Best for natural beauty
Liz Earle Spa, Sasaab, Kenya
Leading British beauty brand Liz Earle makes its international spa debut this summer, at Sasaab in Samburu, Kenya. The Moroccan-influenced eco-lodge sits above the Ewaso Nyiro River in an area renowned for elephants and the endangered Grévy’s zebra. Nine rooms are available to guests, with private plunge pools looking over the river and the wilderness. The treatment rooms, built of local materials in traditional lodge-style, also afford magnificent views of the bush. Featuring the Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare range, all products at this Kenyan spa are made from natural botanicals and include a number sustainably sourced from Kenya. sasaab.com
Best for post-safari pampering
Molori Safari Lodge and Spa, Savannah, South Africa
Set in the midst of the 75,000 hectare Madikwe Game Reserve, the Molori Lodge is the place to safari in style and seclusion. Only ten guests can stay at one time. The five suites have been designed by renowned South African designer, Stephen Falcke, and have private decks, infinity pools and Philippe Starck bathtubs overlooking the bush and the Dwarsberg Mountains. The small spa, which has a steam room and plunge pool, specialises in aromatherapy and reflexology, the perfect way to relax after a day seeking out the Big Five. For a truly spectacular experience, book a massage in the bush massage area. Molori.com
Best for beachside beauty
Kilindi, Northern Zanzibar, Tanzania
Overlooking a stunning beach and turquoise waters, Kilindi is a picture perfect getaway resort in Northern Zanzibar. At this African spa guests stay in the 15 pavilions with their large domed roofs providing both shade and privacy. Floor-length shutters open out onto views of the sea, lush tropical gardens and rainwater pools. The uShawari spa, staffed by East African therapists, features a hammam suite within a walled garden in which to enjoy post-treatment champagne. The Swahili carvings and whitewashed walls give the spa a traditional feel. Kilindi.com
Best for authentic therapies
Fordoun Spa, Hotel and Restaurant, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
This delightful boutique hotel, formerly a 19th-century farm, in the rolling KwaZulu Natal countryside has a blissfully tranquil spa. Set in what was the dairy, the dome-ceilinged flotation tank used to be the grain silo, while the pool is in the former milking barn. What sets it apart, though, are its authentic African treatments. Guests can consult traditional healer Dr Ndlovu, with his product range based on Zulu plants – over 120 varieties are grown in the herb garden and clay is harvested from the nearby White Mountains for wraps. Alongside the traditional there’s a choice of Elemis treatments, too, as well as thalossotherapy, hydrotherapy and massages from Swedish to deep tissue. Fordoun.com
British Airways flies to Kenya, Cape Town and Tanzania from London. Book a flight on ba.com now.
Beauty expert Karena Callen gives a sneak preview of 2009's key spa and wellbeing news and trends. Click here to find out more...
