The spas will have four therapy rooms, meditation pods and contrast bathing facilities / photo: Wilderness
A holistic haven in the volcanic highlands of Rwanda is set to open in December, revealing one of the most substantial safari spas in Africa.
Conservation and hospitality company, Wilderness, which specialises in safari camps and lodges, will unveil The Sanctuary concept at Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda, soon after its debut at Wilderness Mombo in Botswana.
The two properties are the most luxurious in Wilderness’ portfolio, which comprises 60 camps in eight African countries. While some other Wilderness properties have treatment rooms, none of them have such a comprehensive offering as The Sanctuary.
Safari sanctuary The Sanctuary is a new space for guests to ground themselves, re-centre and unwind. Architects Black Sable are working with Artichoke Interior Design on the aesthetic for both spas.
The Sanctuary at Wilderness Bisate will have four treatment rooms, including one double. The same number of treatment rooms is planned for the 820sq m Botswanan Mombo spa.
There will be contrast therapy facilities at the spas, including a steamroom and an ice bath, in addition to lap pools and a gym. Cocoon-like meditation pods and a dedicated yoga area will also be on offer.
Curated soundscapes will play in the buildings and signature scents will promote deep relaxation.
The spas will also boast fireplaces to add comfort and create a cosy transition between treatment and bathing experiences.
Wider wellness Wilderness says The Sanctuary reflects the company’s belief in weaving wellbeing into every step of a guest’s journey.
It also signifies the start of a wider wellness evolution across all sites. Over the coming months, Wilderness plans to introduce a range of conscious travel activities from immersive experiences and sustainably sourced cuisine to opportunities for intentional disconnection.
COO Alexandra Margull says, “At Wilderness, wellness is not an added layer defined by trends or treatments, but a natural extension of place – an invitation to pause, reconnect and rediscover the restorative power of nature.
“It lives in the care of our people, in the connection fostered between guests and guides and in the deeply nourishing food served across our camps,” she adds. “It is felt in the absence of distraction – the lack of noise, light and air pollution – and in the sensory reawakening that takes place when one is truly present in nature. Simply being in the wild becomes a form of healing in itself.”
photo: Wilderness
"Simply being in the
wild becomes a form
of healing in itself" – COO Alexandra Margull
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Spa people: Tim Fu
Leading a wellness architecture project in Slovenia that’s one of the first in the world to use AI in all stages of design
Spa people: Kayley Thomas
Lush is famous for its bath bombs and retail empire, but the co-founder of its day spa concept reveals why its 19 global spa facilities are so essential
Spa people: Colin Mcilheney
We find out more about Colin Mcilheney, the man who created the ISPA US Spa Industry Study and has been analysing the sector’s performance ever since
News report: Map of luxury
New research by WATG shows emerging wealth hubs in India, the Gulf, Southeast Asia and Africa are reshaping luxury travel demand
Interview: Chris Norton
The CEO of Equinox Hotels tells Katie Barnes how the uber-cool brand is scaling its bold fusion of fitness, spa and luxury
Ask an expert...: Recovery
From cryo to compression to contrast bathing, Julie Cramer investigates why and how spas and resorts are integrating recovery packages
Research: Behind the boom
What are the hidden messages in the latest US study by ISPA? Colin Mcilheney digs beneath the surface
Research: Bigger picture
Rising salaries and shifting consumer expectations – two new surveys by the UKSA and GSG reveal the trends impacting UK spa operators
Sponsored: Lemi - Good sensations
Lemi’s Venice Head Spa combines the beauty of Italian design with fine-tuned technology to provide the ultimate top-to-toe treatment station for spas
Sponsored: G.M. COLLIN – Smooth operator
The new toner from G.M. Collin represents a ‘gold standard’ in leave-on liquid exfoliation for smooth and radiant results, without the irritation of a scrub
Sponsored: TechnoAlpin – Snow for all seasons
TechnoAlpin’s magical Snowroom installation at the Alpenrose resort brings the Austrian landscape and feel-good nature factor to its wellbeing experience
First person: Costa Blanca cure
Jane Kitchen visits Spain to compare and contrast two world-class medi-wellness clinics: well-established SHA and ambitious newcomer ZEM
Sponsored: Gharieni Group – Tech-powered recovery
The new brand in the Gharieni Group portfolio – Metawell – is delivering what today’s wellness clients are seeking most – deep recovery and mind-body renewal
Sponsored: BC Softwear – Human touch
While touchless therapies are a positive addition to spas, nothing can replace the healing power of human touch, says Barbara Cooke
Sponsored: Yon-ka – A potent blend
Yon-Ka’s new Serum Omega is a potent blend of Omega 3, 6 and 9 to target
dry, stressed-out skin and deliver a calm and nourishing client experience
Menu engineering: At your service
Self-playing gongs in Sweden, surfing therapy in Morocco and Ananda launches holistic diabetes management programme in India
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to
the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Balanced Body
Balanced Body is the global leader in Pilates equipment and education. Founded nearly 50 years ago, [more...]
Bioline Jatò
Bioline Jatò is a family Italian company
operating in the professional skincare
industry since 197 [more...]
The spas will have four therapy rooms, meditation pods and contrast bathing facilities / photo: Wilderness
A holistic haven in the volcanic highlands of Rwanda is set to open in December, revealing one of the most substantial safari spas in Africa.
Conservation and hospitality company, Wilderness, which specialises in safari camps and lodges, will unveil The Sanctuary concept at Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda, soon after its debut at Wilderness Mombo in Botswana.
The two properties are the most luxurious in Wilderness’ portfolio, which comprises 60 camps in eight African countries. While some other Wilderness properties have treatment rooms, none of them have such a comprehensive offering as The Sanctuary.
Safari sanctuary The Sanctuary is a new space for guests to ground themselves, re-centre and unwind. Architects Black Sable are working with Artichoke Interior Design on the aesthetic for both spas.
The Sanctuary at Wilderness Bisate will have four treatment rooms, including one double. The same number of treatment rooms is planned for the 820sq m Botswanan Mombo spa.
There will be contrast therapy facilities at the spas, including a steamroom and an ice bath, in addition to lap pools and a gym. Cocoon-like meditation pods and a dedicated yoga area will also be on offer.
Curated soundscapes will play in the buildings and signature scents will promote deep relaxation.
The spas will also boast fireplaces to add comfort and create a cosy transition between treatment and bathing experiences.
Wider wellness Wilderness says The Sanctuary reflects the company’s belief in weaving wellbeing into every step of a guest’s journey.
It also signifies the start of a wider wellness evolution across all sites. Over the coming months, Wilderness plans to introduce a range of conscious travel activities from immersive experiences and sustainably sourced cuisine to opportunities for intentional disconnection.
COO Alexandra Margull says, “At Wilderness, wellness is not an added layer defined by trends or treatments, but a natural extension of place – an invitation to pause, reconnect and rediscover the restorative power of nature.
“It lives in the care of our people, in the connection fostered between guests and guides and in the deeply nourishing food served across our camps,” she adds. “It is felt in the absence of distraction – the lack of noise, light and air pollution – and in the sensory reawakening that takes place when one is truly present in nature. Simply being in the wild becomes a form of healing in itself.”
photo: Wilderness
"Simply being in the
wild becomes a form
of healing in itself" – COO Alexandra Margull
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Spa people: Tim Fu
Leading a wellness architecture project in Slovenia that’s one of the first in the world to use AI in all stages of design
Spa people: Kayley Thomas
Lush is famous for its bath bombs and retail empire, but the co-founder of its day spa concept reveals why its 19 global spa facilities are so essential
Spa people: Colin Mcilheney
We find out more about Colin Mcilheney, the man who created the ISPA US Spa Industry Study and has been analysing the sector’s performance ever since
News report: Map of luxury
New research by WATG shows emerging wealth hubs in India, the Gulf, Southeast Asia and Africa are reshaping luxury travel demand
Interview: Chris Norton
The CEO of Equinox Hotels tells Katie Barnes how the uber-cool brand is scaling its bold fusion of fitness, spa and luxury
Ask an expert...: Recovery
From cryo to compression to contrast bathing, Julie Cramer investigates why and how spas and resorts are integrating recovery packages
Research: Behind the boom
What are the hidden messages in the latest US study by ISPA? Colin Mcilheney digs beneath the surface
Research: Bigger picture
Rising salaries and shifting consumer expectations – two new surveys by the UKSA and GSG reveal the trends impacting UK spa operators
Sponsored: Lemi - Good sensations
Lemi’s Venice Head Spa combines the beauty of Italian design with fine-tuned technology to provide the ultimate top-to-toe treatment station for spas
Sponsored: G.M. COLLIN – Smooth operator
The new toner from G.M. Collin represents a ‘gold standard’ in leave-on liquid exfoliation for smooth and radiant results, without the irritation of a scrub
Sponsored: TechnoAlpin – Snow for all seasons
TechnoAlpin’s magical Snowroom installation at the Alpenrose resort brings the Austrian landscape and feel-good nature factor to its wellbeing experience
First person: Costa Blanca cure
Jane Kitchen visits Spain to compare and contrast two world-class medi-wellness clinics: well-established SHA and ambitious newcomer ZEM
Sponsored: Gharieni Group – Tech-powered recovery
The new brand in the Gharieni Group portfolio – Metawell – is delivering what today’s wellness clients are seeking most – deep recovery and mind-body renewal
Sponsored: BC Softwear – Human touch
While touchless therapies are a positive addition to spas, nothing can replace the healing power of human touch, says Barbara Cooke
Sponsored: Yon-ka – A potent blend
Yon-Ka’s new Serum Omega is a potent blend of Omega 3, 6 and 9 to target
dry, stressed-out skin and deliver a calm and nourishing client experience
Menu engineering: At your service
Self-playing gongs in Sweden, surfing therapy in Morocco and Ananda launches holistic diabetes management programme in India
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of
Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los
Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at
Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam, has put together a Global Wellness Day
(GWD) agenda with activations rooted in nature and shaped by four pillars of Joy – in
alignment with the day’s theme #JoyMagenta.
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the 2026 event in
Phuket, Thailand, later this year with the theme: The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness.
Auko, an all-inclusive development, is opening in Phong Nha in Vietnam in Q3 2026, with a
series of 30 tented eco-lodges and wellness hospitality operations by Lumina Wellbeing.
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to
the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Balanced Body Balanced Body is the global leader in Pilates equipment and education. Founded nearly 50 years ago, [more...]
