Wellness on the banks of the Zambezi River

Marrying world-class expertise with indigenous wellness culture and breathtaking scenery, The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara in Zambia will be the location for a holistic wellness retreat from 19-22 August 2021.

Set along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, in full view of the spray of the Victoria Falls, guests can expect a retreat that will nourish both mind and body in a naturally serene outdoor environment, with daily Vinyasa yoga and meditation sessions conducted on the Royal deck overlooking the Zambezi.

The retreat will be conducted by Stuart Kirton of Cape Town’s Yo Yoga Studio. Stuart has been instructing classes since 2003 in a multitude of styles such as Ashtanga, Hot 26, Restorative and Vinyasa yoga. Originally trained and certified in London through the Shadow Yoga method, he has a vast amount of knowledge and experience, spanning over 17 years.

Set on the banks of the Zambezi River, Anantara Spa will provide a spectacular outdoor setting for natural revitalisation in riverside gazebos, immersed in the idyllic beauty of the Zambezi River and surrounding landscapes, with rushing water, chirping birdsong and the calls of wildlife providing an uplifting soundtrack. Daily spa treatments will leave guests feeling relaxed. The spa’s menu reads like an Out-of-Africa odyssey, drawing on revered local wellness traditions and age-old beauty secrets.

Signature experiences include the Zambezi Massage and the Anantara Signature Massage. The Zambezi Massage uses a traditional technique also known as Ukuchina. In this massage, warm towels are used in kneading and compression movements to relieve muscle pain and tension. The combination of authentic African techniques and Western massage creates the ultimate relaxation experience and promotes wellbeing throughout the body.

Traditionally performed to rejuvenate and cure malaria, fatigue, muscle pain, inflammation and other body ailments, Ukuchina massage is also a popular postnatal treatment for women and has been passed down through generations. The Anantara Signature Massage combines revered Eastern and Western techniques in purpose-designed movements. A signature oil blend stimulates circulation and deeply relaxes muscles. Reflexology clears any energy blocks and promotes an overall sense of wellbeing.

Victoria Falls is a haven for bucket list adventures and when guests aren’t relaxing in the hotel or its vast grounds they can experience the myriad of adventure activities that the destination has to offer, such as a swim in the Devil’s Pool, a uniquely located plunge pool right on the edge of the Falls, where the thundering cascade plummets 350-feet, providing a pulse-racing dip for those brave enough to venture into the Zambezi River.

A once in a lifetime helicopter ride can be enjoyed as guests watch from above as the mighty Zambezi River carves its way through the steep cliffs of the Batoka Gorge and transforms from a gentle and serene river into the rampant Victoria Falls that descend 120 metres to the floor of the valley. Wildlife river safaris on the Zambezi reveal excellent game and bird viewing and provide a mesmerising way to end the day.