Meet Dorcas Dube, this month’s Amani Star, and a remarkable leader at Amani Spa & Wellness Ivory Tree Game Reserve (Pilanesberg). With over 12 years of experience with the Amani brand, Dorcas has become a true embodiment of our commitment to excellence, care, and authentic wellness. Her journey from a junior therapist to Spa Manager is not just a story of professional growth, but also one of deep passion for healing and connecting with others on a meaningful level.
In this piece, we chat with Dorcas to learn more about her path into the spa industry, her insights into wellness, and her approach to leading the team at Amani Spa & Wellness Ivory Tree. Join us as she shares her story, memorable moments, and the transformative power of her work.
Q: How did you get into the spa industry?
A: “It’s funny—I never actually planned on joining the spa industry. Growing up, I had other ideas and even thought I’d pursue a career in law! After matriculating in 2003, I went to Wits to register, but it was already too late for the year’s intake. I didn’t want to spend the year doing nothing; it felt important to keep moving, not just for myself, but also to set an example for my younger sisters. With our mother’s passing and my dad working hard, I’d taken on a lot of responsibility early on.
When I came across Birnam Business & Beauty College, I noticed they had an opening in their beauty programme. To be honest, I wasn’t interested at first—it wasn’t something I’d ever considered. But after talking it over with my dad (who thought it was physiotherapy!), I decided to give it a try.
Once I started the coursework—especially the business modules and the anatomy and physiology—it all began to click. I enjoyed the blend of theory and practical work, and as I progressed, I became captivated by the environment, the processes, and, most of all, the transformations. Helping clients feel better and educating them on self-care was incredibly fulfilling. I quickly developed a knack for reading people’s energies and meeting them where they are, whether they need relaxation, support, or healing.”
Q: Could you share your journey with Amani Spa and Wellness?
A: “My journey with Amani started over 12 years ago when I first joined as a junior therapist at the then Radisson Blu Hotel, Sandton spa. I’d initially joined thanks to a guest who encouraged me to apply, and when I arrived, the team welcomed me warmly, saying, ‘We’ve been waiting for you!’ After passing my practicals, I quickly discovered just how different Amani’s approach was.
Since those early days, I’ve had the privilege of working at several Amani locations, including the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Houghton Hotel. Each experience broadened my skills and understanding of the industry, and I advanced from junior therapist to head therapist, then eventually into management roles. Amani’s emphasis on grooming and professionalism really set them apart, and I felt it even more when I worked outside the brand. After a brief time away, I decided to return to Amani earlier this year as Spa Manager at Ivory Tree—it felt like coming home. Here, I continue to learn, lead, and grow with a team that shares my commitment to wellness and exceptional care.”
Q: What changes have you noticed in the spa and wellness industry over the years?
A: “The industry has changed quite a lot, especially with social media making skincare more visible and accessible. Unfortunately, not all trends are beneficial; some people try treatments that promise quick results but end up damaging their skin. Often, they come to us to repair the effects of things like overly harsh peels or certain masks that strip away the skin’s natural moisture and protective layers. A big part of my role is re-educating them on what truly benefits their skin in the long term.
I’ve also noticed advances in massage techniques, such as using gua sha stones made from jade, rose quartz, or amethyst for facial massages. These techniques, which encourage lymphatic drainage, are easy to teach clients so they can care for their skin at home.
One of the most positive changes is the growing interest in wellness, even amongst men who may not have traditionally prioritised self care. It’s wonderful to see more men, including black men, embracing skin health. Often, once we educate the women in our client base, they pass that knowledge on to their partners. For me, being able to educate and guide people in their self-care journey is incredibly rewarding.”
Q: What do you think sets Amani Spa apart from other wellness brands, and what drew you back to the business?
A: “What truly sets Amani apart is our commitment to evolution. We’re always growing, learning, and developing, which keeps things fresh and exciting. There’s a real sense of structure here, with everything organised so professionally, but it’s balanced by a warm, personal approach—each of us is seen and valued, not treated as just a number. I’ve been in places where you feel like a small cog in a machine, but at Amani, you can go straight to the team leaders, like Julie, Sunette, and Ron, with any question or idea. That kind of openness is rare.
Another aspect that makes Amani special is the quality of the products. I’ve worked with many brands, but Amani’s oils, like the Detox & Slimming oil, really stand out. The results are incredible, especially for treatments like cellulite care, where we exfoliate and then apply the oil for maximum effect. I also appreciate the way our treatments are tailored to individual needs, like the Made for Me treatment, which is entirely customisable for each guest. There’s such pride in delivering quality, and it’s what drew me back to Amani—I wanted to be part of a brand that’s dedicated to the wellbeing of both its guests and its team.”
Q: Could you tell us about your role as Spa Manager and what it entails?
A: “As a Spa Manager, my role is to ensure that every detail within the spa contributes to an exceptional guest experience, while also supporting the team and meeting our targets. In a smaller spa, being a manager often means wearing many hats—I’m very much a hands-on manager, stepping in wherever needed, especially during busy times. That can mean addressing guest complaints, ensuring smooth operations, or jumping in to assist with treatments. Attention to detail is everything; even on the busiest days, my focus is on making sure every guest feels cared for, without any compromise to their experience.
What I love about this role is how it has deepened my appreciation for being a therapist. I’ve gained a whole new understanding of the processes behind the scenes and how every part of the team’s work fits together. Managing the schedules, coordinating with therapists, and focusing on the guest journey from start to finish—it all reinforces my passion for the spa environment.
I lead the team by seeing each person as an individual and recognising their unique strengths. Respect is at the core of how I manage; I create a space where team members feel comfortable to reach out when they need support, especially during busy times. I believe in being a leader rather than just a manager. For me, that means leading from the front, supporting the team with empathy, and encouraging open communication. The bush can be challenging for long stretches, so I make sure to foster a supportive environment that keeps everyone motivated.
Key qualities for a successful spa manager include the ability to listen, multitask, and see the bigger picture. It’s about creating revenue targets that are not just about numbers but about development and team growth. This approach has been shaped by Amani’s strong management programme, which equips us with the skills to deliver excellence both in guest care and in driving the spa’s success.”
Q: What is your favourite Amani treatment and product, and why?
A: “My favourite Amani treatment is the Traveller—it’s a full-body experience that includes a deeply relaxing foot massage, which I love. There’s something incredibly grounding about focusing on the feet; reflexology teaches us just how powerful and healing this area of the body can be. After a long journey, our guests often feel the effects of travel tension, and this treatment helps them release it completely, from head to toe.
As for my favourite product, it’s definitely the Sleep Ease Oil. I’ve always struggled with sleep, but whenever I use this oil, I truly sleep like a baby. It’s a wonderful blend that calms the mind and promotes restfulness, and I often recommend it to guests who need that extra help unwinding.”
Q: Can you share a memorable moment with a guest or colleague that had a profound impact on you?
A: “One experience with a guest has really stayed with me and deepened my understanding of the energy we work with in this role. I was giving a full-body treatment, and while the guest was drifting in and out of sleep, I sensed a deep restlessness in her. She would stir and awaken throughout the treatment, seemingly unaware that her mind and body were holding onto something heavy.
After the session, I gently mentioned that I’d noticed she was struggling to relax, and this opened a space for her to share the emotional weight she’d been carrying. Something in the treatment had released a tension she hadn’t even realised was there, and she ended up in tears, expressing that she felt as though a burden had lifted. It was a powerful reminder of how important it is to connect with the energy of each guest, to approach every treatment with presence and compassion. Moments like these are why I love what I do—they remind me of the profound, healing impact we can have on others’ journeys.”
Through her warmth, insight, and unwavering professionalism, Dorcas continues to elevate the Amani experience. We’re grateful to have such a passionate leader as part of our team and look forward to many more years of growth, healing, and inspiration with her at the helm.
