In this issue of Professional Beauty we put the spotlight on a leading luxury spa in Zambia, at the Ciêla Resort just outside of Lusaka. Joanna Sterkowicz reports

‟THE SPA FEATURES separate MEN’S AND WOMEN’S LOUNGES and this was done for the COMFORT OF OUR GUESTS, as Zambia is a VERY RELIGIOUS and CONSERVATIVE COUNTRY. ″

T he Spa at Ciêla Resort opened in 2020, on 24 October (Zambia’s Independence Day). It operates under under Ciêla, Lusaka, a Tribute Portfolio Resort and Spa (formerly Bonanza Resort and Hotel). Says spa operations manager Samantha van Rooyen: “We joined Tribute Portfolio’s family of independent hotels under Marriott International in June 2021. The Franchise is owned by a company in Zambia called Bonanza Development Company.

“In the two years that the spa has been open, we have come to understand the needs and desires of our guests. As such, we are currently in the process of doing some upgrades and changes to the spa that should be completed by 2023 so that we fit in with the new feel of our Tribute Portfolio brand.”

She notes that Ciêla (which means ‘sky’ in Spanish) opened towards the end of the major Covid-19 restrictions in the spa industry. “Zambia, unlike South Africa, was not as strict in terms of pandemic regulations and I am only saying this as I was in South Africa working for another spa when Covid started and only left the country when spas were able to operate again under strict conditions.

‟ IN THE TWO YEARS that the SPA HAS BEEN open, we have come to UNDERSTAND THE NEEDS AND DESIRES of OUR GUESTS. As such, we are currently in the PROCESS OF doing some UPGR ADES AND CHANGES to the spa. ″

“Ciêla Spa obviously followed the necessary Covid guidelines mandated by the Ministry of Health, however we did have a case of a guest who was treated for the disease and staff who ended up getting Covid. So we had to close over a two-week period in December 2020. But by February 2021, business seemed normal again.”

Look & feel

Both spa and hotel operate under three specific pillars, the first being ‘Zambia Triumphant’.

Van Rooyen continues: “We are a country with a rich tapestry of cultural influences and try to channel the authentic spirit of what Zambia is today. Our spa has an international feel with a Zambian Twist, for instance all of our lighting is covered in hand-made woven baskets created by a local organisation.

“We also stock and use a locally made product call Essential Skincare. This brand is born out of a love for Africa and offers a range of products infused with the spirit of the continent. It harnesses a powerhouse of plant-based oils and extracts from African species that have adapted to cope with the harshest conditions on the planet. Main ingredients in the products include extracts from the baobab and mongongo trees.”

The second pillar is ‘The Light Sensation’, as the owners of the resort, staff and guests alike are captivated by the beauty of African skies and the surrounding flora. Large windows throughout the spa allow for a tranquil and natural look and feel.

Pillar number three is ‘Zambian Botanicals Revered’, where guests are able to feel the outside world drifting inwards, with an energy that always nurtures but never imposes.

Gender specific

The spa features separate men’s and women’s lounges. Van Rooyen explains: “This was done for the comfort of our guests, as Zambia is a very religious and conservative country.

“Over the years the spa industry has grown in this country and Zambians love a good pamper session. However, it is the male guests that I am trying to educate. In South Africa, some spas have more male guests then female, and my male guest numbers are slowly starting to grow. I did have to include a Male Grooming section in my menu so that men don’t get the sense of a spa being too feminine.”

‟ I ONLY ASK of my therapists to PERSONALISE the SPA JOURNEY for EACH GUEST and leave them with a LASTING MEMORY of a wonderful time they had at THE SPA AT CIELA RESORT. ″

On the menu

Children too have their own offerings on the treatment menu, with everything from Little Prince and Princess Massages, to Kids Facials and Hand & Foot Treatments.

“Kids in Zambia love a good pamper party and this is definitely a growing trend,” comments Van Rooyen. “Generally speaking, the Zambian spa industry has only really blossomed in the past two years. Interestingly, I’ve noted a big growth in Medi Spas that offer anti-wrinkle injections (toxins and dermal fillers) and quick result treatments.”

While Ciêla doesn’t have a signature treatment as such, it does offer a Zambian massage called Ukuchina Massage. This popular local treatment involves a manual massage followed by firm, but gentle pressing of hot towels soaked in hot water, with eucalyptus on problematic areas to help relieve tension. It is ideal for stress, tension, depression and post-natal recovery.

Unique selling points

Van Rooyen believes that Ciêla gives its guests a true spa journey, with therapists hand-picked to ensure the best experience. All therapists are local, with some holding international spa diplomas.

In addition, not only is there a Fitness Centre below the spa, there are also three hydro facilities, namely sauna, steam room and plunge pool. The spa also offers hair services and has a Kids Area where moms can drop off their children while they enjoy their pamper session.

Says Van Rooyen: “The promise that is being made by Ciêla to everyone who experiences the brand is that you are nurtured without ever losing sense of the glorious sunshine that brings such warmth and light to the surroundings. Here, you can settle into peacefulness, while simultaneously soaking up the high-spirited sense of calm that is imbued in every member of the Ciêla team. This is ingrained in every activity taking place across the grounds and gardens. Here, we give you the chance to experience the entire spectrum of Zambia’s glorious views, weather and activity, all from the most comfortable, calming and carefully created space. There is no separation between outside and in, or between countryside and resort.

“I only ask of my therapists to personalise the spa journey for each guest and leave them with a lasting memory of a wonderful time they had at The Spa at Ciela Resort. It is my belief that I have chosen the best brands to work with to give my guest amazing results from their treatments.”

In terms of guest profile, there is a good combination of both in-house and regular guests. There are 10 treatments rooms in total (six single, two couple rooms with a private shower, and 2 Vichy shower rooms).

The staff complement comprises of 11 therapists, a spa supervisor, two spa attendants and a gym instructor.

Van Rooyen is very active on the spa’s Instagram and Facebook pages, believing that this plays a huge part in growing footfall.