From stunning seascapes to the uninterrupted wilds of the bush, expansive deserts to ice-capped mountains, Africa’s diverse landscapes, wildlife and culture are indescribable. But choosing where to base yourself is no easy task. There’s a wealth of luxury healthy holiday destinations and resorts on this vast continent. In need of a little inspiration? These are the best luxury wellness retreats in Africa for incredible fitness, yoga, spa and adventure retreats like no other. You can spend your trip visiting luxury eco-lodges in the desert and spotting wildlife on the savannahs, while immersing yourself in traditional spa therapies.
This article was originally published by Amanda Sheppard on June 11, 2020, and was last updated on June 15, 2022.
ROAR AFRICA, Various locations
ROAR AFRICA is a pioneer in luxury wellness retreats across Southern and East Africa. It celebrates travel through culture, adventures in wildlife and wellbeing. Working with handpicked eco-conscious properties, ROAR AFRICA curates bespoke trips with conservation in mind. Thus, the retreat’s itineraries traverse 13 countries in southern and east Africa including Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia. Wellness activities may include yoga, fitness and spa treatments, so you can incorporate your healthy holiday seamlessly.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
See also: Retreat With Our Founder At ROAR Africa’s Second Annual Women’s Empowerment Retreat In Kenya
Shanti Maurice, Mauritius
An oasis in the Indian Ocean on the island nation of Mauritius, this award-winning wellness resort offers programmes with an Ayurvedic focus. So, that includes yoga, spa, sleep, detox, meditation, and weight management. The water-facing suites and villas at Shanti Maurice have their own private pools and terraces. Meanwhile, the in-house restaurants offer a taste of traditional Mauritian home cooking as well as international dishes. They all have a wellness spin. Guests can unwind in the spa, which uses a mix of ancient healing modalities and modern innovation. Hydrotherapy, fusion massages and Watsu treatments are all available for the ultimate relaxing escape. Thus, it makes it one of the best luxury wellness retreats in Africa.
Six Senses Zil Payson, Seychelles
Located on an idyllic, remote beachfront on Félicité Island in Seychelles, Six Senses Zil Payson offers next-level luxury. Surrounded by tropical gardens and panoramic ocean views, each villa has its own private infinity pool and butler service. Thus, it’ll make your stay as relaxed as possible. The signature Six Senses retreats—yoga, detox, fitness and sleep—are all available. However, guests can also opt for an a la carte wellness stay rather than a dedicated programme. Hiking, water sports and trips to the nearby UNESCO Vallée de Mai nature reserve are some of the more unique activities available. Meanwhile, the spa, and yoga and meditation classes offer a more traditional wellness experience.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
Bushmans Kloof, South Africa
This wilderness reserve is the embodiment of laidback luxury. Situated in the foothills of the Cederberg mountains on South Africa’s west coast, the resort is surrounded by natural formations and landscapes that date back more than 10,000 years. While the surrounding scenery is guaranteed to kick start the relaxation process, the resort’s award-winning spa will take care of the rest. It draws on traditional holistic healing philosophies. The spa ingredients are derived from local natural ingredients including rooibos and baobab tree oil. Meanwhile, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and crystal steam room are also available to access at your leisure. Outdoor excursions ranging from mountain biking, hiking and kayaking can be arranged upon request.
Paradis Plage, Morocco
Located on the stunning Agadir coast in Morocco, Paradis Plage is a destination resort for yoga and surf. This is an ideal destination for anyone looking to benefit from time spent outdoors. Plus, with 340 days of sunshine a year, there’s no bad time to visit. Pro surfers or novices looking to hang ten will find themselves hard-pressed to leave the surf. Meanwhile, the pristine golden sand of the beach offers the perfect place for a little rest and relaxation. Moreover, the resort offers nutritional organic cuisine and its eco-spa uses ingredients derived from natural local ingredients.
Finch Hatton, Kenya
Boasting one of the largest bush spas in East Africa, this luxury Kenyan spa safari is one of the top luxury wellness retreats in Africa. When guests aren’t spotting wildlife on game drives, the five-star tented camp provides guests with plenty of opportunities to unwind or work out. This includes infinity pools, gyms, air-conditioned spa facilities, and stunning yoga pavilions. All with panoramic views across the Chyulu Hills of Tsavo West National Park.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
See also: 5 Luxury Safari Spa Retreats For A Walk On The Wild Side
Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia
&Beyond has a plethora of resorts across the African continent. But perhaps the most unique is the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in Namibia. It’s located on nearly 13,000 hectares of the world’s oldest living desert. With just private 10 suites, this exclusive eco-conscious resort provides the opportunity for unique experiences. For example, desert hiking, helicopter and hot air balloon excursions, and stargazing with a state-of-the-art telescope guided by the in-house astronomer. It’s all designed for guests to enjoy the awe-inspiring landscape. The on-site wellness amenities include a gym and spa. Meanwhile, suites include a retractable skylight over the bed and 180-degree desert views from the glass rain shower.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
Temenos, South Africa
Nestled in the heart of McGregor village in the western cape of South Africa, Temenos is a healing wellness resort and spa. Thus, it’s the perfect destination for independent travellers. The original property—an old farmhouse and stables—dates back to the 19th century. Its accommodation options include boutique cottages, a hermitage and self-catered residences for those looking for an added element of privacy. On-site activities include daily yoga and meditation, guided walks and a wide range of healing spa therapies. The resort also offers specific retreats throughout the year. This ranges from creative and arts-focused weeklong experiences to packages that focus on embracing the art of wellbeing.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
Four Seasons Serengeti, Tanzania
Located on the expansive plains of the Serengeti, this luxury wellness retreat offers guests an immersive experience. Plus, it’s in one of the world’s most famous national parks. Home to the ‘Big Five’ (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephants, and rhinos), the Serengeti is renowned for its epic animal migrations. Perched beside a watering hole, guests at the Four Seasons Serengeti can watch animals in nature from their infinity pool. Or, they can enjoy a champagne breakfast in a hot air balloon, or up-close on a game drive. Once the sun sets, the spa is there to massage and pamper you back to your best self, so you can while away the hours under a starlit sky. Moreover, packages include all meals, accommodation, and access to resort amenities.
Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge, Botswana
From stargazing to elephant spotting, Belmond’s Botswana lodge is a world away. The remote eco-luxury camp is a rare gem in Botswana’s first national park, which also happens to be home to one of the biggest elephant populations on Earth: around 50,000 of them. Moreover, guests will stay in glamorous tents or luxurious stilted lodges, kitted out with all the modern amenities you’d expect in a cosmopolitan five-star hotel. Thus, they can unwind after a long day of wildlife safaris in the spa.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
El Fenn, Morocco
With the heady scent of spices and the vibrancy of the souks, Marrakech is the perfect place for wellness travellers in search of a revitalising healing holiday. And while there are countless luxury resorts throughout the city, none are like El Fenn. Owned by Richard Branson’s sister, the 28-room boutique hotel boasts three pools (two made of marble and one on the rooftop overlooking the Atlas Mountains), as well as a traditional hammam bath. Its spa uses local ingredients including the popular all-healing argan oil, while the hotel also offers active adventurers personalised jogging tours around the medina and hiking trips to the Atlas Mountains.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
