Close your eyes. Imagine for a moment that you are in the African bush. You are lying on a comfortable bed and someone is gently massaging your back with aromatic oils.
You can hear the sound of the fish eagle, you can smell the freshness of the earth and there is nothing but you, a body-melting massage and the sounds of nature…you nodded off? Of course you did! That’s the whole point of a Bush Spa – to ensure that you relax exquisitely with nature as your soul tonic.
The Bush Spa phenomenon has taken off incredibly well in South Africa. So, yes, this may not be wholly a South African phenomenon (there are no doubt many wonderful spas at five-star lodges throughout Africa), but in this country we are perfecting the art of the bush spa.
Here are some of our top spa experiences to look out for:
Mpumalanga
Garonga Lodge is all about taking in a ‘Safari with Soul’. The lodge is dedicated to combining nature with man-made luxury for the ultimate bush experience. Activities include game drives, wilderness hikes or the opportunity to simply lie back in a hammock overlooking the riverbed. One of the highlights of any visit to Garonga is a massage session in the ‘aroma boma’. This open sala overlooks the riverbed so one is virtually out in the middle of bush while enjoying an aromatherapy massage.
The Sabi Sands region, in the Lowveld, is home to some of the best bush lodges in the world. These exclusive lodges continue to pop up on the Conde Naste Traveller Magazine ‘GOLD’ awards, and for good reason. We’re talking phenomenal cuisine, first-class service and a safari experience par excellence. Lodges such as Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, Singita, Lion Sands, and Exeter (to mention just a few) also boast bush spas that offer the ultimate in pampering indulgence.
The Camelot Earth Nature Spa at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge has been lauded as one of Africa’s ultimate spas. The décor and design of this spa was inspired by the browns, beiges and yellows of its natural habitat. An underground journey will lead you to the spa area which offers up a veritable feast of the senses. Treatment rooms boast glorious views of the African bush and a wide range of spa and beauty treatments. Don’t forget to try out the boutique gym and Zen meditation garden.
Exeter Private Game Reserve recently opened a new wellness centre. Aromatherapy massages, skin treatments, deep tissue massage and Bio Energetic Stress Testing are all on offer. This computerized health assessment will measure your stress levels (as if you need to know!). The professionals at Exeter will then assist you in creating a healthy lifestyle programme for when you need to get back and face the real world again.
Internationally, the Singita lodges rank as the finest in the world. Here, nothing is spared to make one feel like the most important human being on the planet…and then some. Their wellness-philosophy is all about the ultimate feel-good indulgences. The Spa at Singita Lebombo in the Kruger National Park is one of notable bush spas in the country. Treatments can be enjoyed outside on the deck outside or in one of the treatment rooms. Singita’s therapists also use fynbos-based Moya products to revitalize the body (as well as the Dermalogica range of skin products).
KwaZulu Natal
The Spa at Falaza Game Park in Hluhluwe, offers up a wide range of complimentary therapies and holistic spa treatments. The spa specializes in hydrotherapy and unique treatments are also available – such as the hot stone back massage and five-day detoxification programme (for those stressed-out executives). Hluluwe Imfolozi is a big five reserve and one of the exotic treasures of this untamed Zulu Kingdom.
Western Cape
You will find The Spa at Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve in the shadow of the exquisite Cederberg mountain range (some 250km’s from Cape Town). This spa includes a range of beauty and body treatments and a few signature therapies. Relax in the gorgeous outdoor jet pool (set against the backdrop of the Cedarberg). One can also visit the largest open air rock art gallery nearby – to find real inspiration from the sacred San.
North West Province
There are a number of smaller lodges that offer mini-spa treatments. Etali Lodge in the Madikwe region (North West province) is an excellent example of the benefits of a mini-spa combined with a safari experience.
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