A New Era of Wellness: The Sanctuary Spa Launches in Africa

This December, a new chapter in safari luxury begins. Wilderness, known worldwide for its iconic safari camps, is opening The Sanctuary Spa at two of its most celebrated locations—Bisate Lodge in Rwanda and Mombo in Botswana.

More than just a spa, The Sanctuary is designed as a place where travelers can restore their bodies, calm their minds, and connect with the spirit of Africa.

More Than a Spa Experience

The Sanctuary isn’t your typical spa add-on. It’s a full wellness journey, built with care to balance relaxation, culture, and the power of nature. Each property will include:

• Four treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite for shared experiences.

• A heated saltwater lap pool, perfect for soothing muscles after a day on safari.

• Steam and ice rooms for contrast therapy, boosting circulation and recovery.

• Yoga decks and movement spaces with sweeping wilderness views.

• Meditation pods, shaped like cocoons, for quiet reflection.

Everything has been designed to awaken the senses—fireplaces glow between treatments, calming music flows through the spaces, and signature scents guide guests into deeper relaxation.

Treatments Rooted in Africa

What makes The Sanctuary stand out is its blend of modern wellness with African tradition. Guests can choose from a menu of treatments inspired by local plants, oils, and rituals:

• The African Fusion Massage, using marula-infused oils for full-body renewal.

• The Tree of Life Journey, a ritual inspired by the mighty baobab tree, combining exfoliation and massage with natural oils.

• A Couples Connect Ritual, created to deepen connection and relaxation for two.

• The Mombo Signature Facial, using probiotic skincare from Esse to support healthy skin.

• Hand and Foot Rituals with sugar scrubs, herbal compresses, and baobab lotion.

A unique Remedy Bar invites guests to explore African botanicals, learning how herbs and oils are blended into the spa’s therapies.

Nature as the Ultimate Healer

Set within Rwanda’s volcanic highlands and Botswana’s Okavango Delta, The Sanctuary Spa embraces its surroundings.

Imagine practicing yoga as the sun rises over misty mountains, or meditating while elephants graze in the distance. These landscapes become part of the healing process, offering something no city spa can match.

Science has long shown that time in nature lowers stress, improves mood, and restores balance. The Sanctuary takes that idea further, making nature not just a backdrop but an active part of the experience.

Honoring Culture Through Wellness

Wilderness has always valued more than luxury. Its properties celebrate the traditions and communities of Africa, and The Sanctuary reflects that spirit.

By weaving Rwandan and Botswanan healing practices into its treatments, the spa offers guests a chance to connect more deeply with the culture.

This is a powerful reminder for spa professionals everywhere: true wellness isn’t only about the body—it’s about honoring place, people, and story.

A Vision for the Future of Spas

The Sanctuary’s debut points to where the spa industry is heading. Travelers today want more than a massage—they want meaningful experiences that combine health, culture, and sustainability. Spas that can create this balance will stand out in a crowded market.

For other spa owners and directors, the message is clear: think beyond the menu. Create spaces that invite stillness, design treatments that tell a story, and let the natural environment play a role in healing.

More Than Relaxation—A Community of Wellness

The Sanctuary is not just about treatments. It’s also a place where people can gather. Guests will be encouraged to join yoga classes, attend workshops, and share in conversations about self-care and wellness.

Social media will extend this community beyond the safari, keeping the spirit of The Sanctuary alive long after the trip ends.

Inspiration for Spa Owners and Directors

For spa leaders, The Sanctuary at Wilderness is more than a new luxury opening—it’s a case study in the future of wellness tourism. It challenges us to ask:

• How can we bring nature into our own spa spaces?

• What cultural traditions can we honor in our treatments?

• How do we create experiences that go beyond relaxation to true transformation?

By blending nature, culture, and sustainability, The Sanctuary shows us how spas can evolve into places of lasting renewal—for guests and for the industry as a whole.