If you’re in need of some rejuvenation, disconnecting, and resetting, there’s nothing better than a little solo spa getaway—and Africa’s very best stand out for reasons much deeper than simply luxurious treatments. These serene oases offer a sense of place, regional character, local traditions, and much more. Whether you need a place to unwind and reconnect with yourself, or simply get away from it all, we’ve chosen some of the most luxurious locations across the continent to plan a visit to.
1.
AMANI SPA AT MARA BUSHTOP CAMP
Masai Mara, KENYA
Offering sweeping views of the magnificent plains of the Masai Mara, the Amani Spa is an award-winning spa concept adapted to the beauty and magnificence of the Mara Bushtops setting. It forms part of the famed Mara Bushtops Camp in Kenya where, from the comfort and privacy of vast decked tents, guests gaze out over a private conservancy and constant procession of wildlife. Declared “Best Safari Spa in Africa” three years in a row by The World Luxury Spa Awards, it’s a haven of peace, tranquility, and luxurious pampering, offering massages, hydrotherapy, and various skin and body treatments. The spa’s signature Jewel of Africa massage—which includes crystals, warm oil, and a flowing massage—is enjoyed in an open-air tent on a platform overlooking the saltlick. A unique sensory Rasul treatment is also offered wherein mud, steam, and heat are used to cleanse and relax the skin, body, and mind. To wind down, there is the simple glory of their wooden relaxation deck, providing uninterrupted views of the camp’s salt lick and the majestic African Bush, as well as a jacuzzi and heated infinity pool.
Click here to make a booking.
The outdoor massage area. Photo via @bushtop.
The spa’s infinity pool. Photo via @bushtop.
The Mara Bushtop Hotel’s view at dusk. Photo via @bushtop.
2.
LES BAINS DE MARRAKECH
Marrakesh, MOROCCO
Escape from the outside excitement of the bustling city of Marrakech and slip into a world of relaxation. A Hammam and spa in the Kasbah district and perhaps one of the best-known privately-run Hammams, Les Bains de Marrakech is situated between the royal palace and the superb El Badi Palace, opposite the mythical Saadian tombs and the Kasbah mosque. A sanctuary within the vibrant Moroccan city, it may be small, but boasts one of the most magical setups imaginable. This spa has been beloved by locals and international travelers for over 20 years and for a good reason. Having recently undergone a full renovation, the space is bathed in bright light, the spa area set off by traditional tiling, walls of marble, and authentic yet contemporary Moroccan decor. Composed of an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, multiple hammam cabins, and a traditional Rasul mud chamber, the spa’s offering of massage treatments combine both ancestral and modern techniques for a truly unique spa experience. Les Bains de Marrakech is a true reset in every sense of the word. The perfect place for a touch of relaxation and replenishment.
Click here to make a booking.
The spa’s outdoor pool. Photo via Les Bains de Marrakech.
The spa’s indoor pool. Photo via Les Bains de Marrakech.
One of the spa’s common areas. Photo via Les Bains de Marrakech.
3.
ANANTARA SPA
Inhambane Province, MOZAMBIQUE
Located in Mozambique‘s Quirimbas Archipelago, the Anantara Spa is situated on a private, remote island surrounded by a national marine park and only accessible by helicopter. Designed in natural harmony with its lush tropical environment, the spa perches high above the Anantara resort overlooking the sparkling seas of the Indian Ocean. It’s the epitome of a tropical island paradise, surrounded by palm trees and white sandy beaches. This resort spa has everything you need to successfully achieve an inner and outer glow before your return to the reality of the outside world. Here, you can indulge in signature spa treatments inspired by indigenous ingredients from the island surroundings to reset your body and mind. As part of your stay, you’ll also have access to an array of fitness and mental wellness activities including meditation courses, scenic running and hiking trails, and kayaking lessons. Featuring five luxurious treatment rooms, a jacuzzi, and spa pool area overlooking the ocean, as well as a health bar serving a selection of infused waters, herbal teas, juices, and smoothies. Trust us; you’re going to want to add Anantara to your bucket list.
Click here to make a booking.
The resort’s common area overlooking the Indian Ocean. Photo via Anantara.
The resort’s sea view villa. Photo via Anantara.
The spa pool. Photo via Anantara.
4.
THE SPA AT THE RHINO RESORT HOTEL
SALY, Senegal
Named Best Luxury Spa Hotel in Africa by the World Luxury Hotel Awards three times, The Spa at The Rhino Resort Hotel offers guests an intimate place in which to relax and restore. Located in the beach resort area of Saly in the Petite Côte region of Senegal, the spa provides a relaxing haven for travelers, exuding peace and tranquility from every well-designed corner. Featuring a hammam, an array of hot tubs, water jets, water beds, and one of the largest man-made waterfalls to be found on any hotel grounds (over 200,000 liters per hour, simulating the effect of a natural waterfall), the spa offers an extensive selection of body and facial treatments, and each one custom-created to focus on rejuvenating, calming, and purifying. Here, you’ll unwind in a sublime setting while receiving unparalleled treatments and exemplary service. The spa is a magical getaway for a solo traveler in search of restoration while also being ideal for locals or those just looking for a day experience, with a variety of packages to help guests achieve balance in whatever time they possess.
Click here to make a booking.
The outdoor pool at the hotel. Photo via Expedia.
One of the spa’s single’s massage room. Photo via Tripadvisor.
The water facilities at the spa. Photo via Expedia.
5.
THE SPA AT THE 12 APOSTLES HOTEL, SOUTH AFRICA
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
One of South Africa’s most popular luxury spas, the award-winning facilities at the 12 Apostles Hotel in South Africa are an exercise in opulent indulgence. Situated along the coastal road between Camps Bay and Llandudno in the tourism capital of Cape Town and built into the contours of the mountainside, the spa offers a blend of treatments for stress and imbalance that target physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Providing an array of various massages—including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Aromatherapy, Hot Stone, and Pressure Point Facial Massages—as well as mud wraps, facials, body scrubs, and more, the treatments make inspired use of indigenous ingredients and draw on the healing wisdom of local cultures. The spa also boasts two mountainside massage gazebos that offer breath-taking, panoramic views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain National Park, as well as a Rasul chamber that uses steam and mineral-rich mud treatments to detoxify and destress the body. A below-ground array of pools and jacuzzis as well as a unique saltwater flotation pool are just a few more of the things that make this spa a wellness junkie’s playground.
Click here to make a booking.
An indoor couples massage room at the spa. Photo via @12apostleshotel.
The outdoor treatment room. Photo via @12apostleshotel.
The spa’s hydrotherapy facility. Photo via @12apostleshotel.
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