June 24, 2025by mvhuyssteen

Wellness on the water

Wellness floats on the Chobe River

Travel has the power to expand our horizons, as we explore and discover new places, people and what the planet has to offer. But, let’s be honest, it can also be tiring. From long haul flights to busy itineraries, packing and moving locations – you may feel that you could do with some pampering.

That’s why wellness travel has become so popular. Today’s travellers and adventure seekers are looking for more than just sights and safaris, they want a holistic experience, where relaxation and a bit of hands-on spoiling is part of the journey. To combine the excitement of new discoveries and the wonder of nature with time to unwind, space to pause and moments to recharge.

Wellness belongs on a holiday

The Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis has embraced this growing trend with the introduction of a luxurious onboard spa. It brings an added layer of tranquillity to the already calm and peaceful pace of the 42-metre, 5-star floating boutique hotel that quietly glides along the Chobe River.

The quieter you become, the more you can hear ~ Ram Dass

A spa like no other

Unlike a traditional spa, the Zambezi Queen Spa floats. Here the sage green, sandy beige and natural stone décor treatment rooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows, showcase uninterrupted views across the water to the banks of the Chobe River.

The treatment menu, which uses ethically sourced Kalahari Lifestyle products by Frank Global, is tailored to the natural surroundings. Choose from a herbal compress massage, using handpicked regional botanicals or a hot river stone massage to release and ease any travel or city life tension. Facial and full-body treatments are designed to relax and revitalise.

All this while gently rocking to the rhythm of the water, with a soundtrack of bird calls, elephants trumpeting, hippos honking and lions roaring in the distance.

The balcony is the perfect setting for post-treatment relaxation, as you watch the passing wildlife parade at the water’s edge.

Wellness with purpose

What makes this spa even more meaningful is the story of community and female empowerment. It’s staffed by three therapists, all trained through a partnership with Skin Concepts Namibia. Cordelia Kaiba, a young therapist who grew up in a nearby Namibian village, was trained and upskilled through this initiative. Her journey is inspiring and is testament to what meaningful tourism can achieve.

‘I became a therapist to help people relieve stress and pain. Now I get to do this while learning and growing in a place I love’ ~ Cordelia Kaiba

Her passion for helping people and her dream to become a certified therapist reflects the broader vision of Mantis: Uplifting the communities in which it operates. It’s part of Mantis’ commitment to sustainable tourism that benefits both people and the planet.

Community upliftment

The Zambezi Queen Collection employs 130 Namibians from surrounding villages, 67% are women and is committed to their growth and development. Employees receive ongoing training which also includes areas such as first aid, boat safety and culinary skills, equipping them for their current roles and broader career opportunities. In partnership with Mantis Impact, they support environmental, conservation and agricultural initiatives, from installing boreholes for clean drinking water to providing transport solutions for schoolchildren, goods and medical access, as well as seeds for community food gardens. Conservation and community go hand-in-hand at all Mantis properties.

More than a spa

But the spa is just one aspect of the overall wellness offering which now includes yoga mats for sunrise or sunset salutations, Watt bikes and trampolines. These activities complement a new menu, filled with healthy choices including low calorie, low carb or even vegan dishes. All using fresh, locally sourced produce and prepared by locally trained Namibian chefs.

Travel and change of place impart new vigour to the mind ~ Seneca

A floating safari

The Zambezi Queen is renowned for its unique water-based safari experience, offering some of the best wildlife viewing on the banks of the Chobe National Park. The region is home to one of the biggest elephant populations in Africa, along with large numbers of buffalo, leopard and lion, various antelope and over 450 species of birds.

As you navigate down 25km of the Chobe River you may spot pods of hippo, Fish Eagles diving for their daily catch or watch various animals slowly meandering down to the river for an end of day drink – their very own sundowner.

From the moment you’re welcomed onboard, with traditional song and dance, the pace slows. You choose how to spend your day: Relaxing on your private deck, hopping onto a tender boat for a river excursion, trying your hand at tiger fishing or simply enjoying a massage at the spa.

With wellness offered as part of the journey, it has become a place to be nurtured, while being at one with nature.

The combination of wellness and wilderness creates something truly special ~ Kate Powell

Discover wellness, wilderness and warm hospitality all in one place

At Mantis we understand the need to find an antidote to the stresses of modern life. That’s why we offer eco-escapes and properties that integrate wellness activities and spa facilities.

Our ethos is simple: Leave destinations better than you found them. Our aim is to benefit and uplift local communities and protect ecosystems. This, not only to enrich guest experiences but to ensure that natural wonders and cultural treasures are preserved for future generations.

Aboard the Zambezi Queen, whether you opt for a hot river stone massage, pedalling a Watt bike on the deck, a sunrise yoga stretch or simply to indulge in fresh and healthy food options, the wellness and safari journey is yours to shape.

Because, when wellness and wilderness come together, something magical happens.