The spa will be situated within the grounds of AAT’s estate, which incorporates Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Club, Victoria Falls Safari Suites and Lokuthula Lodges, and will be named Victoria Falls Safari Spa.

In response to the continued boom in wellness tourism, AAT is extending the already once in a lifetime reputation that Victoria Falls holds by adding the ultimate wellness experience to the list. After a busy day game-spotting on a drive through the bush or viewing the breath-taking Falls, there’s nothing more indulgent than totally relaxing at the hands of a therapist, enjoying a treatment that evokes the nature and culture of the Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe.

The spa will be completely unique to Victoria Falls, and AAT is perfectly placed to design an authentic experience, true to the destination and enhancing the Zimbabwean way of life for guests, rather than distracting from it. As well as two single treatment rooms and one double, the spa will have a spacious central area featuring manicure and pedicure stations, private relaxation rooms, a restaurant and a hair salon and changing rooms.

Located in the tranquil bush setting for which the Africa Albida Tourism portfolio is known, the spa will be more of a destination spa than a hotel spa. It will be open to guests from other hotels and local residents as well as in-house guests. Once it is open for bookings, guests will be able to choose from an à la carte treatment menu, and packages will also be available for wellness weekends, romantic getaways, and wedding packages.

The spa will be in keeping with the design and décor of the AAT portfolio, and will be built under canvas, using the natural landscape wherever possible. Guests will cross a suspended rope bridge to the treatment rooms, while the central area will incorporate a plunge pool, water features, and outdoor showers, so that guests can soak up as much of the famous African sky as possible before and after their treatments. The restaurant will serve healthy dishes, including salads, wraps, juices and smoothies – a welcome antidote to the combination of sitting in jeeps and being fed round the clock that luxury safaris are now known for.

Victoria Falls Safari Spa will be run by Michele Vickery, who has 15 years’ experience as a beauty therapist, and who will be joined by a team of 8 therapists. Of the opening, she said “We are determined to avoid creating a cookie-cutter spa experience. The design, décor and treatment menu will be linked to and represent Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and the products used will be made in Africa, and contain African botanicals. We will offer a unique and authentic experience, built upon indigenous botanicals, seed oils and healing practices, ancient spiritual traditions, special minerals, local ingredients and culinary traditions, history and culture.”

AAT Chief Executive Ross Kennedy said “We want to create the leading spa and wellness offering in the region, and in doing so we believe travellers will be encouraged to visit Victoria Falls to take advantage of the spa. The spa is a haven of tranquillity, located in peaceful indigenous woodland rich in birdlife, and with the odd warthog or bushbuck passing by adding to a sense of calm and nature.”

Victoria Falls Safari Spa is due to open in September 2020, and will complement the fitness room opened at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in 2018, with the finest workout view in Africa.

Africa Albida Tourism