BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) group has opened Victoria Falls’ first purpose-built building, setting a new benchmark in health and wellness.
The facility which was officially opened on Wednesday will be open for both to the public and Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate guests
AAT chief executive Ross Kennedy said the hospitality group was enthusiastic about the facility, and they are already planning to expand it to cater for other occasional events for private functions as well as yoga retreats, weddings and foodie events.
“Next year is looking very strong for the destination and our industry, so long may that continue … we are going to have the best November we’ve had since we opened our doors 30 years ago,” Kennedy said.
“I think that this destination and the tourism industry in this country is in for, quite possibly, the best three or four years that we have ever known in tourism in Zimbabwe,” he added.
Victoria Falls Safari Spa, located in indigenous woodland on the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate, was built in response to growing demand for wellness travel, and it was hoped it would extend stays in the destination, Kennedy said.
The Spa features manicure and pedicure stations, a hair and make-up studio, relaxation rooms, a splash pool and café as well as three stand-alone treatment rooms.
It will be operated by a team of five therapists, offering a range of luxurious treatments including massages, facials, manicures and pedicures as well as hair and event make-up services, and uses all natural, plant-based Africology and Cashmere & Co. products.
“The African tented safari camp-style spa, in keeping with the rest of the hospitality group’s portfolio, uses bold, colourful, Ndebele design elements, and is located in a natural environment and furnished to portray the rich textures of Africa,” AAT said.