We think of 'wellbeing escapes' as trips which will help you relax and unwind; ones that give you the opportunity to get back in touch with nature and your inner self; journeys that are restorative, rejuvenating and deeply 'good for your soul'. Based on this description, most of the more remote places described here qualify as 'wellbeing escapes'.

Head off on a walking safari: you'll concentrate on the natural world around you, gradually getting more in touch with it, and contemplating your place within it. Spend a few nights beside a camp fire, listening only to the noises of Africa: it'll put everything back home into perfect perspective. Look up at the clear, star-studded night sky in the solitude of the Namib Desert: you'll soon appreciate where your life fits into the grand scheme of the universe.

What's more – escaping to many of the places mentioned here will bring an income to some of Africa's poorer, more rural communities; so your escape adds significantly to their wellbeing, as well as your own.

Of course, if you like the idea of conventional spa, massage and beauty treatments – then we also offer a handful of those. In Namibia, Gocheganas Wellness Village has eleven specialist treatment rooms and a variety of pampering packages from outdoor massages to de-stress and detoxification.

Botswana's Chief's Camp has a beauty therapist in residence from May to October who offers poolside treatments. Its sister-camp, Chobe Chilwero, offers a range of in-room spa treatments from a firming facial to a full-body Swedish massage.

Several of Tanzania's beach resorts feature massages, from Mnemba Island Lodge which offers different types (hot stone, deep tissue, aromatherapy and reiki) to the Sunrise Hotel where an informal arrangement with local women allows for poolside massages. Breezes Beach Club stands out for having a very extensive spa which even employs masseuses from Thailand. Of the new spas which are springing up in many African safari lodges, perhaps the most authentic is the Osero Clinic at Gibb's Farm, which draws its treatments entirely from traditional East African healing therapies.

But don't discount the walking safaris or the deserts; we're convinced that they'll do most people as much good as many more conventional spa techniques.

For some of our favourite ideas - use the search box on the right. Better still, call our experts now on +44(0)20 8232 9777 and ask us!


Wellbeing in Africa | Wellbeing in Botswana | Wellbeing in Mozambique | Wellbeing in Namibia | Wellbeing in Tanzania | Wellbeing in The Cape


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