Conservation and hospitality company, Wilderness, which specialises in safari camps and lodges, will unveil a new spa called The Sanctuary at two of its most luxurious properties, Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda and Wilderness Mombo property in Botswana. Both will open in December.

Wilderness operates 60 camps in eight African countries, all of which are due to adopt a more deeply embedded concept of wellness across its portfolio as it seeks to evolve the guest experience.

From immersive activities and sustainably sourced cuisine to opportunities for intentional disconnection, the company is evolving the way it delivers conscious travel activities in the coming months.

The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is a new space for guests to ground themselves, re-centre and unwind. Architects Black Sable are working in collaboration with Artichoke Interior Design on the aesthetic for the spas at both properties.

The Sanctuary at Wilderness Bisate will have four treatment rooms, one of which will be a double. The same number of treatment rooms is planned for the 820sq m Botsawanan 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 have carefully positioned fireplaces, to add to the comforting atmosphere and create a transition for guests to move slowly between treatments and bathing experiences.

Wilderness says the creation of The Sanctuary reflects the company’s core philosophy that wellness should be thread through every step of a guest’s journey.

Alexandra Margull, COO, Wilderness said, “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 added. “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.”

The Mombo and Bisate properties will offer the most enhanced wellness facilities across the company’s portfolio but existing smaller facilities at other locations will remain in operation.