ISLANDS OF SIANKABA LUXURY LODGE ON ZAMBEZI RIVER OPENS SPA

02-14-2009

TREATMENTS BASED ON ZAMBIAN HEALING TRADITIONS

 

Victoria Falls, Zambia (2/09) Simon and Bonnie Wilde, owners of The Islands of Siankaba luxury lodge and retreat on the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls, announce the opening of Ukuchina Boma, an air-conditioned spa offering conventional facials and massages as well as those based on efficacious Zambian healing traditions.

 

The spa was conceptualized and implemented by Islands of Siankaba deputy manager, Namasiku Mambo, who had trained in massage therapy before joining the retreat. After touring spas in the UK at the behest of management, Ms. Mambo was eager to bring to international clients both conventional spa therapies and the experience of Zambia’s rich heritage in traditional healing techniques.

 

The Majestic Zambezi Facial, for instance, utilizes three different and unusual ingredients. First, ant hill mud is used to gently exfoliate the skin. Brought up by ants from deep beneath the earth’s surface, this mud is exceptionally smooth and rich. Next, an application of Mielle Meal (a traditional maize meal) is used for deep cleansing. Lastly, a rice paste is used to soften and moisturize the skin, leaving it energized and revitalized.

 

The Shimmering Sunset Facial is a unique, anti-aging treatment with an innovative lifting effect that instantly minimizes the traces of time and leaves the skin intensely moisturized and toned.  Here the active ingredient is wasp nest mud drizzled with coconut oil which visibly enhances the skin’s elasticity and stimulates cell regeneration. Wasp nest mud is marginally more abrasive than other mud in the area, thus is an ideal substance for exfoliation. This therapy combats the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

 

Other facial treatments include the Siankaba Re-Awakening Facial, and the Mosi-oa-Tunya Facial. The active ingredient in the latter is Aloe Vera sap taken from indigenous plants, complemented by Chamomile to soothe the eyes. This facial is recommended as a superb post-safari and air-travel restorative for dehydrated skin. The aloes found in the Siankaba area produce a precious sap that is used in the local communities to cure a variety of skin ailments.

 

As to massages, The Ukuchina Boma offers classic Foot Massage, Hot Stone Massage, the Mwene Head & Shoulder Massage and the Relaxing and Nourishing Cool Retreat, a body milk massage. But what distinguishes it is a menu of traditional Zambian massages. The signature Ukuchina Massage features one of the oldest massage methods originating in Africa – the combining of deep-tissue and pressure point techniques with the use of warmth to improve blood circulation, reduce stress and relieve depression. This treatment is renowned for its detoxifying and immune-boosting properties. It has been used in Zambian communities for generations: its rejuvenating properties are found useful in alleviating the symptoms of malaria, but are mainly applied by traditional healers to ease pain after childbirth.

 

Another only-in-Zambia treatment is the Aromatherapy Massage using oil taken from the indigenous Mungongo tree. The oil stimulates the lymphatic system through the power of touch. Local people retrieve the oil from the kernel of the tree’s fruits and use it predominantly for cooking. The lightness of the oil, however, makes it extremely worthy as a base oil for massage. This technique helps to improve blood circulation, reduces stress and ultimately creates equilibrium of the body.

 

The most classic of forested retreats, Islands of Siankaba comprises seven secluded chalets, each with a unique and individually different view of the mighty Zambezi River and linked by a foot bridge to an haute cuisine restaurant. The retreat is located on two untouched islands in the middle of the spectacular Zambezi River situated between the 'Seventh Wonder of the Natural World', Victoria Falls, and the celebrated Chobe National Park.

 

For reservations, call +260 211 260279

Cell: +260 977720530

or email: info@islandsofsiankaba.net

www.islandsofsiankaba.net

 

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Zambia, often described as the “real Africa”, is considered one of the most peaceful and safest countries on the Dark Continent.  Populated by warm, friendly people and untold numbers of big game and exotic bird life, Zambia is awash in a brilliantly colored landscape of shimmering lakes, verdant wetlands and rainforests, dramatic mountain cliffs and river gorges, and tumbling waterfalls – including Victoria Falls, the world’s largest that spills mightily from the legendary Zambezi River.

 

Islands of Siankaba is a member of Zambian Horizons, a network of safari camps scattered among the North Luangwa, South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Livingstone regions of Zambia.  The primary focus of Zambian Horizons is spreading awareness and providing information to the public and the press about Zambia’s lush natural beauty, vast wildlife populations, stunning wilderness areas, and magnificent reserves.  For more information on Zambian Horizons and their impressive collection of safari camps, visit www.ZambianHorizons.com or contact by E-mail at info@ZambianHorizons.com

 

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