p32 ttg_lux_feature_spa MidEAfrica 27/11/09 22:57 Page 32
a
Spas in the Middle East have been emerging at a rate of knots
alongside the pace of hotel development there. Ritz-Carlton,
Banyan Tree and Anantara are all making a stamp on the region
and the Banyan Tree Al Wadi will be the first luxury desert resort
ast
in the UAE to offer an all-pool villa concept when it opens in
January and, of course, a Banyan Tree spa. In Africa, low-key gems
have sprung up, rooted in using local therapies, but with
international experience, such as the Liz Earle Spa at Sasaab in
Kenya. Liz Earle chose the eco-lodge to make its international spa
debut this summer. Or for a slice of beachside spa, Kilindi in
northern Zanzibar has a Shawari spa with East African therapists.
Anyone looking for a post-Christmas pick-me-up, could try
In:spa’s Moroccan detox retreats at boutique hotel, Ksar Massa.
& afric
Bilila lodge Kempinski, banyan tree al areen, bahrain
serengeti Tanzania Where is it: Set remotely in the desert amongst an intriguing
Where is it: Spas don’t come with better locations than this, set in landscape of well-preserved forts, museums and the oldest
the heart of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania (pictured mosque in the Gulf – the Al Khamis Mosque – this spa is a real
above) and bringing a whole new level of hotel and spa to the area. natural hideaway.
What’s it like: One of the biggest resorts in the country, it mixes What’s it like: Effortlessly combining Arabic architecture with
middle e
the African influences of the bush, with the hotel efficiency of the best of Asia from one of the leading resort spa operators in the
Kempinksi and expert spa management by Anantara (which also world, this is the Middle East's largest spa. Developed with the
has a spa on Zanzibar and in Tanzania’s capital, Dar Es Salaam). inspiration from the royal gardens of
Spagoers enter the thatch-roofed spa buildings along an elevated Arabia, the Banyan Tree Al Areen also has
wooden walkway through the authentic village style of the Bilila one of the world's most extensive
HOW TO BOOK IT
Lodge, which has 74 rooms including two villas. hydrothermal gardens.
Who’s it for: Anyone looking for a relaxing start or finish to a Who’s it for: Great for anyone looking for
A spafari with Tailormade
safari in the incredible Serengeti and the expert spa hands of something different and a real desert
Explore starts from £2,680pp
including flights with Kenya
Asian-based Anantara. escape to totally switch off and enjoy
Airways, private 4x4 vehicle
Wow factor: The setting deserves a very big wow and recommend excellent treatments and spacious villas.
with driver-guide, game drives,
one of the two Signature Journeys – the Safari Adventure and the Wow factor: The Hydrothermal Garden is
domestic flights, three nights
Jungle Adventure, which are both 210 minutes long. The Safari very impressive, with an array of pools,
at the Bilila Lodge Kempinski
Adventure incorporates a series of pampering and soothing showers, steam chambers in a garden and two at The Manor at
therapies using locally produced oils, plants and herbs and setting, with the piece de resistance the Ngorongoro. Tel: 0844 875
finishes with a ‘safari massage’; the Jungle Adventure is a detox Vitality Pool with nine different
1890, tailormadeexplore.co.uk
treatment inspired by the energy of the African jungle. hydrotherapy stations.
three of the best
Clockwise from main Amani Spa, Sabi Sabi, look out to the bush of the Sabi
Le Gray, Beiruit South Africa Sabi reserve. sabisabi.com
Pure Gray is the spa at Le Gray in Sabi Sabi opened two beautiful
Beiruit, Gordon Campbell Gray’s new Amani Spas at Earth Lodge One & Only Cape Town,
latest chic opening. The spa is and Bush Lodge this spring with South Africa
designed as an urban retreat and Amani achieving their goal of One of the best new spas on the
features six treatment rooms, creating an authentic bush-spa continent is at the One & Only
including a couples suite, with experience. The spas also use Cape Town; the spa is on its own
chromatherapy. The spa works with Africology, a brand unique to South island. One of the signature
Spanish brand Natura Bisse – also Africa which uses indigenous treatments is the Essence of Earth
in Campbell Gray’s London hotel, plants such as marula, robbios and and Ocean Experience inspired by
One Aldwych, but treatments still aloe vera. Treatments at Earth the bushmen of the Cape
manage to combine European and Lodge are carried out in rooms Peninsula. The spa prides itself on
Eastern philosophies. sculpted into the earth and all using local African ingredients.
32
campbellgrayhotels.com treatment suites at Bush Lodge oneandonlyresorts.com
feature spa
winter 09 ttgluxury.com
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