Wellbeing in Africa

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 in these pages 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 into 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 great universe.

What's more – escaping to Africa will bring an income to some of the continent's poorer, more rural communities; so your escape adds 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 the Indian Ocean, these are often Asian influenced, with highly professional Thai and Balinese masseuses in residence. On continental Africa, although more lodges are starting to offer therapies, spas tend to be simpler; we've visited some that claim to have 'spa' facilities only to find a single massage table!

Wellbeing escapes to the Seychelles

For premium products, inspired interiors and skilled therapists, Maia, Banyan Tree, Lémuria Resort and North Island in the Seychelles all have simply superb spas. Total relaxation is guaranteed.

(See more of our favourite hotels for wellbeing holidays in the Seychelles…)

Wellbeing holidays in Mozambique

In Mozambique, Azura is proving to offer very high quality treatments, and Marlin Lodge has long had a spa on site.

(See more of our top tips for wellbeing holidays in Mozambique…)

Wellbeing holidays in Namibia

In Namibia, a number of lodges offer massages, but GocheGanas near Windhoek, Diviva in the Caprivi Strip, and Epacha near Etosha all stand out as having well-equipped spas.

(See more of our favourites for wellbeing holidays in Namibia…)

Wellbeing escapes to Botswana

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

(See more of the best places for wellbeing holidays in Botswana…)

Wellbeing holidays in Tanzania and Zanzibar

Several of Tanzania's top lodges feature massages, from Mnemba Island Lodge, which offers different types (hot stone, deep tissue, aromatherapy and reiki), to Sasakwa Lodge and Breezes Beach Club, which both have extensive professional spas. Of the new spas which are springing up, one of the most authentic is the Osero Clinic at Gibb's Farm, which draws its treatments from traditional East African healing therapies.

See more of the best places for wellbeing holidays in Tanzania and wellbeing holidays in Zanzibar)

Wellbeing holidays in South Africa's Cape

In the Cape, many of the hotels offer excellent spa treatments, including the Vineyard, Constantia Uitsig and the Bay Hotel.

(See more of our top tips for wellbeing holidays in the Cape…)