Continent of retreats
01-Aug-08
Africa has long enjoyed a reputation for enticing wildlife and adventure travel, but the continent is fast developing luxury spa hotspots to offer a well-rounded experience. Clients can now find urban retreats in the likes of Cape Town, or relax post-safari in open treatments rooms surrounded by nature.
Caroline Beckett, product manager, Elegant Resorts, says: "Africa has capitalised on the increasing demand for spas as part of the overall holiday experience - and many of the resorts in the region are investing heavily in spa facilities. Over the past five years, some really fabulous spas have been developed - as hoteliers have realised that the spa is often the key factor that determines the client's choice."
As hotels are fast becoming spa retreats in their own right, the facilities and treatments on offer are sometimes as important as the destination itself, she adds.
Sharon Sanz, Africa expert at Carrier, says: "Interest in spas has grown over the past couple of years and there is a greater choice than ever before. As well as offering internationally recognised products, signature treatments frequently use indigenous oils and traditional ingredients."
Gems include Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, voted Best Spa in South Africa by Professional Beauty SA, and The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa.
EGYPT
Spa and Wellness Centre, Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano
Overview: The 30,000sqft spa centre is located on the fourth and fifth floors of the hotel, boasting a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, cool plunge, relaxation lounge, ladies-only gym, mixed gym, kinesis studio, squash court and two spa suites for couples' treatments.
Skincare products made by Daniel Steiner in Switzerland and Italy are used. Treatments include the Cleopatra treatment, with a milk and honey bath, and the Pharonic massage with a chamomile and mint poultice.
Client fit: Couples seeking privacy.
Treatment range: The menu is designed to provide guests with the ultimate relaxation, rejuvenation and reflection of mind, body and spirit.
Top treatment: The signature treatment is the 1,001 Nights Sensation. It features a honey, almond and sesame seed peeling, fragrant salt bath and an 80-minute massage.
Ask for: Spa director Martin Hilton.
Hotel details: 118 rooms set within a seaside tower. The Presidential Suite offers three bedrooms, a large balcony area, pantry and marble bathrooms.
Getting there: El Nozha airport is a 10-minute drive away.
Contact: www.fourseasons.com
MOZAMBIQUE
Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa, Bazaruto Island
Overview: The Sanctuary Wellness Spa opened in November 2007. It overlooks the ocean and boasts four dry treatment rooms, a wet treatment room with a hydrotherapy capsule, a hydro pool and an ice pool.
Client fit: Honeymoon couples, families.
Treatment range: Arabic and African-influenced treatments, such as frangipani extracts from Elemis and Cape Fynbos from Moya, are designed for relaxation.
Top treatments: Signature treatments include Moya Crystal Massage, Elemis spa rituals and Rasul.
Ask for: General manager Karl Snater.
Hotel details: The resort features 30 rooms and 14 villas, including a presidential villa with its own spa bath and swimming pool, one king room and one twin room, two bathrooms - both with separate bath and shower - a lounge, guest toilet and bar.
Facilities include: The Golfinho Restaurant, a salt-water swimming pool and an activities centre, as well as a children's leisure centre.
Getting there: Transfer time to Indigo Bay from Vilanculos Airport is approximately 15 minutes.
Contact: www.raniresorts.com
SOUTH AFRICA
- The Librisa Spa, Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
Overview: The hotel renovated and adapted three late Victorian buildings on the edge of the existing property to create the spa, which opened in March this year. Located adjacent to the main swimming pool, the spa has eight treatment rooms, four of which are equipped for couple treatments, plus a manicure and pedicure room sauna, steam bath, and hot and cold plunge pools.
Client fit: Couples and families.
Treatment range: Ranges from massage therapy to wraps, purifying facials and finishing touches such as waxing, manicures and pedicures. There are special treatments for men, teens and children, such as a fizzy hot chocolate and fresh orange blossom wrap.
Top treatment: The 120-minute vine secret vintage experience.
Ask for: General manager Andrew Cook.
Hotel details: Set in a lush estate, the hotel is near the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and offers 201 rooms and a range of dining options.
Getting there: Cape Town International Airport, 20 minutes from city centre.
Contact: www.mountnelson.co.za
- The Spa at Steenberg, Steenberg Hotel, Cape Town
Overview: The spa has five treatment rooms, and is surrounded by lush vineyards with views of the Steenberg Mountains. It uses Theravine products, which include Sauvignon Blanc Shampoo and Merlot Bath & Shower Gel.
Client fit: Oenophiles, couples.
Treatment range: Traditional and natural therapies include the 90-minute ScenTao Hot Stone Therapy Massage and the Theravine Grape Seed Exfoliation.
Top treatment: The Gingko Rejuvenator Vine Therapy includes Theravine Grape Seed Body Exfoliation, Wine Barrel Hot Spa Bath, Relaxing Hair and Scalp Treatment, Balancing Facial and Full Body Massage.
Ask for: Spa manager Dale Hains.
Hotel details: With sweeping views over False Bay, Steenberg dates back to 1682. The 24 rooms are housed in five listed buildings, declared National Heritage Monuments, and include three luxurious Heritage Suites. The hotel, owned by wine connoisseur Graham Beck, is 30 minutes' drive from Cape Town centre in Constantia Valley. It features more than 52 hectares under cultivation, with flagship wines including the Sauvignon Blanc Reserve. The property also features a Championship Golf course.
Getting there: Cape Town International Airport.
Contact: www.steenberghotel.com
- Table Bay Hotel, The Camelot Spa, Cape Town
Overview: The luxurious urban spa is located next to Table Bay's rooftop swimming pool and features a gym, specialised suites for Vichy showers, aromatherapy and seven treatment rooms.
Client fit: Couples seeking privacy; families with teenagers.
Treatment range: New treatments include four Seasons of Life Journeys, which launch this autumn with the Camelot's Re-energising Journey. The two-hour treatment uses ancient principles from eastern philosophies to combine techniques such as gentle stretching, acupressure and bamboo massage.
Top treatment: Wide range of facial and body treatments.
Ask for: General manager Phillip Couvaras.
Hotel details: The 329-room hotel, opened in 1997 by Nelson Mandela, is located on the V&A Waterfront. All rooms have panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean to Robben Island, or across the bay to Table Mountain. The extensive celebrity guest list includes Bill Gates, Michael Schumacher, Charlize Theron, Kanye West, Imran Khan, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss. There are three Presidential Suites: Table Mountain Presidential Suite, Lions Head Presidential Suite and Signal Hill Superior Suite.
Getting there: Cape Town International Airport, 22km east of Cape Town, is the nearest.
Contact: www.suninternational.com
BUYER'S CHOICE - Kay Durden, Head of Planning, Abercrombie & Kent
Southern Africa offers a wealth of innovative spa experiences.
In Botswana, the first full spa has recently been opened at Chobe Chilwero.
Treatments include a Soul of Africa conditioning body massage, which can be taken in a treatment room elevated in the treetops overlooking the river.
Meanwhile, in South Africa, the award-winning spa at The Saxon in Johannesburg has a sound-therapy treatment where your senses are awakened to the sound of a gong - the perfect remedy after a long flight.
In Cape Town, the new Librisa Spa at the Mount Nelson Hotel offers an array of treatments for ladies, gents, teenagers and even children, who can be indulged with a Cocoa Fizzy Fairy Mask or a Sparkly Mini Manicure.
Africa's luxury spa market can truly cater for every need.
www.abercrombiekent.com
TUNISIA
The Royal Beauty Medical Spa, Le Royal Hammamet, Yasmin Hammamet Riviera
Overview: Opened in May, the spa offers regeneration and slimming under medical supervision, ranging from wellness package to anti-stress solutions. Facilities include a medical wing; a massage wing, with Andalucian, African and Asiatic sections offering a variety of treatments; a world water wing, with treatments based on tempered waters and essential oils; a relaxation wing; tonic wing with a gym; and the sea wing, featuring a heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi.
Client fit: Those seeking health and wellbeing treatments.
Treatment range: From massages and facials to anti-stress and anti-smoking treatments.
Top treatment: The Morpho lipo sculptor uses non-invasive slimming medical technology and promises the same results as liposuction but without surgery.
Ask for: Spa manager Naoufel Triki.
Hotel details: The hotel promises Moorish architecture, manicured gardens and sandy beaches. It offers 266 bedrooms, nine bars and restaurants.
Getting there: Nearest international airports are Tunis-Carthage (65km) and Monastir (100 km).
Contact: www.leroyal-hammamet.com
ZAMBIA
- Royal Zambezi Bush Spa, Royal Zambezi Lodge, Lower Zambezi Valley
Overview: Zambia's first bush spa opened last year and promises a rustic and understated experience. Facilities include two treatment rooms, an aroma-filled steam room, Jacuzzi and swimming pool. Treatments can even be given on the spa deck; perched above the lodge, it overlooks the Zambezi river, where hippos and elephants play.
Client fit: Honeymoon couples, nature enthusiasts.
Treatment range: Variety of massages, facials and body treats designed for peace and relaxation.
Top treatment: The traditional Zambian Ukuchina - a firm full-body massage using towels, ginger or eucalyptus aromatherapy oils, and designed to soothe sore muscles.
Ask for: Hotel manager Tony Fouchet.
Hotel details: Located on the banks of the Zambezi, the lodge offers fishing and fly-fishing, game viewing, wildlife photography, sunset river cruises and guided canoeing trips. It has 14 tented suites, each with a thatched canopy and spacious bathroom. The four deluxe chalets each have a private sala, an outside shower, bath and plunge pool.
Getting there: Regular scheduled and charter flights from Lusaka to the proprietary royal airstrip take 25 minutes.
Contact: www.royalzambezilodge.com
- The Bush Spa, Mfuwe Lodge, South Luangwa National Park
Overview: The spa launched in May, and features open-fronted treatment rooms overlooking the oxbow lagoon and onto the savannah plains beyond, so clients can observe wildlife during their treatments.
Client fit: Couples, families or friends in search of an adventure holiday, and seeking a true safari experience.
Treatment range: The contemporary range of Eastern and Western spa treatments include signature therapies designed to blend harmoniously into the wild environment.
Top treatment: The two-hour Rhino features a body wrap, hydrotherapy and massage.
Ask for: Spa manager and co-owner Nathalie Zanoli.
Hotel details: The luxury, boutique safari lodge consists of 18 chalets. A third of each chalet's perimeter command views of the African wilderness. The lodge also has an open boma for dinners around the campfire. Activities include night game drives, walking safaris and bird watching.
Getting there: Domestic flights operate 10 times a week in peak season (June-Oct) from Lusaka to Mfuwe airstrip.
Contact: www.mfuwelodge.com
AFRICAN SPAS TO WATCH
- The first full-service spa in Botswana's safari circuit opened in June. Sanctuary Lodges and Camps' Chobe Chilwero has an indoor spa, Vichy showers and private treatment rooms. www.sanctuarylodges.com
- Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay, Egypt, opens mid-2008 with a 2,000sqm health club and spa. www.kempinski.com
- Sasaab, Samburu, Kenya, launched in June and offers in-room body treatments. Set in the Samburu Game Reserve, the lodge features nine ensuite luxury tents. www.sasaab.com
- Azura, in Mozambique, is to launch a spa with two double treatment rooms this year, offering rubs, wraps and massages. www.azura-retreats.com
See Southern Africa feature.
