RAIN Africa Adventure

Dear Readers, 

Just over two weeks ago, RAIN Africa whisked a few bloggers away for the day. We were collected at a central point and carted into the Stanford Countryside by bus. The most exciting thing was that at the point of getting onto the bus, we still had no idea where we were headed, it was a complete mystery. Along the way, Ronel dropped some hints and after the first Clue Coral (aka Cupcake Mummy) guessed what no body else was able to. 

We were headed to the Spookhuis, Mosaic Farm. Now the Spookhuis is not really haunted and there isn’t a really gory or tragic tale behind its history, but for some colour I presume the story of Ghostly Agnes exists.

"For years afterwards, passersby reported seeing the figure of an elderly lady looking like Agnes Stroud sitting under nearby milkwood trees with a parasol. On approaching she could not be found. Thus the “spook” of the Spookhuis”

Driving into Stanford, one has the feeling of being transported back in time, to simpler days where neighbourly concern or curiosity was the norm. It’s quaint Main Road, with curio shops, real estate offices and numerous ‘For Sale” signs are all indicative of a typical holiday dorpie (town). If I wanted to forget the bustle of the city, this spot is perfect as its only located about 2 hours outside of Cape Town - well situated for a weekend getaway.

When we arrived, after travelling on a gravelly, bumpy road by shuttle for about 10mins, we were greeted by the most beautiful sight of the old homestead against the backdrop of the rolling veld dappled with the first blooms of Spring. 

We received some welcome drinks and an opportunity to freshen up before heading upstairs to listen to the beautiful Bev Missing talking about her passion, parfurmerie and the art of creating the perfect scent. 

"Bev Missing founded Rain 14 years ago, as a homegrown South African body and bath-product brand with its own store concept. She started off with two staff and now employs 110 direct employees and has around 40 CMT’s in various supplier groups.

Rain has eight stores in South Africa and one in New York, and prides itself on the creation of Natural Fair Trade bodycare using wild harvested botanical actives. The company is based in Swellendam.

This year, Bev published the Rain Book of Natural Soapmaking (Metz Press) in both English and Afrikaans.” - rain.com 

We were the first to sample the newly launched RAIN fragrances (Leaf, Twig and Nectar), my favourite being Twig, a woody fragrance with amber notes. Thereafter some lunch was served, and we proceeded to a flower safari, where we were bundled into a open vehicle on this blustery chill day. 

Back at the homestead, some massages relaxed us before heading out to tour the lodge accommodation. An impressive range of private rooms, all with the breathtaking view of the veld, lagoon and the flamingoes in the distance. It is very clear that the emphasis at the lodge is about enjoyment, client centred service and relaxation. 

It was an absolutely beautiful day spent at Mosaic Farm which immediately stole my heart. I will need to get in touch with Marcelino to arrange a romantic timeout!

Thank You to Rain, Bev, Ronel, Juani and our hosts at Mosaic Farm for an unforgettable day!

It was a long busride at 8am!

The last bit of rays we saw for the day was when we arrived

The Lagoon peeking out from behind the veld

Always time for a bathroom selfie

The ingredients to making the perfect scent

Bev is so passionate that its contagious. In the background a lady from the Himba Tribe in Namibia, where Bev spent time in the Kunene Desert.

Pamper Time

The lodge and spa is aimed at providing the best in privacy and relaxation

I am always so inspired when spending time with the RAIN family of employees, they have such a happy spirit,  always spreading love and goodwill.

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Forest Ramblings with RAIN

Hi Lovely readers!

Last week, in the midst of our heatwave we were treated to an amazing day out by RAIN Africa in the Platbos Forest. The day dawned as stunning as expected, and I embarked on the 2 hour drive to The Gansbaai area to join my fellow Cape Town Bloggers on this adventure.

The venue is the origin of the RAIN Africa Tree mists, made by the custodian, Melissa Krige. I love the fact that for every mist she sells to RAIN she plants a tree in the forest. Melissa and her family live in the forest and have undertaken the mammoth task of ‘reforesting’ (I think that’s the word?) Amazing. 

We started off by taking a slow scenic walk through the forest, with Melissa pointing out the various trees, their properties and how helpful their essences are to humans. I found it really interesting that she mentioned studies showed that just spending time in wooded areas would help reduce ADHD in kids and bring some calm. I can totally believe that, as we strolled along the paths it was so serene and tranquil, the worries of the city left behind in the parking lot.

Thereafter, we were treated to a lovely Summer picnic lunch, with Ronel entertaining us with anecdotes and telling us more about the RAIN brand and spa treatments. I simply adore their products, I have previously blogged about the brand and the Sole spa treatment (read more here).
The day was finished off with a relaxing shoulder massage to send us on our way…in true RAIN style.

Thanks to RAIN and Melissa for hosting us in such an idyllic setting and ensuring that we had a fantastic day!

All photos courtesy of RAIN



Ciao for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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RAIN Africa’s Sole

I don’t usually do reviews, but ever since I have been exposed to RAIN products, I have become an avid fan (and thus needed to share it). Needless to say, when we were presented with a voucher in our CTBlogger Meet goodie bag for a treatment, I was really excited!

While shopping in Cavendish Square last week, I walked past their store and noticed the sign saying walk in treatments available. Say Whaaat? That was the best news ever, as I’m not really good at scheduling treatments in advance and just want it when I want it. Twenty minutes later I was led into the Cocoon Room. Aptly named, the room I entered was dimly lit with dark coloured walls, the air filled with jungle background noises and tree branches strategically placed. And in the middle of the room stood the two treatment beds.  I felt like I was really enveloped in the middle of a jungle, the animal sounds and the far off tribal drumming gave it a truly magical feel. 

Because I have sleeping difficulties,  I chose the Sole Treatment which is supposedly good for sleep irregularities. This treatment  involves a foot soak, a dusting of foot powder for the pressure point massage, followed by a traditional foot massage. It was absolute bliss! *sigh* I fell asleep somewhere along the way, which is an added bonus for me - some much needed sleep!

I would highly recommend the RAIN spa, their products are amazing and their slogan “created for living” just adds that extra feel good dimension. The pleasant therapist with her calm serene manner, made the experience that much more special. The final touch was the little token item to eat, drink and sniff; not forgetting the take home package. 

Apologies for the photo quality, it was taken with my phone in the dimly lit room.

The cocoon room hidden in the corner
of the store

The cocoon room is so tranquil

Straw box filled with grapes

Some iced tea to drink and herbs to open the sinuses

Such a lovely touch to end ’soleful’ experience

Ciao for now,

RuBexoxo

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