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: The BioLodge Concept

BioLodge is a toxic-free all-natural Sleep Centre where visitors who have an interest in improving their quality of health, undergo training that will enable them to enhance their life quality by receiving perfect rest and rejuvenation during the time they sleep.

This concept encompasses the following ::

·
general physical and mental awareness

·
bedroom furbishing and decor

·
pre-sleep preparation

·
sleep induction using cortico-stimulation exercises and breathing techniques

·
sensory awareness as a method of achieving deep relaxation by cued mental signals

: The BioLodge strategy

·
to provide a de-stressing facility where people can learn how to achieve natural bodily rest during sleep in an all-natural, non-toxic sleep environment

·
to provide travellers who prefer sleeping in a non-toxic environment, with the types of therapies that are currently being enjoyed as an extension of lifestyle 'well-being-ness'

: The BioLodge objective -
"A toxin-free sleep environment that will lead to an appreciation of a healthy lifestyle".

BioLodge is situated in Darling, Western Cape, out in the fresh, open countryside, and a mere 50 minute drive from Cape Town. The BioLodge is sited on 1,5 hectares of land, nestled on the outskirts of the Darling village. The quietness of the surroundings and the structure of the building (The building was previously a student hostel) made the property ideal for the development of the first Biolodge.

To create an ambience that is in tune with man and nature, South African concept Artist, Beni Stilborg's design of the Biolodge emphasises minimalism - balanced with a holistic approach throughout. Natural stone, steel, glass, and natural woods, in conjunction with textiles that derive from naturally grown fibres such as cotton, wool, leather etc. are used to provide a relaxing atmosphere for all visitors.

There are 12 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and 2 self-contained apartments.
The rooms present an all-organic and non-toxic environment from the air, bed and bedding, to the house wear, and the entire interior. This ensures a completely toxin free living and sleeping environment. The style of the rooms is an adapted version of a Japanese Inn suitable for Western and African visitors.

At the Biolodge each room has natural timber floors. All carpets are made from naturally grown fibres. The wardrobes and furnishings are constructed from natural woods that are hand polished with natural wood-oils. No toxic paints or varnishes are used at the Biolodge. The beds comprise of an all-natural Jensen Cotton Sleep systems and the bed- bases are made from natural wood at standard [westernised] height.

The en-suite bathroom consists of a shower, toilet and hand wash basin replete with lighted mirror, glass shelving. Theuse of granite floor tiles and stainless steel fittings serve practical as well as hygienic, aestheticand non-toxic requirements.

Each room is supplied with the BioLodge's own source of various aromatherapic oils, soaps and lotions which are provided for the use of showering and sleep preparation. Also:

·	in addition each room has its own private atrium for relaxation and meditation. The atrium has a fountain of continually running chilled, de-chlorinated water, for drinking as well as for the visual and auditory purposes. [The sound of trickling water has a pacifying effect on the human nervous system]
·	the atrium enables access to the outer landscaped gardens where a Zen meditation garden, a herbal maze and a natural waterfall has been created.

: Enhanced Living Methods

·	Saunas and steam baths that link up with the separate indoor pool areas. Two separate Danish style communal washrooms are provided separately, for women and men
·	A cold kitchen service provides the visitors with salads, freshly squeezed juices, local mineral waters, herbal teas and organic breakfast cereals. [Other meals will have to be taken at other places in the village. Of which there are several delightful venues].
·	A health boutique selling organically grown produce, approved supplements and literature, as well as the aromatic oils and lotions in use at the BioLodge. All 'loose items from the bedroom such as the mattresses, pillows and bedding can also be ordered from the health boutique in any specified size. This will enable the departing visitors to extend the BioLodge concept into their own home.

: Arrival Presentation

Each first time guest on arrival receives a branded gift pack comprising of a natural cotton bag containing a Yukata [a bath robe], a natural bristle body-rub brush and a cotton towel.
A video tape or CD regarding "Natural Sleep" instructions also forms part of the presentation.

: Additional Facilities

·	There is space for the construction of two indoor heated saltwater pools. Herbal steam baths, and flotation tanks are part of the therapy experience.

: Professional Services

BioLodge provides professional services like massage, shiatsu, reflexology, aroma-therapy, natural beauty treatment, flotation tank therapists, etc.
These professionals provide their services on an independent basis at an additional charge to the visitor.

: Lecture rooms

·	Lecture rooms are open every day for body therapists to present classes to students of their professional disciplines.
·	These new disciplines will enable interested students to qualify as Jensen Sleep Consultants. The training as a Sleep Consultant will permit the qualified students to consult from a living showroom at their own home or to work full or part time at any BioLodge worldwide.
·	Provision for international natural health motivation talks have also been made at the BioLodge. The space can be rented out to the lecturers at an hourly rate

: Financing

To finance the Biolodge project would speed up the development of the BioLodge concept as a world-wide venture.

The cost and specifications for the development of each BioLodge inclusive of an international marketing budget, is available on request.

: Franchise Opportunities
The BioLodge concept is ideal for a franchise opportunity in the vicinity of certain selected major international cities as an alternative to existing hotels and will be especially popular in Europe and the USA because of the new awareness towards better physical health keeping.

Enquiries by interested parties wishing to know more about our BioLodge concept, with a view to setting up a BioLodge in their area should contact MINSA.

: Peripheral Community Involvement
BioLodge takes cognisance of the local community in which it will be built and extends its self to proposing new business opportunities for people where BioLodge is situated, as well as employment opportunities for local residents.

: About the conceptualisers

Graphic designer and concept artist, Beni Stilborg, is born with an unlimited vision for natural living spaces and functional furniture design. Stilborg studied graphic art in Copenhagen, Denmark and is a holder of the most sought after Scandinavian designer award 'Scanstar'.

Stilborg has had an invisible 'hand' in many advertised consumer products in South Africa over the past 30 years. He is a winner of 8 gold and 7 silver medals for his innovative designs at exhibitions held over the past 15 years at the 'Rand Show' Johannesburg, the Design for Living Cape Town, and numerous show stands country wide. His original designs, copy lines and images have been used by many South African manufacturers and advertising agencies.

Since 1985, Beni Stilborg has dedicated most of his professional time to work on life enhancing projects only.

His new project, BioLodge in Darling, Western Cape, is intended to be a model for BioLodge complexes outside all main cities all over the world.
Beni Stilborg is a founder member of MINSA group. His portfolio is concept, design and development.

Environmental Researcher, Maria Jensen, studied industrial design in Berlin and this education became useful during the time she studied fabrics and their sources in South Africa. Maria's main sensitivity is to the holistic approach to the promotion of quality in health.

Jensen's research into the rapid increase of illnesses that are directly linked to the home environment led to her natural sleep concept, the Jensen Japan Shiki System. After Jensen had identified the most common source of these illnesses, she introduced her natural mattress system to the South African consumer market in 1985.

Her books "In Bed with your Body" and "Mom 2000+" provide a solid platform that enables all who wish to stay healthy to examine their own home and sleep environment, and the impact bad sleep has on our health.
Maria Jensen is a founder member of the MINSA group. Her portfolio is concept, research and training.