Mvula Spa: The first boutique spa now open in Victoria Falls

  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Tastemakers
  4. /
  5. Mvula Spa: The first...

The first boutique spa in Victoria Falls has opened its doors to international guests and locals alike.

Mvula Spa is located at the town’s first adults-only lodge, Shongwe Oasis Boutique Lodge & Spa.

Owned and managed by aesthetician Avalon Van Leent, Mvula Spa offers high-end, boutique treatments for guests, using industry-leading products along with her own cruelty-free, vegan, organic skincare range, AM Cosmetics.

Avalon said she is excited to lift the standard of spa care in Victoria Falls, a popular tourist town.

“We offer luxury treatments, like paraffin wax pedicures, regenerative AM Cosmetics facials, Bio Sculpture Gel nails, natural clay body wraps and scrubs, aromatic infused bubble baths, massages with natural soy-based aromatherapy and hot stones, all done using locally-sourced therapeutic botanicals.

“That gives our treatments a unique, local twist available exclusively at Mvula Spa.”

Mvula Spa features a dual treatment room, which can be opened out for couples’ massages, both of which have a living wall complete with outdoor showers. A private bathing therapy room also features its own living wall, and the Spa is finished off with a manicure and pedicure area.

Guests also have access to Shongwe Oasis’ jacuzzi and pool, along with its open-air restaurant and bar.

Avalon studied Holistic and Spa Therapies abroad and holds a CIDESCO Diploma, considered the world’s most prestigious qualification for aesthetics and spa therapy.

She worked with leading skincare brands onboard a five-star cruise liner, and ran her own salon in Australia, which she says gave her invaluable international experience in developing her own proudly Zimbabwean-owned skincare range, AM Cosmetics.

“Our guests deserve the very best, as this is an international tourist destination. Not only that, they want to know the products we are using are cruelty-free, and eco-friendly. Mvula Spa meets all of those needs.”

Shongwe Oasis Managing Director Jamie Henson said the spa made sense for the lodge, given that it is the first adults-only accommodation offering to open in Victoria Falls.

“Victoria Falls is typically the first or the last stop on a couples’ holiday. Either they have come off a long-haul flight or they have come out of the bush on safari, and they are looking for some deep relaxation and some pampering.”

“Being a family-owned and operated company we really can focus on making sure our guests get individual care, and the Spa is an integral part of our offering. We’re excited to have Avalon onboard.”

The spa was designed by Inarc Design, the Harare-based company behind the Shongwe Lodges.

Picture of Travel Essence Magazine

Travel Essence Magazine

View All Articles

Recent Articles

Social Share

Latest Issues

Travel Essence Magazine March 2025

Travel Essence Magazine Year End Issue

Travel Essence Magazine Jul-Aug 2024

Travel Essence Magazine May June 2024

Travel Essence Magazine March-April 2024

Related Articles

Tastemakers

Mike Tavares on creating access to Africa through travel tech platform
JOHAN DU PLESSIS - travelessencemag

Tastemakers

I would say it began at the moment of conceptualisation—before our doors even opened or the name was officially registered
Sheri Fazleabas on Crafting Memorable Journeys

Tastemakers

For Sheri Fazleabas, travel isn’t just about seeing the world—it’s about experiencing it in deeply personal, transformative ways.

Tastemakers

Discover how the African safari experience is evolving into a journey like no other.

Pulse in the City

It’s under a 90-minute drive from Downtown Dubai, making it a perfect escape even during the week. That was our quest; to see if it was in fact practical to steal a day away from the city by heading

Pulse in the City

Nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek exudes an old-world charm that captivates visitors with its picturesque vineyards, gourmet restaurants, and breathtaking scenery.

Pulse in the City

A welcoming nook with food and stories to nourish your soul. At the heart of Hoya, you'll immerse yourself in tales of the food, the people around you or the stories that you bring along.

Comments

TravelEssence Magazine logo for African travel, culture, and safari tours.

Stay informed on new content and upcoming trips by joining our mailing list