TNA EATS @ Mabu : Interview ( Part 2)
Africa’s Healing Oasis
Healing Destinations : Q & A with Tanya Lopes (Part 1 )
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Healing Destinations : Q & A with Amani Spa (Part 2 ) African Medicinal Plants
Editor’s Note
Welcome to the November edition of our Tourism News Africa magazine, where we dive deep into the enriching theme of Healing Destinations: Embracing Wellness Through Health and Medical Tourism. We recognize the increasing global emphasis on holistic well-being and the pivotal role African destinations play in this burgeoning sector.
Our feature article, Africa’s Healing Oasis: Exploring Wellness and Medical Tourism on the Continent, beautifully encapsulates the remarkable journey Africa offers to those in pursuit of rejuvenation and healing. The continent, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, boasts a unique convergence of traditional healing practices and modern healthcare facilities. This synthesis not only provides travellers with an opportunity for physical restoration but also nurtures their mental and spiritual health amidst serene natural settings.
In our exploration, we celebrate Africa’s traditional healing methods, which have stood the test of time, offering wisdom that connects generations. From the herbal remedies of our ancestors to the advanced medical procedures available in contemporary healthcare centres, Africa is positioning itself as a nexus for health and wellness.
We are also excited to share insights on medicinal plants, this piece highlights how nature has equipped us with powerful resources for health and healing, emphasizing that Africa’s rich biodiversity is not only a gift to its people but to the world.
Additionally, our Q&A section features leading experts in the wellness field who share their valuable perspectives on the future of wellness and medical tourism in Africa. Their insights stress the importance of merging ancient wisdom with modern practices to create sustainable health solutions that resonate with both locals and visitors.
As we move forward, our commitment to showcasing the myriad ways Africa is a sanctuary for wellness remains unwavering. We invite you to immerse yourself in the stories and knowledge presented in this issue, and we hope you find inspiration in our continent’s healing potential.
Here’s to a journey of wellness, discovery, and rejuvenation across Africa!
Derek Martin Editor
frica, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is rapidly gaining recognition as a prime destination for wellness and medical tourism. The continent’s unique combination of natural beauty, traditional healing practices, and cuttingedge medical facilities offers travellers a holistic experience that nurtures physical, mental, and spiritual health. As the global demand for wellness and medical tourism continues to rise, Africa is positioning itself as a sanctuary for those seeking rejuvenation and healing.
Nature’s Sanctuary: The Healing Landscapes of Africa
Africa’s diverse ecosystems serve as the perfect backdrop for wellness and rejuvenation. The continent is home to an array of environments, each offering its own form of natural therapy. For instance, the serene beaches of Mauritius are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and tranquil atmosphere, providing an ideal setting for relaxation and meditation. Similarly, the lush rainforests of the Congo, with their rich biodiversity, offer visitors the opportunity to reconnect with nature and experience its restorative powers. The continent’s clean air, abundant sunshine, and unspoiled natural beauty contribute to a profound sense of well-being, making Africa a haven for those looking to escape the stresses of modern life.
Ancient Wisdom: Embracing Africa’s Traditional Healing Practices
Africa’s wellness offerings are deeply rooted in its traditional healing practices, which have been passed down through generations. These practices, which include the use of herbal remedies, acupuncture, spiritual ceremonies,
Africa’s Healing
A Exploring Wellness and Medical Tourism on the Continent
and energy healing, provide a holistic approach to health and wellness. Traditional healers, known as sangomas or herbalists in various regions, play a vital role in many African communities, offering treatments that are often sought by both locals and visitors alike. Tourists have the opportunity to engage with these ancient traditions through guided workshops and cultural experiences, allowing them to gain insights into the spiritual and medicinal practices that have sustained African communities for centuries.
Medical
Miracles: Africa’s Modern Healthcare Facilities
In addition to its traditional healing practices, Africa is making strides in the realm of modern medicine, becoming an increasingly popular destination for medical tourism. Countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and Morocco have made substantial investments in their healthcare infrastructure, leading to the establishment of world-class hospitals and clinics. These facilities offer a wide range of medical services, from routine procedures to complex surgeries, at competitive prices compared to those in Western countries. The combination of high-quality care and affordability has attracted patients from around the globe, making Africa a viable option for those seeking medical treatment abroad.
Beyond the Hospital: Wellness Experiences Across the Continent
Africa’s appeal as a wellness destination extends far beyond its medical facilities. The continent is home to a growing number of luxury resorts, spa retreats, and wellness centres that offer a variety of treatments designed to promote relaxation and well-being. Visitors can indulge in therapeutic massages, detox programs,
Healing Oasis
and beauty treatments, all while surrounded by Africa’s stunning natural landscapes. Moreover, the continent’s vast wilderness areas provide endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as safaris, hiking, and beach excursions. These experiences not only enhance physical fitness but also contribute to mental and emotional well-being by fostering a deep connection with nature.
Success Stories: Case Studies in African Medical Tourism
To illustrate the impact of Africa’s burgeoning medical tourism industry, consider highlighting the stories of individuals who have travelled to the continent for treatment and experienced life-changing results. For example, patients who have undergone successful surgeries in South Africa or those who have participated in wellness retreats in Kenya can provide powerful testimonials. These personal accounts not only demonstrate the effectiveness of Africa’s medical and wellness offerings but also serve to inspire others to explore the continent’s healing potential.
The Future of Wellness and Medical Tourism in Africa
As the demand for wellness and medical tourism continues to grow, Africa’s potential as a leader in this sector is immense. By investing in infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and promoting sustainable tourism practices, the continent can further enhance its reputation as a global hub for wellness and medical tourism.
Africa’s rise as a destination for wellness and medical tourism is a testament to the continent’s diverse offerings and its ability to cater to the evolving needs of modern travellers. From ancient healing traditions to state-of-the-art medical facilities, Africa provides a comprehensive approach to health and wellness that is both transformative and inspiring. As the continent continues to develop its wellness tourism sector, it promises to offer visitors an unparalleled journey toward physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
“The continent is home to a growing number of luxury resorts, spa retreats, and wellness centres that offer a variety of treatments designed to promote relaxation and well-being.”
Jesse Morris
Africa
was Born
in me...
Mama Africa’s Medicinal Plants, And How We Can Harness Her Healing Power
“I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me”
While Kwame Nkrumah is credited with this quote, it is something that each person connected to Africa in some way, shape or form can relate to. From its rolling hills and valleys to its high mountains and flowing rivers, its ever-stretching deserts, its forests, flowers and flowing grasslands. The majestic seas, its animals, the smell of the rain on dusty earth, the people, the culture and of course its many ancient traditions and secrets.
One of the many traditions and secrets Africa is home to a rich variety of medicinal plants that have been used for centuries. These plants, sometimes are referred to as “Africa’s pharmacy”, form a large part traditional healthcare, particularly in regions where access to modern medical facilities is limited. With biodiversity spanning deserts, savannas, rainforests, and mountains, our continent holds an abundant variety of plants with unique medicinal properties. Below we explore some of the African medicinal plants and their traditional uses, and now how many of these are being backed by modern science.
1. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Known for its soothing properties, Aloe Vera is widely used across the globe. Its gel, extracted from the succulent leaves, can be applied directly to burns, wounds, and rashes to assist with healing. Having anti-inflammatory properties and being rich in vitamins A, C, and E, makes it beneficial for moisturising and nourishing the skin. In some African cultures, the juice of the Aloe Vera plant is ingested to assist with digestive problems such as constipation and gastritis.
2. Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis)
Rooibos, directly translated from Afrikaans into as “red bush,” is a South African plant known for its distinctive reddish colour and antioxidant-rich properties. Grown in the Cederberg region of the Western Cape, Rooibos is regularly prepared as a caffeine-free tea, rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Rooibos is widely used for digestive issues, to soothe stomach cramps, and to promote restful sleep. The antioxidants in Rooibos are believed to reduce inflammation, support heart health, and aid in managing diabetes by stabilising blood sugar levels. The tea’s unique anti-inflammatory effects have also led to its use in skin care, where it helps to alleviate eczema and acne.
3. African Ginger (Siphonochilus aethiopicus)
Native to South Africa, African Ginger, also called wild ginger, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Traditionally, it has been used to relieve the effects of colds, flu, and sore throats. African Ginger is also known for its effectiveness in reducing nausea. The root can be chewed fresh or prepared as a tea, offering relief from pain and digestive discomfort.
4. Baobab (Adansonia digitata)
The iconic Baobab tree, found in abundance across the African savannas, is revered as a “tree of life” due to its numerous health benefits. Its fruits are rich in vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants. In traditional African medicine, Baobab fruit pulp is used to boost immunity, treat fever, and improve digestion. Its leaves, when prepared as a tea, are used to treat respiratory ailments and fatigue. The
seeds of the tree are also a rich source of protein adding to its nutritional and medicinal properties.
5. Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Devil’s Claw, a plant native to the Kalahari Desert of Namibia and Botswana, is highly valued for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Often used to treat arthritis and muscle pain, the dried roots are prepared into teas, or capsules. Studies have shown that Devil’s Claw can reduce pain and improve mobility in individuals with osteoarthritis, making it an increasingly popular natural remedy for joint pain around the world.
6. African Potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea)
The African Potato found in southern Africa, has a long history of use in traditional medicine in the Zulu, Basotho, and isiXhosa cultures support immune health and for its anti-inflammatory properties. The plant contains sterols and sterolins, compounds that are said to regulate the immune system., while extracts from the African Potato are used to alleviate symptoms of chronic illnesses, including arthritis, asthma, and even certain cancers.
7. Moringa (Moringa oleifera)
While regularly referred to as “Africa’s miracle tree”, Moringa grows throughout African and is renowned for its nutritional value. The leaves, seeds, and pods of Moringa contain high levels of protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins, and have all been used in traditional medicine, to treat malnutrition, hypertension, and digestive problems. Its antioxidant properties help in reducing inflammation, and it is considered beneficial for diabetes management by controlling blood sugar levels.
8. Honeybush (Cyclopia spp.)
Indigenous to the mountainous regions of South Africa, Honeybush is a plant whose leaves and stems are used to make a caffeine-free herbal tea. Known for its mild sweetness and soothing effect, Honeybush is traditionally used to treat coughs, colds, and menopausal symptoms. Due to it being high in antioxidants, it is sometimes used as a remedy for digestive issues and to support overall wellness. Honeybush tea has become popular globally due to its pleasant taste and health benefits.
Conclusion
The medicinal plants of Africa offer invaluable benefits to those who are open to more traditional remedies which are deeply rooted in our continents traditional medicine. Today, there is an ever growing global interest in natural and holistic healthcare, African medicinal plants are gaining recognition for their potential. However, sustainable harvesting and ethical research are critical to preserving these plants for future generations. Conservation efforts are essential to ensuring that these treasures of African biodiversity continue to benefit both local communities and the wider world.
Traditional herbal wisdom not only serves as an alternative to modern medicine but also as a complement to it, paving the way for integrative healthcare that draws from both traditional and scientific knowledge.
*The above does not constitute medical advice
Chris Midgley
Digital Marketing Specialist at TrevPAR Digital
Q & A Corner : Tanya Lopes
Healing Destinations : Embracing Wellness through Health & Mediacal Tourism
You mentioned that you studied Somatology at Centro Nacional de Estetica in Porto Portugal in 1999. What or who inspired you to go into this profession and study somatology?
My journey was really a sequence of universal alignments that took me down this journey. At the age of 16 to finance my social life, I started working at a cosmetic counter in a department store. I always excelled in sciences and loved chemistry so I loved understanding the products, formulations an how they worked. Gratefully I had an extraordinary public speaking teacher at school which in turn with passion in information I loved selling cosmetics.
After finishing High School I actually started studying Psychology and after completing the first 2 years I immigrated with my family to Portugal which meant continuing with my Degree difficult. I had started a small business after doing a Nail Tech Course whilst studying at university, again to give me a bit of an additional income for my university expenses. Once I arrived in Portugal and realised that I needed to consider other options I decided to study Somatology. Now with retrospection I realise that culmination of these skills have helped me be a better person and leader to my team. Understanding the mind and the complexities of how its affected whilst also understanding the power of relaxation and the connection between guest and therapist manifests a space for love and healing. This value is in essence what I strived to work towards.
You have had such an impressive career, from studying Somatology in Portugal to leading prestigious spas in London and finally joining Saxon Hotel, Villas, and Spa. What were some of the key milestones and challenges in your journey that shaped your career?
I was fortunate enough to attend a small Catholic School, excellence was an expectation both Academically, Culturally and in Sports. I believe that these values became part of my core expectation of myself and in my career choices. My goals have always been to be the very best version of myself and therefore I always targeted the best in my industry. This was most importantly to work with the best leaders in the industry who I would learn such a tremendous amount from and became my greatest mentors and have moulded me into my career.
I have to say that all of my applications where declined mostly because I was a young overambitious applicant
who didn’t meet the criteria for the positions I applied for.
No, has never been a deterrent for Wme and I am a firm believer that sometimes you have to take one step back to take 10 steps forward. So my strategy is if I get my foot in the door in any position then I would have the opportunity to prove myself and work myself up. Believe it or not my first job in London in a 5 star Spa I accepted a job as the tea lady and managed to work myself to Assistant Manager in 6 months. I am so grateful for the leaders who mentored me over the years and was so fortunate to work under some of the legends in the industry at the time which expanded my knowledge of the business as a whole and the leadership qualities I needed to learn to achieve great performance. As a Junior Manager in London reporting to a Director where unsubstantiated excuses without statistics and action plans was absolutely non-negotiable, there was allot of tears at my desk but her guidance and expectation for nothing but the best gave me the values I still set myself today. Then of course coming home and hearing about our legendary George Cohen and working under such an inspirational leader has given me the platform to create the visions I always wanted.
The re-build of the Saxon Spa has been a significant achievement. Can you share some insights into what made this project so special and what you are most proud of about the new spa?
When I joined the Saxon in 2015, there was a plan for a soft refurbishment. However after having done sever al project builds, I felt that the guest Journey wasn’t right and the cost of the refurbishment would also not create future revenue potential. When I conceptualize a spa I go through the 5 senses. How do I walk the space what must it feel like, sound like and smell like. Above all a valuable skill I was taught in London is, is the current square meterage allocated to the area allowing for maximum revenue potential. After a new proposal and feasibility, the project was approved.
The WOW factor is also something that is very core to conceptualization and incorporating design and healing together are also key. And from there the key elements of Copper and Rose Quartz became main features in spa. These both add to a space that has positive energy whilst filling the spaces with healing love. My greatest thanks is to Mr Cohen and the board who intrusted me with this
vision and gave me the carte blanche to re-create the spa. If I reflect on my 9 year journey at the Saxon and to reflect on its evolution. The Spa like most hotel spas was always seen as an extended offering to the hotel.
The Saxon Spa has become a credited Nationally and Internationally for not only our bespoke offering but also for our exceptional standards, our welcoming and intuitive service and the exceptional quality of our therapists. We are proud as a team and hold these values high. The success of the spa has and its recognition in the market has now evolved into the Saxon Spa becoming its own brand identity within The Saxon Hotel Group.
I am super excited to now being part of the development of the Saxon Spa at Steyn City, which will offer some unique wellness state of the art technology which will create some of the most innovative wellness offerings in Africa.
You have designed bespoke Signature Therapies and introduced wellness programs. What inspires your approach to creating these unique experiences, and how do they reflect the values and vision of Saxon Spa?
Naturally I feel that studying industry trends and staying relevant is important to innovation and my personal drive and motivation. Signature services are an essential part of establishing your unique selling point in a saturated market. This offers you a opportunity to create a unique offering which is memorable to your Spa. This therefore reinforces the WOW factor and additionally provides a marketing and PR opportunity. I aim to develop one per year.
With the development of the Soul by Saxon Bath and Body Range, we have used this platform to create Signature Journeys which are inspired by the rich diversity of anxiety African herbs which have been used over centuries for there healing properties. I work with my therapist to understand traditional herbs and actives, creating individual treatments ensuring we encompass our guests needs whilst ensuring we hold true the very best therapy south africa has to offer.
We are evolving more and more into a more wellness focused direction which encompasses mind, body and soul. I feel that as society gallops into a more technological world which has created a detachment of human interaction there is a more conscious shift into understanding wellness values and integrating it into our lifestyles. The UN has actually recently proclaimed wellness as a key human right.
Saxon Spa has received numerous awards, including the World Spa of the Year for six years. How do you and your team continue to innovate and maintain such high standards of excellence in the industry?
We have a motto which we hold at the forefront of every day. It’s a Maya Angelou quote “People will forget what you said and what you did but they will never forget how you made them feel.” I am very fortunate to have probably the best therapists I have ever worked with. Any person can study Somatology and learn the sequence taught. A true therapist has a natural healing quality which I believe comes intuitively
as true healers. This is trait that is a requirement I look for in any new candidate. Most of my team have been with the Saxon from 5 to 20 years. There pride in their work and their core love to provide healing encourage their determination for excellence.
Tanya Lopes
“We
are evolving more and more into a more wellness focused direction which encompasses mind, body and soul. ”
For more information on Saxon SPA Visit : www.saxon.co.za
Saxon Hotel Spa Manager
Healing Destinations : Embracing Wellness through Health & Mediacal Tourism Q & A Corner : Amani Spa
You mentioned the evolution of your vision for Amani Spa & Wellness over the past 18 years. How has this vision developed, and what role has Africa played in shaping it?
Wellness has come a long way since Amani first began, and so has our ability to fulfil my original vision which has remained unchanged: helping people to transform their lives. Back in 2006, holistic healing wasn’t even a buzzword; today, it’s become a lifestyle, and expectations around wellness have reached new levels. This evolution has only amplified what we set out to do from the start.
Over the years, our skills development programmes have grown in depth and reach, allowing us to make a bigger impact. We’re now equipping individuals from diverse communities with the skills to become not only professional therapists but also leaders and managers in this industry. The incredible people we work with, the destinations that inspire healing, and Africa’s rich botanicals—these are just a few of the aspects of Africa have helped to make Amani what it is today.
Eighteen years of experience have sharpened our tools, refined our wisdom, and strengthened our techniques. The vision was always to foster transformation, but today, we’re able to achieve this on a far greater scale, creating lasting impact in ways I couldn’t have imagined when we started.
You have spoken about the challenge of integrating luxury with sustainable hospitality. What were some of the key obstacles you encountered, and how did you overcome them?
Integrating luxury with sustainable hospitality has definitely been a journey, especially when it comes to staying true to our African roots. Historically, luxury in wellness was all about imported products, overseastrained therapists, and protocols set to global standards. But we live in Africa, and Africa itself is as much a part of wellness as the therapist, treatment, or product.
One of the key challenges was shifting away from those traditional luxury norms and embracing an authentic, African-centred approach. We started creating signature treatments rooted in African healing techniques and developed product ranges inspired by Africa’s natural apothecary. We focused on upskilling and empowering local
talent, nurturing therapists to become ambassadors of Amani’s values. This approach is not only more authentic but has been incredibly well-received by our guests who value that genuine connection to the land and its people.
Sustainability, for us, means living in harmony with Africa. It’s about respecting this land, working with its people, and ensuring that our practices leave a positive impact socially, environmentally, and economically. By integrating fully into Africa, we’ve created a wellness experience that’s not just luxurious but truly rooted in a sense of place and purpose.
You have highlighted Amani Spa & Wellness’s impact on local communities and women’s empowerment. Can you share a specific example of how these initiatives have been effective in achieving these positive impacts?
Amani has always been committed to making a positive impact on local communities, especially when it comes to women’s empowerment. One initiative that stands out is our partnership project in Richards Bay, South Africa, which we launched with support from South32 and the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme. Through this programme, we provided eight unemployed women from the local community with a six-week SETA-accredited skills development training in the spa and beauty sector.
These women gained not only technical skills but also the confidence and knowledge needed to thrive in professional environments. As part of this programme, one participant was promoted to a team mentor role, further strengthening her leadership capabilities. Since completing their training, many of these women have moved on to roles at other spas within Amani and beyond, earning significantly more than they did before—some are now making over three times their initial income during the programme.
Seeing these women flourish and become skilled professionals who contribute meaningfully to their communities has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to how impactful skills development and empowerment initiatives can be when they’re grounded in local needs and executed with genuine care and commitment.
You mentioned balancing innovation with tradition in your spa services. How do you manage this balance, and which emerging trends are you most excited about?
At Amani, we approach innovation as a way to bring us closer to our guests rather than creating distance. While technology can sometimes feel cold or impersonal, we use it to make our relationships and interactions more meaningful and personal than ever. We’ve invested heavily in our digital infrastructure, which allows us to craft a seamless customer journey that begins long before a guest arrives and continues well after they depart. By developing a unified guest profile across all of our spas, we eliminate the typical administrative hassle—no matter which spa a guest visits, we know their preferences, their wellness goals, and exactly how to serve them best.
What excites me? The global wellness movement, particularly since COVID, has shifted towards empowering people to take control of their own health, reducing reliance on Western medicine alone. People now seek preventive and holistic approaches, and we’re embracing cutting-edge treatments that support this shift. Beyond sleep therapy, cryotherapy, and mindfulness, we’re exploring light therapy, infrared saunas, and biohacking methods that help guests optimise their health and healing.
This wellness wave has opened doors to treatments that allow people to actively participate in their own health journeys. Instead of dependency on medication, guests can explore natural, alternative therapies that help address both the body and mind. It’s an exciting time in wellness, and we’re committed to staying at the forefront—helping our guests lead healthier, more fulfilling lives and achieve a lasting sense of well-being. This is only the beginning, and we’re thrilled to be part of it.
You have emphasized the importance of inclusion, diversity, and empathy in your work. How are these values reflected in the daily operations and strategic goals of Amani Spa & Wellness?
I believe our brand promise says it all… We are committed to continuously improving through selfawareness, self-development, and innovation. We are driven by our passion for excellence. We do what’s right, not just what’s expected, respecting both people and planet in our behaviour. Our promise to you is simple: To be authentically human and to exceed your expectations through a genuine and personal connection and exceptional service. We are here for you, because of you.
Our vision is to help people to transform their lives. By living happier lives, they make a contribution to the overall health and wellbeing of the planet and make the world a better place.
Our mission is to inspire and empower like-minded businesses to develop, conceptualise, and operate successful spas that will ultimately transform their customers’ lives through guest experiences designed around wellness.
Ronleigh Gaddin
Amani
Spa & Wellness - CEO & Founder
“Amani has always been committed to making a positive impact on local communities, especially when it comes to women’s empowerment.”
For more information on Amani Spa Visit : www.amanispas.co.za
