settle for anything less than the best. Illuminate the interior of your home with Moroccan home lighting.

Bookmark To

Decorating your living area with a unique furniture and décor leaves you with plenty of room to add your vivid imagination and unique style to your environment.  Interior designers have taken a particular interest in Moroccan interior design due to its unique ability to capitalize on the flexibility of the bold colors, unique textures and exquisite fabrics, painted armoires and living room sets.  This same elasticity can be found in the wide variety of furniture designs on the market today.  As you will find, there are a number of items available that will help you add the magical touch of Morocco to your living area. 
 
Moroccan furniture and décor possesses a distinctive design that simply speaks Morocco.  The authenticity is reflected in the vibrant colors, hand carved textures and high quality Moroccan furniture pieces used to create each item that is all handmade.  If youâ??re looking to spruce up the furniture in your living room, for example, youâ??ll find a wide variety of sofa and seating options to choose from cushions, pillows and bolsters.  Choose from a variety of handmade and unique sofas and benches that will definitely set your living room apart from any other in your neighborhood.  There are a variety of fabrics to choose from when it comes to the various living room furniture and accessories sporting the Moroccan theme, as well as a number of unique patterns that will enhance any area. 
 
The variety of Moroccan furniture and décor is quite amazing, as the versatility and unique style often leads to that â??one of a kindâ? piece that you simply cannot find with any other decorating style.   For those who are searching for a very unique addition to your home why not consider adding a one of a kind camel bone mirror to your living area.  These mirrors are simply unique and bring an exquisite style and flair to the room that your guests are sure to notice.   Other Moroccan accessories one might find interesting are the various ceramic & glass items available for purchase.  There are a number of stylish Moroccan vases, bowls and plates to choose from that will add just the right touch to your Moroccan decor.
 
Moroccan furniture and décor truly enhances any room, as each piece is highly decorative and unique.  An awesome addition to your living area would be any of the various fabrics and tapestries within the realm of Moroccan interior design.  The various fabrics available can be used to create accent pillows that will enhance the look of your sofa or bedroom.  If youâ??re looking to enhance the look and feel of the room with an authentic Moroccan design, then you may want to purchase one of the many unique Moroccan tapestries. 
 
In short, Moroccan furniture and décor is highly versatile, as youâ??re choices are unlimited.  Each uniquely crafted item truly reflects its Moroccan heritage and adds that special touch to any area.  The bold colors, fluid lines and rich hand crafted textures will create a unique ambience where your guests will feel welcome and comfortable.  Check out this page. we do also custom make any piece that is handmade in Morocco, weâ??ve done and changed many homes feel already .  
Casbahdecor has been always a source of Moroccan unique furniture & home décor, importing all kinds of Moroccan home décor pieces that are most of them one-of-a-kind and unique.

Bookmark To

I know about the beautiful djellabas and ornate takchitas, argan oil and thuya wood products, but what else is unique to only Morocco? Thanks.

Bookmark To

If you are looking for the perfect outdoor adventure, the Western Cape of South Africa is the greatest place to go on Earth. The unending landscape here is beautifully rugged, and the activities are extremely intense. The Western Cape of South Africa has it all: majestic mountains, two oceans, national parks, beaches that go all the way around the Western Cape, and historical sites where the world was changed forever. If you are a world traveler and love the challenge of conquering international terrain, make sure to pack plenty of energy, because a vacation in the Western Cape of South Africa is absolutely extreme.

The first place most travelers want to go to when they visit the Western Cape of South Africa is the beach. The unique aspect of the Western Cape is that it has two oceans. The Indian Ocean is the warmer of the two and best for swimming and sunbathing. However, Haut Bay, on the Atlantic side has incredible surf; and is home to the international Red Bull surfing competition. There is also hiking on the rugged coast and sunbathing on some of the most exclusive beaches in the world.

You can’t go to the Western Cape of South Africa without doing some whale watching. This pastime is highly pursued on the Atlantic Seaboard where whales go for shelter to mate and calve. This is a place where whale enthusiasts can watch Southern Right Whales, Bryde’s Whales, and the Humpback Whales that come here every year.

The Western Cape of South Africa is also the home of Table Mountain, whose massive peak rises 3,300 feet above Cape Town. Hiking fanatics can climb the trails all the way to the top, where they can experience breathtaking views of Cape Town and both oceans, along with the clouds that surround the summit.

If you need a breather after climbing Table Mountain on the West Cape of South Africa, the Garden Route has easy walking and beautiful scenery. Running parallel to the Atlantic Ocean, the Garden Route is a series of trails full of trees and flower gardens with explorable caves nearby.

Another favorite outdoor activity for tourists is the Wine Route, which is a little further inland from the coast. The wine business in the Western Cape of South Africa is booming, and there is no better way to experience it than to tour the historic wine estates in the valley.

On the Western Cape of South Africa, even shopping is extreme. Many shoppers can’t wait to go to the ‘Diamond Works’, one of the best places in the world to shop for exquisite diamond jewelry. There are hundreds of other unique shops throughout the cobble stone streets of Cape Town, including the famous Victor and Albert Waterfront; which has a variety of eateries, pubs, movie theaters, and aquariums.

The Western Cape of South Africa is easier to get to than you might think. There are direct international flights that go right into Cape Town, and once you get there the accommodations are world class. Clearly, for the outdoor enthusiast, the Western Cape of South Africa has it all.

Bookmark To