Durban - Sitting in reception at Brookdale Health Hydro, looking through the French doors as I signed my life away, I had a One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest moment. People on a chilly winter’s day in bathrobes and slippers eating their lunch. That was as an outsider. Once you’re “inside” it’s all good – so good they may as well throw away the key.
But they wouldn’t. And inmates sneak off now and again for a round of golf at Gowrie around the bend or, like truant kids and much to the amusement of the staff, a pint and a pie at over-the-road Rawdons, or even further afield in the KZN Midlands.
In any case, they spit guests out on a Saturday and one frequent guest was wondering where to stay in the area before he came back for another few days prior to resuming his high-pressure lifestyle.
Why do people come to Brookdale? Colonic irrigation? I had to ask, and was assured they “do not offer or recommend colonic irrigation”. Phew! Relax.
Truth is, I was anything but relaxed. I am meant to be, but things in the days preceding my visit piled up and I was frazzled when I arrived, and if I didn’t realise how much, my first treatment (and second and third) made it very clear. By the time I left, though, I was in a completely different state, happy on my drive and mindful of the inspirational Ralph Waldo Emerson quote left on my pillow the previous night.
I don’t much like inspirational quotes. Not in the “insert inspirational quote” or décor way so often used in many places.
Here it is different – heartfelt and a reflection of Brookdale and one of many reasons so many have been coming back since Tony and Wendy Somers-Cox opened the hydro in 1992. Some, like hydro general manager Marilyn Cox, have never left. What an advert she is – engaging, vivacious, clear, considerate and radiating good vibes and health.
The best places I’ve visited are run by involved owners who lead by example. Brookdale is such a place. Tony, dynamo Wendy, Marilyn and almost all the staff live on the property and it makes a difference. Some palpable aspects – quality, consistency, energy, confidence and no doubt others – are imbued on staff and guests alike.
I’ve lounged in a robe elsewhere and had fantastic treatments and it was grand and lovely, but just, well, indulgent. At Brookdale there’s purpose. “There is a point to what we do,” said therapist April McNally during a brisk early morning walk before brekkie. It’s a highly-skilled, drilled and motivated team with everyone rowing in the same direction.
You choose how much you engage or disengage, how much you row or are rowed. For some, having to traipse to the rose garden in a robe in midwinter for a fag or to make a cellphone call may be the hardest thing they envisage, but it’s worth heeding the early morning wake-up call and rooibos tea (no caffeine) and joining in, though you can just put a Shhhhh sign on your door.
There’s time and space for quietude, wincing along the reflexology path or meandering in the labyrinth between delightful, extremely professional treatments or after a vigorous aquacise class, perhaps. There is a wi-fi hotspot and DStv if you need, though the TV stayed off in my peaceful, expansive forest view suite above the tumbling brook and steep dale from whence Brookdale gets its name.
Don’t be wary of the grub. Yes it’s healthy, no it’s not yech and you won’t go hungry. Chef-cum-front-of-house Juliet Stephenson prepares delicious meals, many of which are available in what is more than a recipe book, but also a Brookdale capsule and a very practical guide for a healthier life.
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Call 033 266 6208 or visit www.brookdale.co.za for winter specials.
Saturday Star