South Africa's high-end safari lodges are among the finest – and most expensive – hotels in the world, perfect for the more discerning traveller seeking a truly bespoke safari holiday. These kind of destinations often come with private butlers, chefs, nannies and private game vehicles and trackers, so it’s no surprise that these remote and intimate lodges also offer unique and immersive spa experiences unlike any other. In addition to the outstanding game viewing and the gentle rhythm of safari life, indulging in some signature spa treatments is a wonderful way to bring body, mind and spirit into balance and reconnect to nature within the vast and awe-inspiring bushveld wilderness. Whether you are looking for a champagne and chocolates escape or a revitalising health and wellness retreat, South Africa has you covered. While the Rainbow Nation has many lavish options to choose from, we’ve shortlisted five of our absolute favourites.
As one of the top all-inclusive resorts in the world, Royal Malewane and its three luxury lodges offer an unrivalled safari experience in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park. This safari destination exudes the romance and beauty of a bygone era with an award-winning bush spa renowned for its beautiful setting and the sheer luxuriousness of its treatments. Relax around the pool in the central courtyard sipping healthy juices and savouring delicious snacks while absorbing the tranquillity of your surroundings or head for the steam room between treatments in the private casitas. The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa caters to your every whim and in addition to complimentary Wi-Fi you also have access to a fully equipped gym where you can work off all the extra calories from those mouth-watering gourmet meals.
Molori Safari Lodge is a hot-spot for celebrities, and other high net-worth individuals thanks to the privacy and exclusivity of its vast suites. Recognized throughout the world as one of South Africa’s most luxurious game lodges, this five-suite retreat is nestled in the heart of the malaria- free Madikwe Game Reserve.
The Molori Spa immediately envelops you in the natural beauty of the bush, setting the scene for a myriad of indulgent massage and aromatherapy treatments. All spa services are available in either the serene indoor treatment room, outdoors on daybeds, or for an unrivalled experience, on a secluded deck in the bush. Alternatively, you can opt for some head-to-toe pampering in the privacy of your own suite.
If you fancy a workout, make the most of the state-of-the-art machines, as well as the Pilates and yoga equipment in the fitness centre or enjoy the steam room and Nordic sauna that overlook a cold ‘chiller’ pool, the perfect accompaniment to any workout or treatment.
Set within the outstanding Sabi Sands game reserve and owned by Sir Richard Branson, the uber opulent Ulusaba Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge can be hired exclusively which is a popular choice for those who want to celebrate a milestone birthday or special occasion.
The Aroma Boma spa at Rock Lodge is located 800 feet above the African Savannah with absolutely stunning views over the Bush and offers complete privacy while the Aroma Boma at Safari Lodge is built on the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed amongst the trees which is so remote your only disturbance is likely to be the odd elephant wandering past! Ulusaba use a range of products by Africology that are designed to capture the rejuvenating and healing essences of Africa. Their signature treatment, ‘Soul of Africa’ is a ceremonial process using Africology detox mud on the back followed by a massage using Africa’s Miracle oil ‘Marula’ to soften signs of ageing. Another decadent treatment, the ‘Shaman’s Healing Journey’ offers a gentle and warm rose quartz and Amethyst crystal massage that releases pent up energy likely to cause muscular stress. It’s also a beautiful way of balancing the body’s energy centres to create optimum health and well-being.
Often touted as the best luxury safari in the Kruger National Park if not THE best African safari destination on the continent, the exclusive and luxurious Londolozi is perfectly situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Set within Londolozi’s Varty camp, the Londolozi Healing House is pioneering the concept of luxury wellness retreats in the setting of the luxury African safari experience. Partnering with the world’s leading wellness experts, life coaches, wisdom keepers and shamans Londolozi’s Wellness practitioners are what sets Londolozi apart from other wellness safari experiences. From bodywork specialists, aromatherapy technicians, Martha Beck master life coaches, sound healers, enneagram practitioners, reiki masters and yoga instructors with over 3000 hours of yoga practice in five different yoga styles the diversity of skill and range of experience is quite unique to all be found in one place in the African wilderness. Londolozi also has a fully equipped gym where you can work out to the harmonious views of the surrounding natural wilderness.
Tswalu’s remote location in the southern Kalahari guarantees privacy, exclusivity, and flexibility which is central to the Tswalu guest experience. Boasting two luxury camps, the Motse or Tarkuni, both camps are perfectly positioned to take in the wide, open spaces that are so typical of the southern Kalahari’s dramatic beauty and biodiversity.
Within the cool, calm sanctuary of one of two treatment suites at the Motse or in Tarkuni’s private, upstairs spa suite, highly skilled spa therapists work their magic with reviving face and body treatments using two proudly South African, eco-conscious product ranges, Katavi and Just Pure. At both camps, massages, manicures, and pedicures can all be arranged in the privacy of your lavish bedroom or outdoors on the veranda to the call of the wild and the tune of natural birdsong. Treatments here are available to you at any time, even in the evenings. The gym at the Motse is air-conditioned and flooded with natural light offering a welcoming space to work out on Technogym equipment, with free weights, and a separate area for stretching, Pilates or yoga.
The vibrancy of Africa is healing within itself, so heading off the beaten track into the heart of the bush offers a rare opportunity to truly relax and escape life’s everyday hustle and bustle. The imprint of these glorious memories will last a lifetime so if you are looking to destress and embrace the healing energy of Africa, get in touch with us today on UK 01233 80 27 27 or visit our website www.bestofsouthafricatravel.com.
