Holistic wellness harnessing African botanicals and traditional healing at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Nestled in the foothills of the Virunga volcano range in northwest Rwanda, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, opening in November 2019, will offer guests the rare opportunity to view majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The closest resort to the entrance of the national park, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest promises once-in-a-lifetime-experiences in an exceptional natural location, with expansive guest lodges, locally-sourced farm-to-table cuisine, thrilling wildlife encounters, experiences that celebrate the local culture and wellness treatments inspired by nature.

One&Only Spa at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest will be a secluded sanctuary, offering guests benefit-driven holistic treatments that harness the power of African botanicals to soothe the body, mind and spirit, as well as target post-trek recovery. The resort has partnered with Terres d’Afrique, a sustainable, natural skincare brand from Africa to create a spa experience that is exclusive to One&Only Gorilla’s Nest. Terres d’Afrique use plant-based ingredients indigenous to Africa, together with ancient tribal remedies, creating products that combine science and tradition in equal measure. Working directly with local farmers, Terres d’Afrique ethically and sustainably source natural ingredients, embracing fair trade principles and uplifting rural producers.

Designed with a modern African-inspired aesthetic, guests will be able to rejuvenate, immersed in the sights and sounds of the wild, as the One&Only Spa will have two forest-facing treatment rooms, as well as a separate Club One surrounded by Eucalyptus trees. Club One will be home to a relaxation room complete with heated swimming pool, open-air plunge pool framed by nature, steam and sauna experiences and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.

One&Only Spa will offer a nurturing treatment menu that combines traditional African-inspired healing practices with a holistic wellness approach. Signature treatments will include Essence of Rose and Forest Coffee and Coconut, both exclusive to One&Only Gorilla’s Nest. Inspired by the resort’s rose garden, Essence of Rose is a two-hour journey focused on boosting energy levels and stimulating the immune system. A full body crystal massage, combining acupressure with hot and cold massage techniques, is followed by a rosewater and Rose Roller facial, using active compounds from African botanicals to stimulate production of collagen and elastin. The treatment concludes with a relaxing bath with absolute rose and rose petals.

The Forest Coffee and Coconut treatment is influenced by the history of Rwandan coffee, one of most important commodities in the Musanze District, the location of One&Only Gorilla’s Nest. This enlivening, 90-minute treatment begins with a full body exfoliation using ground local, organic coffee beans and warm coconut oil, followed by a body-balancing and detoxifying full body massage using pindas, a warm poultice filled with heated coffee seeds.

After a full day of gorilla trekking in the Virunga mountains, guests will be able to ease tired muscles with the exclusive Post Trek & Travel Treatment, specifically designed to treat the mind and body after a long hike or overseas flight. Inducing deep relaxation, the treatment focuses on the back of the body, combined with lymphatic drainage and slow, soothing strokes to improve circulation and reduce swelling. The treatment uses Terres D’Afrique Deep Tissue Gel which is made from Aloe Ferox, a plant native to South Africa with an anti-inflammatory effect, and Eucalyptus which is a natural pain reliever. Terres D’Afrique Menthol Spray is used in tandem to treat sore joints and muscles, creating a cooling effect that eases pain leaving guests ready for their next adventure. Additional treatments will include the Pinda Signature Massage which uses baobab seeds and Eucalyptus to eliminate toxins; Afrique Deep Tissue Release which will harness essential oils and a traditional Mopani African wooden ball to relieve muscle tension; and Afrique Mystique, an anti-aging facial utilising wooden wands to enhance lifting and firming.

Eucalyptus from the surrounding forest will be incorporated into the pre- and post-treatment journey – before each treatment, guests will receive a foot ritual and inhalation bowl made from fresh Eucalyptus leaves and following the treatment, guests will be gifted a Eucalyptus and sisal bracelet. A smaller menu of in-room treatments will also be available for guests that prefer to enjoy spa treatments in the privacy of their guest lodge or suite.

As with all One&Only resorts, holistic wellbeing will be at the heart of the experience, and in addition to the fitness centre equipped with industry-leading Technogym^® equipment, the resort will offer exhilarating outdoor activities from morning fitness trails to Forest Gym workouts. Guests can explore the surrounding villages and scenery with a mountain bike adventure or hike, or for a slower more relaxing pace, realign the body and mind at the daily yoga session. This wellness ethos will also extend to the culinary offering which will utilise locally-sourced, fresh produce with vegan and gluten-free options always available.

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest will welcome guests from 1 November 2019. Rates for 2019 start from US$2,000 for single occupancy in a Forest King Lodge and includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, non-alcoholic beverages and 2 complimentary activities per person, per day. Trekking with the majestic mountain gorillas is an additional charge. For more information or reservations, please visit: oneandonlyresorts.com