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.