Vacations mean all sorts of things to different people. For some it is the dream of an adventure – white water rafting down the Nile or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. For others it is quite the opposite – a much more toned down – way down – version of every day, busy modern life. It is a chance to just sit back and relax, turn off the cell phone, close the lid of the lap top, and just “be.” To rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul… to take a holiday a spa resort!
Southern Africa has an extensive array of destinations, including tropical islands in the magnificent Indian Ocean, to offer visitors an exclusive collection of accommodation that boasts unrivalled spa and wellness facilities. Here, tourists may unwind in tranquil and serene surroundings as they enjoy a range of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments… a true vacation.
Here to tempt your weary soul that is just yearning for a chance to unwind and re-energize are just a few of the myriad places to go in the Southern Africa region.
Botswana
At the Chobe National Park from the luxury Chobe Game Lodge stay on the banks of the mighty Chobe River in the northeastern corner of Chobe, just 20 kilometers away from where the Chobe and Zambezi rivers meet.
Spend your nights in a Moorish-styled safari lodge overlooking the Chobe River and Caprivi floodplains; this luxury destination with its barrel-vault ceilings and tile floors embodies the feelings of tranquility and spaciousness. The luxury rooms, with their original African carvings and paintings, embody the spirit of an African safari. Sleep in comfortable, tastefully-decorated rooms and feel at ease within the rest of the lodge with its well-stocked curio shop, stylish bar with outside terrace, and cigar bar.
On clear nights, dine under the stars in the outdoor boma situated under large Mahogany trees on the banks of the Chobe River where you will be entertained by traditional dancers. Other meals are served up on the terrace overlooking the river. Make use of the large swimming pool, beauty and spa treatments and the reference library with its own lounge and terrace.
Anything is possible here from romantic sunset cruises down the Chobe River in search of unforgettable African sunsets to game viewing while drifting along the Chobe River accompanied by expert guides in small, shallow draft boats. Take garden and river walks, and at night listen to the stargazing presentation before heading off for some private viewing from your own luxury room.
Mauritius
Set off on an unforgettable tropical island holiday when you decide on the luxurious Dinarobin Hotel in Mauritius as your destination. This five-star resort is known for its amazing spa as well as the sumptuous accommodation and fine dining.
It is an ideal setting for a luxury holiday, with its spacious all-suite accommodation facing onto the beautiful lagoon and Indian Ocean. Sleep in spacious five-star rooms surrounded by cascading pools and extensive wooden decks; the tropical elegance of this luxury resort is seductive in itself and to further that feeling of being soothed and pampered book at the famous Spa by Clarins for some innovative therapies. The setting is intimate, the scenery outstanding and the service superlative.
Offering only luxury suite accommodation, the rooms are set in lush tropical gardens and offer spacious retreats for the weary soul. The rattan and leather furniture gives this hotel a colonial feel as do the spacious bathrooms and deep verandas. The décor is finished with fine fabrics and indigenous timbers exuding elegance and understated luxury. There are 172 suites set on the grounds between the golf course and the Indian Ocean and all of them have air-conditioning, a dressing room, private terrace, mini-bar, tea/coffee facilities, safes and telephones. The expansive bedrooms have twin beds and lead into beautiful bathrooms.
In the public areas you will be mesmerized by the beautiful water features that dominate the space; sparkling ponds tumble over infinity edges which seem to disappear into the sea. Spoil your taste buds by trying all four of the restaurants on site from the upmarket L’Harmonie that overlooks the main pool and whose menu keeps up with international trends, the gourmet destination of Saveurs des Iles with its superb French cuisine served up in a romantic setting with a Mauritian twist to Le Morne Plage under thatch and palm trees right on the beach and Il Gusto with fine Italian fare and an elegant ambience. Meet for drinks in Le Cabanon beach bar or the trendy lounge area of Mahogany Bar.
Indulge in lavish pampering at the Spa by Clarins tucked away amidst beautiful gardens at the foot of the mountain, they are known for their Ayurvedic treatments, water-based therapies and offer you a beautiful pool and hamam. If you are staying in the Club Suites you will automatically gain access to the exclusive Club at Dinarobin with its colonial atmosphere.
Children are very welcome here, and there are dedicated services, facilities, and activities on hand for them including their own beach-side pavilion, jungle gym, and mini-soccer field.
Mozambique
Head to the magical land of Mozambique to discover the romantic Avani Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa set at the gateway to the beautiful Quirimbas Archipelago in the town of Pemba on the country’s northern coastline. This exclusive luxury resort is imbued with the flavors of southern Africa and the romance of Arabian architecture. The luxury Avani Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa has been specially designed to ensure the experience of a lifetime.
Indulge in the exotic glamour on offer at the luxury Avani Pemba Beach Hotel with its range of classic rooms and suites as well as self-catering villas, all boasting sea views as well as private balconies. Immerse yourself in the tastes of southern Africa at the popular Quirimbas Restaurant that showcases the bounty of the sea on its menu and relax at the on-site Niassa Bar.
Spend your days in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, then head to the nearby Clube Naval with its decadent spa treatments. The resort chefs combine both international and local flavors into pleasing feasts which very often feature the speciality of the region, fresh and delicious seafood. Then indulge in a range of treatments at the signature spa including Swedish massage, milk baths, and all the beauty and therapy treatments you desire.
Seychelles
Fusing modern luxuries and authentic Creole hospitality, the exclusive Banyan Tree Seychelles is set in a paradise of white sand beaches, swaying palms, and takamaka trees overlooking beautiful Intendance Bay.
A fantastic romantic getaway destination, this luxury resort promises an authentic and extremely comfortable Seychelles experience. From the multitude of fine dining experiences and an award-winning spa, will not lack for things to do at this luxury destination. That is if you can drag yourself away from the exotic beauty of the white sand beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters, and outstanding views just moments away from your luxury villa. The multi-lingual hosts at this upmarket destination have gone out of their way to assure you a unique and totally luxurious vacation.
Inside the rooms with their high sloping ceilings and louvered doors opening onto airy verandas, you will find all the amenities and facilities you could dream of from sumptuous sofas, sunken baths, mini-bars, safes, tea/coffee facilities, a telephone, and TV.
You just need step outside of your luxury room to begin unwinding on the private pavilion with sun-beds, a swimming pool, and for some of the rooms, an open-air Jacuzzi. Besides the ultra-luxurious rooms, the hotel’s other facilities are just as attractive including an infinity swimming pool overlooking the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and an award-winning spa to soothe away your stress.
Dine in style at the signature Saffron with its modern Thai cuisine or try traditional Creole fare at Au Jardin D’Epices. For a taste of vibrant Seychellois’ culture head to the new Club House and the welcoming atmosphere of Chez Lamar. For snacks try La Varngue, the pool bar and for fine canapés, Champagne on the Beach. Enjoy your meals in fine dining room settings, on the beach or out of doors, in the privacy of your villas, wherever you choose.
Tanzania
Seamlessly combining modern elegance with a relaxed atmosphere and prime game-viewing opportunities, Singita Faru, set on a private concession in Tanzania adjoining the Serengeti National Park, invites you to stay in botanically-themed elegant suites or private villas when at this luxury lodge. Set on a slope amidst a dense habitat of animal and bird life, Singita Faru promises you access to some of the best wildlife viewing in the country while indulging at a luxury stay.
The cuisine on offer is delicious and fresh, and children are welcome at Singita Faru. Singita Faru – an informal, elegant safari destination in Tanzania. Designed for discerning guests looking for modern comforts and luxury touches, Singita Faru can accommodate 22 guests in eight normal suites, a Villa Suite and a Family Suite. Stone and canvas contribute to the safari atmosphere at this upmarket destination, and the spacious suites have been designed for comfort. Relax in the reading area, enjoy the views from the huge window, or spend some serious time on your private deck scanning the surrounds for game through your own personal Swarovski spotting scope. All of the luxury suites have safes, fans, telephones, wireless Internet access as well as air-conditioning. The Villa Suite, perfect for a group of friends, has two double bedrooms and a large shared lounge area. Both bedrooms are suites with a bath as well as an outdoor shower. The dedicated Family Suite is for a family of four.
In the main lodge, feel free to make use of the library or spend some time in the game room or on the expansive decks laid out around the heated swimming pool. You won’t miss a moment of game-viewing time as everything is positioned with views of the watering hole. There is also a satellite TV, DVD player and shop with local arts and crafts available for purchase.
Indulge in a session or two or more at the Spa, then tempt your taste buds as the highly-trained chefs provide an array of delicious options in the dining room or at meals served al fresco; all meals are complemented by a selection of fine wines, champagnes, and cognacs.
About Retosa
The Regional Tourism Organization of Southern Africa (RETOSA) is a Southern African Development Community (SADC) institution responsible for tourism growth and development. In part, the aims of RETOSA are to increase tourist arrivals to the region through sustainable development initiatives, improved regional competitiveness, and effective destination marketing. The organization works together with Member States’ tourism ministries, tourism boards, and private sector partners. For more information about RETOSA, go to www.retosa.co.za
