As the
frenetic pace of today’s lifestyle takes its toll on body of mind, many Kenyan
hotels have found the perfect antidote for their seemingly stressed-out
clientele – the wellness centre.
This
concept is becoming over more exotic and self-indulgent. With demand growing
all the time for new age therapies and wholly natural treatments, many of
Kenya’s health clubs have evolved into fully fledged wellness centers.
This
trend has expanded so rapidly that, nowadays, there are few major coast hotels
that cannot boast a newly constructed, internationally branded and dedicated
spa area where you can retreat into a special world of tranquility and general
well-being. Perhaps it is the warmth of the sun and the open-air lifestyle of
the coast that makes these centers so appealing.
In 2007,
for example, the coast properties of two of Kenya’s biggest hotel groups, the
Serena and Sarova, launched new spas at Serena Hotel & Spa and Sarova
Whitesands. This is not to say that wellness centers have not opened elsewhere
– in Nairobi, for instance, or among the camps and lodges – but development has
certainly been most intense at the coast.
The
Serena now has its Maisha Mind, Body & Spirit Spa, which is said offers you
“a sanctuary of calm that draws on the
beauty of nature and the elation of evocative surroundings to create the
perfect island of holistic nurturing.”
The
Maisha Spa offers a wide range of treatments, each of which can be specifically
tailored to your needs. Some use the Elemis range of scientific skin therapy
treatments; others are handmade by Serena’s therapy team using local fruits,
flowers and oils. Treatments can also be made up especially for you to take
away.
Meanwhile,
the Sarova Whitesands has its new Tulia Spa, offering you a haven of relaxation
and rejuvenation. The Spa offers the Mombasa and greater coastal area chance to
wind down in luxurious and peaceful grounds.
On the
South Coast, the Leopard Beach Resort has added the words ‘& Spa’ to its
title since it opened its Uzuri Spa.
Meaning ‘Goodness’ in Swahili, this new facility is set in no less than six
acres of forest, creating what the hotel describes as “a sanctuary of those seeking tranquility and the rejuvenation of mind,
body and soul.”
Next
door, the Diani Reef Resort & Spa offers the Maya Spa, with its uncompromising
approach to health, well-being and beauty.
Further
down the coast, Pinewood Village has its Amani
Day Spa, while The Sands at Nomad offers its Forest Breeze centre with
professional messages and facials, pedicures and manicures, exotic body scrubs
and personalized natural treatments along with range of beauty treatments.
Away from
the coast, there is a less emphasis on ‘wellness’. Some of Nairobi Hotels have
more traditional health and fitness clubs, but many camps and lodges are just
too intimate to warrant such facilities. In any case, with you being busy each
morning and late afternoon on game drives, this leaves you little time for
out-and-out relaxation and may decide to wait until you reach the coast before
pampering yourself and getting the dust out of your hair.
There are
exceptions, of course. The Loisaba Wilderness Spa at Loisaba Lodge, for
example, combines wildlife with well-being by offering you sheer indulgence
combined with views of the Laikipia Plateau.
Look out also for a comprehensive international spa at The Tribe hotel
in Village market, operated by Protea hotel chain.
Enjoy
your spa!
Peter K. Philip
Adventure Kenya camping safaris,
Natural
Track Safaris
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