Travelling with kids is great, but sometimes it’s nice to get away for a spot of pampering with friends, or your significant other. We’ve compiled a list of five wonderful spas for some “me” time.
Segera Retreat, Laikipia
Segera on the Laikipia plateau offers a beautiful setting from which to enjoy one of the most serene wellness experiences in Kenya. Combining an African game experience with a luxurious spa, Segera is a retreat in more ways than one. The spa is elegantly-designed, and guests can enjoy full-body treatments, and the use of the rasul steam house. The home of entrepreneur Jochen Zeitz, Segera also hosts the world’s largest contemporary African art collection. www.segera.com
Enashipai Resort & Spa, Naivasha
A bit closer to Nairobi is Enashipai, meaning place of happiness. This sprawling retreat on the shores on Lake Naivasha is a great base for exploring the lake, but also for relaxation. Its signature treatment involves a rasul (mud wrap), a waterfall treatment (sounds interesting), followed by a calabash instrument massage (sounds more interesting, still). If you must bring the kids, it’s pretty well set up for them, too. There’s a play room and soft play area, with staff to watch them, giving you the opportunity to nip away for that massage. www.enashipai.com
Kaya Spa, Nairobi
If you don’t want to leave Nairobi, then there are several fabulous spas that you can visit for a pick-me-up. One of the best is Kaya Spa at the Tribe Hotel behind Village Market. Its offerings include hot stone massages, karma correction – a blend of Shiatsu and Thai stretching – and reflexology. Pregnant ladies can also enjoy a full body massage along with a tummy ‘facial.’ www.tribe-hotel.com
Medina Palms, Watamu
No spa listing would be complete without the thoroughly relaxing combination of sea and pampering. Spa seekers are spoilt for choice on the coast, but Medina Palms receives consistently good reviews. Its rooftop, open-air Sakina Ocean spa offers full-body massages using rose quartz crystals, shea and water jets, as well as a range of deep facials. They even offer spa treatments for children, but you left the kids at home, right? www.medinapalms.com
White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa, Zanzibar
If you can escape the household chores for a little longer, then consider heading down to White Sand Villas in Zanzibar, a holistic wellness experience on the beautiful spice island. Part of the attraction is the use of local ingredients sourced from the island, including seaweed, coconut and spices. Guests can enjoy the steam room and sauna, or indulge in body wraps, spice massages or the African rain foot massage, a variation on reflexology techniques. www.whitesandvillas.com
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