After a long day on safari, there’s nothing better than a few hours at a spa to wind down and relax. We think it’s pretty good idea before you head out on a safari, too. While most hotels and lodges around Botswana tend to focus on the safari experience first and foremost, there are several locations that put more effort into pampering the guests. Here are our picks for the best spa camps and resorts in Botswana.
Courtesy of sanctuaryretreats.com
Sanctuary Chief’s Camp
Located on Chief’s Island in the Mombo Concession, this camp features 12 luxury bush pavilions, all furnished in swanky decor. Spa treatments at the camp are top notch and the perfect way to relax after being out in the bush. Sanctuary Chief’s Camp features a newly built treatment room with indoor and outdoor showers. You can even relax while watching animals over the floodplain. The spa uses the Africology brand for treatments, which features many African essences such as marula, rooibos, and African potato. Treatments include a balancing rose facial, body therapy, heated stone massages, mud wraps and more. The camp will undergo a major refurbishment in 2016 where it will be closed the first part of the year, but many new additions are coming. Some of these include terrace plunge pools, a new gym, solar energy throughout the camp, and spacious bath tubs.
Courtesy of crestamowana.com
Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa
It simply doesn’t get much better than this luxurious spa on the banks of the Chobe River. All of the 112 rooms and four suites at the resort are decorated in an African style and come with icy-cold air conditioning so you won’t have to sweat under a mosquito net at night. Guests can enjoy views of wildlife from their bedrooms or from the swanky cocktail bar that both overlook the Chobe River and Namibia floodplains. The elaborate onsite spa has four separate treatment rooms which also overlook the river. Cresta Mowana uses Clarerns treatments and therapies which are designed to rejuvenate the mind and body. Other facilities at the spa include a heated spa bath, steam room, relaxation room, jacuzzi, and an open-air relaxation tub overlooking the river.
Courtesy of grandpalm.co.za
The Grand Palm Hotel, Casino & Convention Resort
For travelers heading to Gaborone, the Grand Palm is arguably the best in the city. The resort has multiple accommodation options, including a luxurious 188-room hotel and a 3-star inn for travelers who might be on a budget. Both options give you access to all the onsite amenities including the casino and the spa. The spa is operated by the well-known Camelot Spa brand, which you’ll find in many of Africa’s premiere hotels like Radisson Blu, Intercontinental and Protea. Like other branches around the continent, this location features a wide assortment of fabulous treatments that are sure to help you de-stress and relax. Outside of the six treatment rooms, additional amenities include a Vichy shower, a mani pedi lounge, a relaxation room, and a Hydrobath.
Courtesy of sanctuaryretreats.com
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero
This small, yet luxurious camp is located right on the banks of the Chobe River near the world’s largest population of elephants. There are just 15 guest cottages on site, along with a split-level swimming pool and a full-service spa not often found in resorts of this style. The spa has integrated African design into a modern experience to make sure you have the highest quality you can get. African themed treatments include a Soul of Africa conditioning body massage, an African milk bath ritual and an African Goddess Anti-Aging Facial. Like Sanctuary Retreats Chief’s Camp, this outpost also uses the acclaimed Africology product line.
Courtesy of chobemarinalodge.com
Chobe Marina Lodge
Located just 10 minutes from Chobe National Park, this upmarket lodge offers just about everything you could want for a relaxing safari in Botswana. Guests will enjoy 66 incredibly decorated rooms, including six honeymoon suites and 30 luxury suites. The onsite Cathari Health & Beauty Spa will have you pampered in no time and offers a fantastic menu of facials, foot treatments, full body massages and more. Some of the more interesting treatments include the Rolling Sands deep tissue massage and the Tsamma Hand Ritual. Of course, everything isn’t just about the spa, there’s also sundowner cruises, fantastic game viewing, and challenging white water rafting in the area.
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