HOW TO STAY FIT IN THE AFRICAN BUSH: SABI SABI'S GYM WITH A VIEW

SABI SANDS, SOUTH AFRICA (10/13) – Animals are everywhere in the African bush, making exercise a formidable task. Staying in shape just got a whole lot easier for everyone at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve with the opening of Earth Lodge’s Gym – our vote for bestgym with a view.

Keep your adrenaline flowing after a game drive as you hop on a training bike and pretend you’re out back in the bush. In response to guest interest, Sabi Sabi built an intimate glass-fronted gym where you can hope to see animals pass in front of you as your burn off those calories. Though it can hold a few people at a time, it is equipped with a state of the art rowing machine, treadmills, a training bike, mats, weights and exercise balls. Not to mention the one thing that will make the time fly by: the view. 

Sweat towels and bottles of ice cold water are provided; while back at your suite, there’s a private plunge pool and outdoor shower to make you feel clean and refreshed.Earth Lodge’s unique design and philosophy of being totally at one with Nature lends itself to a healthy lifestyle. In addition to the gym, highly trained therapists take a holistic approach to treatments in the Amani Spa, and the chefs use the freshest seasonal and local ingredients.

Rates for Sabi Sabi’s Earth Lodge start at $1,023* per person sharing, depending on the season, and include game drives, environmental awareness walking safaris, all meals, a house selection of beverages and transfers to the Sabi Sabi airstrip. For reservations, contact res@sabisabi.com, email warren@warrengreenandassociates.com, or call (804) 767-8770. For more information, visit www.sabisabi.com.

*Based on the exchange rate between USD and South African Rand on 10/07/13.

RE-VAMPED HEALTH CLUB & SPA AT ABERDARE COUNTRY CLUB OFFERS RE-VITALIZING TREATMENTS FROM THREE CONTINENTS

NAIROBI, Kenya (08/2013) Aberdare Country Club (ACC), a luxury lodge and chalets set in a 1300-acre wildlife sanctuary 2 1/2 hours northeast of Nairobi, unveiled a new menu for its Health Club & Spa that includes treatments from three continents – Europe, Asia and Africa – at very affordable prices.

From Europe comes the long-time favorite Swedish Massage ($30, sixty minutes), the basis for all Western forms of massage treatment. The massage alleviates stiffness and fatigue, improves circulation and uses oils that soften the skin.

From Africa comes the Aromatherapy Massage ($35, sixty minutes). Aromatherapy can be traced back to ancient Egypt, when incense and aromatic oils and plants were used to cure a variety of ailments and were enlisted in sacred rituals to evoke separate states of consciousness. For the Aromatherapy Massage essential oils are customized to the individual. Two distinct but overlapping aspects of this treatment are employed to maximize the soothing effects on the body.

From India comes the Indian Head, Back & Shoulder Massage ($25, forty minutes), a treatment that delivers therapeutic benefits while turning the customer’s relaxation dial down to zero.  The Hindi word for head massage is “Champi,” an age-old tradition in Indian households: Mothers would stroke their daughter’s hair to promote its growth and health.  Aspects of this technique have been adapted to help calm the nervous system and relieve joint and muscle stiffness. While the nervous system is soothed, the lymphatic and circulatory systems are stimulated through varying strokes and pressure. Added benefit:  the massage diminishes tension headaches and reduces eye strain. 

ACC’s Health Club & Spa boasts a fully-equipped gym with the latest cardiovascular machines, free weights and a matted section for Pilates and/or aerobics. The facility includes rooms for massage, body therapy treatments and beauty care. Hours are 7:00 am to 8:00 pm, weekdays, week-ends and public holidays.

Contact:   kenyasales@marasa.net or Visit: www.aberdarecountryclub.com