Holistic Wellness Harnessing African Botanicals
Nestled in the foothills of the Virunga volcano range in northwest Rwanda, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest offers 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 is 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.
The haven-like spa is designed with a modern African-inspired aesthetic, showcasing the serenity of the remote location. Guests are able to rejuvenate, immersed in the sights and sounds of the wild, with two forest-facing treatment rooms, as well as a separate Club One surrounded by Eucalyptus trees. Club One is 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.
The nurturing treatment menu combines traditional African-inspired healing practices with a holistic wellness approach. Signature treatments include Essence of Rose and Forest Coffee and Coconut, both exclusive to the resort. 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 can 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 include the Pinda Signature Massage which uses baobab seeds and Eucalyptus to eliminate toxins; Afrique Deep Tissue Release, a treatment that harnesses 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 is incorporated into the pre- and post-treatment journey – before each treatment, guests receive a foot ritual and inhalation bowl made from fresh Eucalyptus leaves and following the treatment, guests are gifted a Eucalyptus and sisal bracelet. A smaller menu of in-room treatments is also available for guests that prefer to enjoy spa treatments in the privacy of their guest room or suite.
As with all One&Only resorts, complete wellbeing is at the heart of the experience, and holistic therapies available include Reiki, Crystal Healing and Chakra Balancing treatments. The resort’s resident Reiki Master creates customised sessions inspired by nature to activate the natural and energetic healing process, leaving a sense of calm and clarity. Guests can also experience ancient Crystal Healing, using a personalised combination of crystals and essential oils to restore calm, or take time to repair their sense of alignment, replacing negative energy with positive, through guided Shakra Balancing, leading to an increase in energy levels, a release of negative emotions and stress relief.
In addition to the fitness centre equipped with industry-leading Technogym® equipment, the resort offers exhilarating outdoor activities from morning fitness trails to forest 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 with a yoga class on a private deck surrounded by the forest. This wellness ethos also extends to the culinary offering which uses locally sourced, fresh produce with vegan and gluten-free options always available.
For more information or reservations, please visit: oneandonlyresorts.com