It’s an easy walk, and even easier on a golf cart, from the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge to the Spa. The path was still wet, I imagined the surrounding bush breathing a collective sigh of relief after the heat. I venture in, the earthy tones and serene bush setting adding to ambience created by a soothing melody and aroma of essential oils, and sip orange-infused water as I complete a consultation form.

I’m loving the traditional Ndebele designs – baskets, traditional cloth, wood, that have been incorporated into the décor in this central space which houses the pedicure and manicure stations, a café which makes delicious cappuccinos, as well as a hair and makeup studio.

Changing into a bathrobe, I enter one of the themed relaxation rooms, each named after trees said to have healing properties—baobab, kigelia, and moringa, to await my treatment.

In one of the three outlying treatment rooms, my massage experience begins with a foot bath ritual followed by the 30-minute muscle ease massage, using a blend of arnica, peppermint, and eucalyptus infused Africology oils, specially blended to banish muscle fatigue. My spa therapist, Rumbidzai Chabata (who is also the assistant spa manager), adeptly works out the knots and sore spots and I relax in sheer bliss under her skillful hands. Unfortunately, the massage ends too soon, signaling a return to the outside world.

I linger in the lounge area enjoying a cappuccino as I take in the views over the infinity pool, deck, reflexology pond and lush vegetation – I can see why Victoria Falls Safari Spa manager Avalon van Leent (who is also the owner and manager of Mvula Spa at Shongwe Oasis) says that as a destination spa, its safari setting lends itself to offering wellness retreats, mindfulness sessions and detoxing weekends.

Avalon was involved from the start on a consultancy basis, getting it ready, designing the treatment menu, training of the therapists and all the smaller details necessary for it to come together seamlessly, which she tells me was a huge privilege. “I still love being involved there, and I think that it has a very special place in the spa world being set within a safari backdrop. And I know that we’re just going to grow from strength to strength.” I couldn’t agree more! 

www.victoria-falls-safari-lodge.com

Click HERE to read this in Responsible Traveller mag