Top tourism group sets up wellness spa in Victoria Falls
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
The Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) group in Victoria Falls’ has started constructing a wellness spa, which is scheduled to open in October in yet another big development for the resort city’s leisure industry.
AAT’s Victoria Falls Safari Spa will be an addition to the group’s portfolio that already boasts of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Club, Victoria Falls Safari Suites and Lokuthula Lodges.
The construction of the spa resumed last month following a two-year delay due to the uncertainties around the impact of Covid-19 on travel and tourism, AAT chief executive officer Ross Kennedy said in a statement.
“For two years we have had to look at the foundations that we started in March 2020 and to now see the contractors back on site and the project becoming a reality once more is a testament to the tourism recovery we are witnessing and contributing to,” Kennedy said.
“Regional competition requires us to be always reinvesting in our properties and products, and this is just one of the additions we have planned.
“We are required to create competitive differentiators whilst at the same time enhancing the destination offerings to a wider audience
“The health and wellness market is rapidly growing and we believe that Victoria Falls Safari Spa will allow us to fully enter this market.
“The layout and design allows us to add further treatments and therapies in the future.”
The spa will be located along a north facing ridge in indigenous woodland in a tranquil setting on the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate.
It will be built in harmony with its surrounds, under canvas, reminiscent of African safari tents and filled with ethnic fabrics and artefacts.
It will include a 280m₂ central area featuring manicure and pedicure stations, private relaxation rooms, a café serving healthy dishes, a hair salon and change rooms, including one that is wheelchair-friendly, as well as three outlying separate secluded treatment rooms (one double andtwo singles).
AAT said the Victoria Falls’ first destination spa will be ideal for wellness weekends, Monday to Thursday breaks, couples’ and wedding packages where bridal parties can be booked exclusively.
“Victoria Falls Safari Spa will be managed by Michele Vickery, who has 19 years’ experience as a beauty therapist, and treatments will include manicures, pedicures, waxing, tinting, facials, reflexology, body treatments, massages and hairdressing,” AAT said
“The design, décor and treatment menu at the spa, which is expected to create eight jobs, will reflect Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and the spa will use all-natural African products with plant-based ingredients.”
