Wellbeing escapes

With the laid-back pace at Beho Beho and the private plunge pools in the rooms this is an ideal lodge for relaxation and wellbeing.

Victoria Falls may be the adrenalin capital of Zimbabwe, but you can take things a little slower at the Victoria Falls Hotel. Keep yourself fit with a large swimming pool, tennis courts and a gym, or try out the small spa, perfect for a little overindulgence.

Pole Pole has good, but very low-key massages and treatments, offered in a tiny, laid-back 'spa' on the beach. This isn't the place for high-end therapies, but for a relaxing massage in a great location, it's a really good bet!

With its stunning location and views along with an on-site spa offering a range of treatments and massages, we think that this would be a great choice for a relaxing and rejuvenating stay in the area.

The Strand Hotel is one of the largest and most luxurious in Swakopmund. With facilities that include a gym and a spa, it is perfect for keeping fit or for a relaxing break on your holiday to Namibia.

The remote, unspoilt wilderness of the Namib Desert is the perfect place for self-reflections and relaxation but to really unwind why not enjoy a treatment or two from the Little Kulala Spa.

There is a small spa at the Serena, which can provide the usual range of beauty treatments that you would expect from an international hotel. With a beautiful swimming pool, a stay here makes for a relaxing start to your holiday in Zanzibar.

The Angsana Spa is part of the international Banyan Tree group (probably the best spa group in the world) and their Thai therapists have all been trained in the Far East and offer a wellbeing experience in South Africa not to be missed.

The range of treatments and facilities at estate’s Soulstice Spa is exceptional, from flotation therapy to a rasul chamber and an outdoor pool with a jet pool. For all-round pampering on a Namibia holiday, this would be a great option.

It is possible to organise in-tent relaxation massages at Namiri Plains.

The beautiful Sea and Spice Spa at Matwemwe Lodge overlooks the ocean and has a wide range of treatments available, including pedicures, facials and massages. Each guest is also offered a complimentary massage during their stay.

For travellers looking to relax and unwind it doesn’t get much better than Amalinda Lodge. Luxurious rooms and an in-house spa and sauna against the unique setting of Zimbabwe’s Matobo Hills make this a fantastic place to spoil yourself.

Enjoy some holistic papering with treatments from Onguma the Fort's resident therapist, the perfect way to relax and unwind between safari activities on you Namibian trip.

Gocheganas Lodge & Spa offers a wide choice of spa and beauty treatments at the Gocheganas Wellness Village. Facilities include a heated indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a granite cave sauna, yoga sessions, facial and beauty treatments and a fruit and juice bar.

For a bit of pampering in Botswana, Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp offers a range of massage options. These can be requested and paid for whilst at the camp and may be done either in the massage sala or in the privacy of your tented chalet.

Nestled in the stunning surroundings of the NamibRand Reserve, the opulent Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is the perfect place to spoil yourself. A gym, pool and treatment room make this one of Namibia’s ultimate desert retreats.

At Fumba the Baobab Spa is well-stocked with beauty products. On the roof there are comfy sofas and more treatment tables. The highlight, a Jacuzzi built on a decking in the higher branches of the tree, is a lovely place to relax.

Breezes Beach Club has one of the finest spas on Zanzibar – the Fragipani Spa. There is an international team of trained therapists offering a wide variety of treatments such as facials, massages and hand & foot treatments.

Vumbura Plains offers in room yoga mats, skipping ropes and small free weights. Coupled with an in-house masseuse and private plunge pools for each room and this is a wonderful place for some rest and relaxation on your Botswana safari.

The beach-side spa at Shooting Star Lodge offers a variety of pampering treatments, with massages from $25, to full seaweed body wraps at $60. Pedicures, manicures and waxing treatments are also on offer, resulting in a very relaxing stay.

Chole Mjini is a peaceful haven that works closely with the local community. Surrounded by nature, birds and stars, it is soul food if you're looking for something that is eco-conscious.

If fresh air is good for the soul, you’ll feel rejuvenated after a stay here. Set atop a rocky inselberg, it’s the perfect spot to unwind, with two inviting pools with panoramic vistas. Visit the luxury spa for further pampering.

With your own personal butler, crystal chandeliers, claw-foot bathtubs and roses adorning most of the rooms, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is an incredibly special lodge for relaxing in Tanzania. Massages can be done in your room.

With its famous infinity pool overlooking the sweeping plains below and a dramatic mountainous backdrop on the horizon, Sarara is a memorably located and luxurious base from which to enjoy your safari in great comfort.

Kilindi invokes a great feeling of relaxation upon arrival and is a place to truly unwind. This is helped by the fantastic onsite spa which offers a wide range of treatments including double massages - designed especially for couples.

Unusually for South Luangwa, Mfuwe Lodge has a spa offering a range of treatments such as massages, manicures, facials and hydrotherapy treatments, allowing you to pamper yourself while on safari.

As you might expect from such a luxurious camp Zarafa Camp offers a range of in room massages and treatments as well an open air gym and private plunge pools in each room, perfect for some rest and relaxation on your Botswana safari.

From the river-side bush spa to the well-equipped bush gym and healthy, fresh, and local produce, there are many ways to enjoy a wellness experience at El Karama. Sunrise or sunset yoga can also be arranged out in the bush with local instructors.

The spa at Azura has been finished recently and offers high-quality treatments in a cool and relaxing treatment room looking out over the sea. The lodge employs a professional therapist, who offers body rubs, body wraps, a variety of massage treatments and aromatherapy baths.

Baraza has an extensive spa, including an impressive Sultan’s bath where couples can enjoy a double relaxation treatment. There is a wide range of other treatments and sunrise yoga is held daily. A tennis court and fitness centre are also available.

A picturesque infinity pool and a spa offering treatments aided by aromatherapy oils make Omaanda the perfect place to relax and unwind at the beginning or end of your Namibian adventure.

The villas at Chinzombo all have their own private plunge pool, and a range of quality spa treatments is available in the privacy of your own room. Offering massages, manicures and facials, the spa employs local people but is run to international standards.

With a lap pool, surprisingly extensive bush gym and a range of spa and massage treatments available both in your room and a treatment room, Mombo Camp is a fantastic spot for some papering on your Botswana safari.

For a small beach lodge, Kinasi has an impressive spa, run by two professional therapists from Thailand. There are several different treatment rooms and a large, tiled Turkish Bath.

The peace and serenity of Mnemba Island Lodge provide an idyllic setting for a very relaxing beach retreat. Try yoga on the beach, take a dip in the Indian Ocean and unwind with a massage in the privacy of your own beautiful beach villa.

At Ephelia Resort’s ‘Spa Village’, several treatment rooms, a sauna/steam room, a Jacuzzi and a yoga pavilion hidden in lush gardens await travellers for wellbeing breaks. In a ‘Spa Villa’, you even have your own Jacuzzi, and therapists come to your private treatment room.

Felicity is the resident massage therapist – you can enjoy treatments in the privacy of your own room, or even tucked away in the garden, alternatively there is a treatment room in the Niassa mansion.

Divava Okavango Lodge & Spa has a wellness spa with a sauna, steam room and treatment rooms, making it a good choice for a spa holiday in Namibia.

White Sand Villas has a beautiful spa offering a range of therapies using locally sourced products. Set by a tranquil waterfall and with its own sauna and steam room, this is a great place to relax and unwind in Zanzibar.

With more than 70 staff to look after you, and sumptuously furnished tented rooms, it’s easy to feel spoiled at Sirikoi. The décor strikes a welcome balance of comfort and intimacy, making this a high-quality retreat to truly unwind in.

The Jao Spa has single and double treatment rooms offering a vast array of pampering experiences – massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and so on. For some serious indulgence in Botswana, add this to your list.

This small, luxury tented camp is located in the far south of the Maasai Mara reserve, an area which is generally quieter for game-viewing than elsewhere. Beautiful views, spacious tents, a gym and spa contribute to the camp’s pampering atmosphere.

The rooms at The Palms each have their own private outdoor plunge pool as well as the Sanctuary Spa which offers a variety of massages and treatments. For a broader range of therapies head over to the enormous spa at Breezes Beach Club.

The 6 well-spaced, east-facing cottages provide privacy and stunning sunrise views of Mount Kenya, while the graceful design, ample natural light and glass showers overlooking personal gardens create an ambience suitable for this luxury retreat.

Mbalageti is one of the few lodges in the Serengeti which has a small spa area offering massages – which was being renovated when we last visited. This has two massage tables with a dedicated plunge pool – and a dedicated massage professional is employed.

Built atop a hill with picturesque views of Lake Kariba, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge boasts an impressive infinity pool, gym and spa. It’s a great place to slow down, relax and indulge yourself on a Zimbabwe safari.

Essque Zalu has a large spa with a number of different treatment rooms as well as a steam room, a sauna and a gym. A range of traditional and modern treatments are available. Essque Zalu would be great choice for an indulgent beach retreat.

Le Mirage Resort and Spa offers a wide range of treatments and therapies, from massages and wraps to hydrotherapy and beauty treatments. Facilities also include a large pool and steam room. Combine a stay here with a visit to the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei

The Sankara has the first Angsana Spa in East Africa and offers the first rain-mist rooms in Kenya, therapy and treatment rooms using natural ingredients, plenty of chill-out and contemplation areas and highly trained staff. It’s open daily from 8.00am to 9.00pm.

The extensive Spa at the Twelve Apostles near Cape Town offers a full spectrum of treatments, pools and therapies. It’s a wonderful place to pamper your body and mind.

With a fitness centre, 25m infinity pool and on-site spa, Matetsi River Lodge is the perfect place to soak in the wilderness and treat yourself to a spot of pampering in Zimbabwe.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti has a comprehensive spa with six treatment rooms. Trained therapists offer a variety of treatments for couples and singles including massages, facials and manicures.

Having a heated pool is a plus in 1,700m-altitude Nairobi. There’s a small gym and the luxurious Kaya treatment centre which has a vast range of treatments (e.g. 90-minute custom massage at US$80)

Swahili Beach has a very large gym and treatment centre, with six treatment rooms, a Jacuzzi, steam rooms, a hair and beauty salon and a juice bar.

The spa at Tulia Resort is run by Mishia and Anne, and they do a very good job of gently pummelling you into shape (or a state of deep immobility) and tending to your hands, feet, nails and face. A wide range of treatments is available.

The wellness area at Ishara is an oasis of calm and serenity. The Aya Spa offers a curated selection of therapies, including their unique red wine soak, while they also have also an excellent gym and infinity pool. The perfect place to relax and unwind after your safari.

North Island in the Seychelles has a top-notch Spa, set on a mountain with stunning views. It offers highly personalised treatments incorporating local products and the ‘Dr. Hauschka’ skincare range; many can also be enjoyed in the luxury of your own private villa.