The pandemic has resulted in a shift in the tourism industry with the increasing number of
travelers placing an emphasis on wellness. Wellness tourism is one of the fastest growing
tourism segments and according to the Spa and Wellness Association of Africa (SWAA) Kenya
Chapter, the fitness and wellness industry hit Ksh.5 billion in 2019.
Research conducted by the World Travel Market Global Trends Report in 2016, portrays Africa
as an increasingly sought-after destination where travelers who desire to have travel
experiences characterized by wellbeing can be found.
The term wellness was coined in 1950 by an American physician Halbert Dunn, who integrated
the words wellbeing and fitness in it. Wellness tourism can be defined as travel for the purpose
of advancing another individuals health and wellbeing through psychological, physical, or
spiritual activities.
Presently, wellness travelers pursue various activities like beauty treatments, weight
management, physical fitness, relaxation and stress relief, spiritual tourism like meditation and
yoga. There is also physical wellness tourism which comprises of visits to a spa and a variety of
treatments like massages, detoxification, beauty treatments as well as thalassotherapy. The spa
treatment began in the ancient Greek who suggested that spas and bathing can be used for
therapeutic purposes and not just to remove dirt.
The Romans advanced this thinking by building thermal baths at hot springs and natural mineral. Those living in the city are exposed to harmful toxins that can negatively impact a person’s health. Noticing this, most properties are
adding the element of a spa as part of the package to detox the body.
“We noticed that most of our clients are inclined to wellness and to give them the best, Elewana
has teamed up with Healing Earth; a premium African spa brand that provides natural, organic
products, therapies and spa concepts.
We also ensure that our therapists are well trained to offer the best service to our client,” says Andrew Kuria, GM Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs.Wellness also looks at the gym and fitness bit. Fitness refers to physical health and it’s the ability of a body to be able to complete a task. Fitness is vital for good health since it protects a
person from obesity, stroke, heart disease or even high blood pressure. It can also make a
person look younger and improve the quality of one’s life.
Most lodges will have a gym overlooking a scenic landscape or will place it as part of the
package for those who are staying at the hotel.
Yoga is another practice that most properties are taking up. A regular yoga practice is vital in
minimizing stress levels and contributes to a healthier heart. The number of Yoga practitioners
continues to rise tremendously. For instance, in Lamu at Banana House and Banana Wellness
and Yoga Center, Yoga instructor and wellness enthusiast Monikah Fauth together with her
husband Mohamed Ali Mbarak (alias Banana) started their own house to assist people in their
wellness journey.
“I wanted to create a place where people could rejuvenate and recharge their battery. I want
them also to learn some of the yoga techniques we teach here while at home that’s why we give
classes. When they apply this, they will become less irritable and treat people better,” explains
Monikah.
She also gives healthy foods for those who opt to have their meals at the guest house which is
also part of wellness in ensuring that people eat nutritious food.
Wellness can be in the form of star gazing which is presently a common activity especially in
areas which are blessed with constellations like Samburu and Laikipia county. There is a sense
of peace and tranquility that comes with the observation of the starry sky and learning all about
the stars. Apart from the usual game drive and reconnecting to nature, camps like Jambo
Mutara are planning to have star gazing as an activity after noticing inquiries from guests who
desired to have this experience as a way of connecting to nature.
Cycling in the wild with eco bikes is another activity of wellness that camps are offering guests.
With all the benefits of outdoors physical activity, regular cycling can reduce the risk of several
serious illnesses like stroke, diabetes as well as heart disease. It is also a form of bonding and
can boost your mood and minimize stress and depression. Introduction of organic kitchen in
lodges and hotels and healthy foods as more.
Environmentally speaking, the conventional agriculture has been harmful to the longevity of our
planet and soil over the last decades and years. Conventional food uses more chemical
fertilizers, more pesticides, and herbicides in agriculture to reduce pets, disease and weeds
spreading and to promote plant quick growth. Hence most lodges and properties are opting to
have their own kitchen garden where guests can have organic food prepared for them as they
watch. They can also participate in its preparation in some lodges. For instance, at Angama, the
shamba keepers, welcome guests for such an experience and they are then guided via
meandering paths through the one-acre garden while being taught about all the produce in the
farm. The guests are also encouraged to pick and taste the produce along the way. The design
is magical, and the Shamba keepers share the story behind its unique layout.
“The lodge offers private Shamba-to-table lunches in the garden under romantic towering shade
trees. Guests can pick their own ingredients, which are then washed and readied for the
freshest possible salad. Angama Mara's butlers prepare a wicker basket filled with loaves of
bread, local Kenyan cheeses, and chilled rosé wine to accompany the salad. Guests are also
left to while away the afternoon taking in sweeping views of the Mara below, while watching the
butterflies and birds dance around the garden,” explains Azei Lego the GM.
Other properties offer other activities that help their guests reconnect with nature like forest
bathing and bush walks, hikes. The role that the environment plays in determining stress levels,
mood and state of health can be better understood by those who live in the city and crave to
have that peace and quiet. Escaping into nature has returned to being an ideal reference point
of life where most people retreat just to catch a breath and release the stress.