Camelot Spa, Grand Palm Hotel and Convention Center

Bathroom/changing facilities

The entrance to the spa.

Contrary to when you might think from this blog, I'm not a huge spa person. I typically get a manicure and/or pedicure about three times per year, and have also been known to have the occasional massage every couple of months. However, when I heard great things about the new Camelot Spa, located at the nicest hotel in town, the Grand Palm, I decided to treat myself to a nice Saturday manicure and pedicure and check the place out.

I was really pleasantly surprised by how modern and sleek the spa facilities were. The front desk was very attractive and the service was attentive, if not completely on-point - I had called ahead and booked the spa pedicure and regular manicure, but they had only made my reservation for a regular manicure. Still, I didn't mind at all because they were so nice and I was one of about four people in there, so I didn't have to wait.

Mani Pedi Station

Cute outdoor seating area

 After I checked in for my appointment, I was given a short tour of the facilities and shown to the back, where the mani-pedi stations are located. First, I had the hour-long spa pedicure ($37), which includes an exfoliating rub, hot towel wrap, and paraffin dip in addition to the standard nail filing and painting routine. The pedicure felt quite good and my feet looked about a million times better afterwards! I then proceeded to have the regular manicure done ($20) which took 30 minutes and was pretty much your standard manicure. The girl did a nice job with both and I left satisfied.

However, while the service and facilities were quite good, I was not satisfied with the quality of the products used at the spa - a South African brand rather than OPI which you typically would see at a spa. Just a few days later, the nail polish on my fingers started to chip off and to actually corrode my nails, so that I had to cut them almost down to the quick to remove all of the dead nail. My toenails somehow survived the toxic products, but I was a little taken aback that I'd paid $20 for a manicure, only to have the nail polish corrode away a large portion of my natural nails just a few days later.

That being said, the spa is definitely the nicest place in town if you feel like pampering yourself! My advice would be to either bring your own nail polish if you want a mani/pedi, or stick with one of their other great options for massages, facials. or wraps. Personally I haven't yet gone back to try the other options, but I've heard good things from others who have.

If you want to check it out, visit the spa's website: http://www.camelotspa.co.za/index.php/camelotspas/international/camelot-at-grand-palm-gaborone and see the link at the bottom for their full menu. Enjoy!