Luxury African wellness retreats for yoga & mindfulness meditation
We may be able to travel with a peace of mind right now, but that doesn’t mean our minds can’t escape
Text: Joel T
I was introduced to mindfulness meditation four years back, when I couldn’t understand why anyone would want to endure 60 minutes of bending and breathing. Fast forward to 2020 and I’m not only a yoga advocate thanks to its calming and soothing qualities, but I could even be persuaded to partake in meditation. After all, who doesn’t fancy a bit of peace of mind right now?
Mediation classes are almost always conducted in studios, confined to the four walls of a shophouse unit. Searching online, however, brought to my attention a much more appealing location for mindfulness meditation — in the vast savannah against a backdrop of where all life supposedly started: Africa.
Imagining being out in nature, hearing the sounds and enveloping myself in the wilderness, would bring an elevated state of tranquillity to my being, allowing me to appreciate not just my body, but also the world we live in?
I dived into some thorough research on African retreats offering yoga and African Safari meditations. While the pandemic is preventing us from travelling right now, it is not stopping us of dreaming of destinations to come. Top of my bucket-list are these luxury travel picks. Until border restrictions are lifted, I'll just be closing my eyes and feeling the Serengeti in my mind.
Singita
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Rwanda
Set to launch in Q1 2021, Singita’s new comprehensive wellness programme will be the ultimate mindful experience. Guests can practice the art of African mindful tea drinking, complemented by sound therapy using Tibetan bowls and rain sticks. Connecting you to the sounds of nature and the surroundings, there will be guided meditation to usher in peace and tranquillity during your stay.
Click here to stay updated on Singita’s wellness programme.
Image Credit: Cami ya Kanzi, African Safari
Campi ya Kanzi
Kenya
Come here to practice meditation and yoga in the cradle of human kind. Campi ya Kanzi marries yoga and traditional African Safari adventure. Offering a variety asana, pranayama, and mindfulness meditation classes, classes can be conducted to the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The retreat can also organise tours to Chyulu Hills for a restorative yoga session at sunset after their afternoon activities.
Click here for details on Campi ya Kanzi
Roar Africa
South Africa, Namibia, Uganda (full list available via link)
Roar Africa specialises in customised tours, combining luxury with adventure on highly bespoke trips. Earlier this year, they organised a six-day Women’s Empowerment Retreat enabling guests to take part in inclusive talks from women leaders, local excursions to explore Kenya’s culture and natural landscape, and wellness activities. These programmes include bespoke yoga sessions, herbal plant talks and massages at Segara’s wellness spa.
Click here for more on Roar Africa
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat
South Africa
This natural haven of wide-open plains and rugged rock formations allows guests to connect with nature without the distractions of the outside world. An extensive variety of health treatments, inspired by ancient African traditions, awaits to pamper and rejuvenate guests. Outdoor yoga and mindfulness meditation classes alongside the tranquil waters of the Boontjes River all not to be missed.
Click here for more on Bushmans Kloof Wilderness
Six Senses Zil Pasyon
Seychelles
The private-island home of Six Senses Zil Pasyon is surrounded by coral-fringed beaches, massive granite rocks, and secluded away for privacy and exclusivity. The luxurious retreat offers a comprehensive wellness programme that focus on yoga nidra, pranayama, guided meditation and relaxing spa treatments. Each personalised meditation and yoga session is designed to encourage the body and mind to rest, and to achieve deep relaxation, away from the tension and stress of daily life.
Click here for more on Six Senses Zil Pasyon
