(Posted 05th August 2023)
The Thornybush Game Lodge is delighted to announce the launch of its newest addition, the Thornybush Africology Spa & Wellness Centre. This expansion introduces Wellness Safari experiences into the offering. “With the global focus on conscious and healthy living, Thornybush can now provide guests with exceptional wildlife encounters alongside top-notch wellness amenities, ensuring a truly unforgettable retreat into nature” says JB Burger, Head of Sales and Marketing.
Designed by Artichoke, the team behind the refurbishment of Thornybush Game Lodge and the recently launched safari-villa Kamara House, the Spa & Wellness Centre harmonises with the four elements of nature: earth, water, air, and fire. Each element is thoughtfully incorporated to create a serene and grounding atmosphere, providing guests with a natural sense of wellness.
The serene atmosphere captivates guests from the moment they arrive, greeted by a magnificent stone-clad wall symbolising the earth element—an embodiment of strength and stability. A focal point of the wellness facility is the wellness swimming pool, seamlessly blending with the organic shape of the nearby riverbed, invoking a profound connection with the water element.
Emphasising the air element, the building’s design features open spaces that seamlessly merge with nature, allowing the flow of fresh air throughout the spaces. This encourages a feeling of rejuvenation and a deeper connection with the surrounding bush and riverbed. The fire element is beautifully represented through a colour palette inspired by warm autumn hues, particularly focusing on the burnt orange colour.
“The overall colour scheme draws from the natural tones found in the earth, riverbed, rocks, and grasses, creating a calming and soothing atmosphere that enhances the overall wellness experience” said Caline Williams-Wyn, Artichoke. Inside the facility, organic and earthy textures abound, with handcrafted feature doors, tile applications, and bespoke furniture detailing, adding a touch of natural elegance to the timeless design. “By incorporating the four elements of nature and utilising organic textures and colours, the reimagined wellness experience provides a peaceful experience, allowing guests to connect with nature and find a sense of balance and tranquillity” added Williams-Wyn.
The Thornybush Africology Spa is a collaboration between Thornybush Game Lodges and Hoedspruit Africology owner, Kelly Sage. “Here at the Thornybush Africology Spa, we are passionate about natural, holistic healing and wellness. Our products use only natural and organic ingredients celebrating the rich botanical heritage and indigenous plants of South Africa such as Rooibos, Aloe, and African Potato Bush.’
The Wellness Centre offers an array of facilities, including three treatment rooms, an infrared sauna, gym, yoga deck, and pool. The wellness juice bar offers healthy and delicious cold-pressed juices and shots. The double treatment rooms, situated on the river edge with adjoining decks, offer tranquil views of the bush, providing the perfect setting for various healing body treatments, massages, body wraps, scrubs, facials, manicures, pedicures, and waxing services. The infrared sauna features the latest technology for detoxification, allowing guests to relax and rehabilitate their muscles after a workout, spa treatment, or yoga session. “Our Wellness centre is a sanctuary of peace, rejuvenation, and relaxation—an idyllic hideaway for guests seeking respite from the fast-paced world and a deeper connection with nature,” added Sage.
The gymnasium boasts state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, allowing guests to track and record their workouts by connecting their phones or wearable devices to the machines. The gym also provides weights, resistance bands, exercise balls, and more for a comprehensive workout experience.
Guests can indulge in daily yoga and holistic wellness sessions on the yoga deck, led by an experienced instructor tailoring classes to all experience levels. Additional offerings include breathwork, meditation, and sound healing sessions upon request.
Wellness at Thornybush extends beyond the bush spa, offering guests the unique opportunity to embark on Wellness Safaris—a new concept in Thornybush experience. Guests can enjoy immersive safari walks, lasting three hours, allowing health and wellness enthusiasts to reconnect with nature and foster a sense of balance and tranquillity.
“Our purpose is to provide every one of our guests with a life-changing safari experience, and we firmly believe that our wellness offering will add an extra dimension to the Thornybush experience” said Melanie Parker, Head of Operations.
Thornybush is a collection of luxury lodges in the world-renowned wilderness areas of Sabi Sand and Thornybush Nature Reserve in Kruger Park. These lodges comprise Simbambili (Sabi Sand); and Thornybush Game Lodge and Saseka Tented Camp (Thornybush).
The Thornybush Nature Reserve is a 14,000-hectare private nature reserve that shares a fenceless border with the famous Kruger National Park in South Africa. Standout Big 5 encounters combine with the diversity of wildlife to mean that Thornybush has emerged as a leading safari destination for those seeking exciting and exclusive safari. Guide-and-tracker teams lead the way, imparting an in-depth understanding of the ecosystem with passion and expertise.
