Exquisite Baths
The ritual of bathing started centuries ago. An age-old tradition, bathing is the washing of the body with a fluid, usually water or an aqueous solution, or the immersion of the body in water. Bathing can take place in any situation where there is water, ranging from warm to cold. It can take place in a bathtub or shower, or it can be in a river, lake, water hole, pool or the sea, or any other water receptacle. Upscale Living sourced the most Exquisite Baths in some extraordinary locations in Africa.
Royal Chundu, Katombora Island, Zambia | The magic that is Royal Chundu is forever embedded in my soul. This Zambian piece of paradise is set on a private stretch of the Zambezi River in Zambia. With luxury, exclusivity and seclusion being the operative mantra, the protective setting between the Katombora rapids makes it the ideal place for going au natural when immersing yourself into the inviting waters of your freestanding bathtub. Here you can bath any time of the day, but it’s especially magnificent at night when the foamy suds have been lovingly prepared for you and the twinkling lanterns on your veranda light your way. Climbing into the fragrant bubbles courtesy of The Victorian Garden African Indulgence Collection makes you relinquish any worries you may have and you might even nod off it is so incumbent. www.royalchundu.com
Belmond Khwai River Lodge, Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Botswana | Located in Botswana’s Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Belmond Khwai River Lodge offers 14 tented rooms and one private suite. The Khwai Suite features a secluded deck with a heated pool and open-air bathroom, complete with double showers and a copper-framed Victorian bath. Guests can take a relaxing bath using the natural paraben-free Mitras products or enjoy a private spa treatment on the deck while overlooking the banks of Khwai River, watching the passing game. httpss://www.belmondsafaris.com/web/safaris/khwai_river_lodge.jsp
Thanda Island, Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, Tanzania | Hailed as one of the world’s most exclusive island getaways, Thanda Island is the epitome of luxury and tranquillity. After a day in the sun what better way to end the day with a decadent, relaxing bath on the beach with the sun setting in the background. Sit back and enjoy a nice warm bath in your beautiful copper bath from India, infused with eucalyptus crystals, your own butler and Champagne or a cocktail of your choice. Guests can request the copper bath experience on the day and simply sit back and enjoy bathing in paradise. https://www.thandaisland.com/
andBeyond Xudum Okavanga Delta Lodge, Okavango Delta, Botswana | andBeyond Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge lies deep within an exclusive 672,125-acre wildlife concession. The nine split-level safari suites feature large bathtubs and al fresco showers. Each suite includes a lofty rooftop hideout with Delta views, as well as a private plunge pool. The multi-layered guest areas boast decks with panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness, yet remain discretely within the tree line. Set on the edge of the Delta, guests are likely to see wildlife roaming the channels, including elephant, large buffalo herds, tsessebe, hippo, lion, leopard, Africa wild dog, and roan antelope. https://www.andbeyond.com/xudum-okavango-delta-lodge
Mahali Mzuri, Maasai Mara, Kenya | Mahali Mzuri is Virgin Limited Edition’s 12-tented luxury safari camp in Kenya. It is located in the northern region of Kenya’s Maasai Mara ecosystem and is perfectly placed to witness the annual Great Migration. Besides enjoying the abundant wildlife on twice-daily game drive experiences, there is a 12 metre outdoor infinity pool, spa and a bath experience that will make you swoon. The bathroom is positioned to have a view of the valley below to ensure the guests are constantly reminded that while the tents are modern in their design, they are surrounded and ensconced with nature. The products used in the bathrooms are from the Africology range, made from 100% essential oils and natural plant extracts to capture the rejuvenating and healing essences of Africa. https://www.virginlimitededition.com/en/mahali-mzuri
White Pearl Resorts, Ponta Mamoli, Mozambique | On the south east coast of Africa, you will find the luxurious beach hotel White Pearl Resorts. The hotel prides itself on being a leading destination for African beach and diving holidays. Its location in a protected marine reserve on a pristine stretch of beaches on the Lagoon Coast makes it the ideal place to swim with dolphins. Treat yourself to a bath overlooking the calming waves crashing onto the powder white sand or the sun sinking its last rays into the Indian Ocean. While relaxing in the tub, enjoy the indulgent products of Healing Earth while taking in the unobstructed views. https://www.whitepearlresorts.com/
Singita Faru Faru Lodge, Grumeti, Tanzania | Situated in the Grumeti Reserves in northern Tanzania, Singita Faru Faru traverses an incredible expanse of over 350,000 acres of untouched wilderness. Its position on the legendary migratory route makes it the ideal place to expect the unexpected. Following the philosophy of maintaining a balance in life, the three fundamental pillars at Singita are preserving iconic spaces, protecting the wildlife that inhabits those spaces and collaborating with neighbouring communities. Here, in the midst of the Serengeti Mara ecosystem you will also find your equilibrium when it comes to bath time. A beautiful free-standing bath is perfectly positioned for unobstructed views of the surrounding habitat. With a mix of contemporary and organic style, the quirky practicality of a traditional botanist’s camp makes Singita Faru Faru ‘the place of miracles’.
Sanctuary Baines’ Camp, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana | Set on raised platforms above the Boro River in a private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve, Sanctuary Baines’ Camp features just five suites. Each has a private deck where a private ‘star bath’ for two can be set up on the deck. A free standing bath tub magically appears on the candlelit private deck while you are out on an evening game drive. The zinc star baths are filled with warm water and plenty of natural Africology environmentally friendly bubbles. Mobile canvas screens are placed around your bath to ensure complete privacy without obstructing your view of the stunning surroundings. The deck overlooks the Okavango delta and flood plains, so don’t be surprised when you hear the snort of a hippo or see an elephant coming in for a closer look. https://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/botswana-camps-baines
Segera Retreat, Laikipia, Kenya | One of Kenya’s most exciting safari locations is situated on 50,000 acres of protected land, serving as a vital migratory corridor for species like elephant, reticulated giraffe and lion. Segera offers the ultimate health and wellness retreat for guests committed to the conservation of nature, as well as the preservation of self – mind, body and spirit. Here you will find a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to a sustainable lifestyle nestled between glorious Mount Kenya to the east and the Great Rift Valley to the west. This oasis provides honeymooners with the opportunity to escape into their own private wildlife sanctuary. The six timber and thatch villas look out over the Laikipia Plateau and Mount Kenya, each with a private sun deck, swing bed and Jacuzzi bath. You can enjoy a hot stone bath treatment in the spa or the unsurpassed views from your romantic outdoor bath. https://www.wilderness-safaris.com/camps/segera-retreat
Chinzombo Safari Camp, Luangwa Valley, Zambia | A wildly luxurious lodge set on the banks of the Luangwa River, an architectural masterpiece unseen in this part of the world. It is called Chinzombo Safari Camp and here you can take respite under the shade of gigantic, ancient trees when you book into one of the six stunning villas. Each villa is equipped with its own private pool, cooled sleeping area and a massive bathroom, with a beautiful freestanding bath. Natural products are used during bath time and locally, lemongrass and neem is available. Neem is particularly good as an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and other properties. Often as a surprise to guests, camp managers run a bath for guests after they arrive back from their morning or evening walks or drives. Nothing is quite as blissful as soaking off after a few hours spent on a game viewing activity. The view from the bath looks straight over the Luangwa River, an area rich in game. It’s not uncommon to see hippos, elephants, antelope or even the occasional lion or wild dog from your room. https://timeandtideafrica.com/norman-carr-safaris