Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world (Wilkinson & Gathani, 2021) and in South Africa, 1 in every 27 women face the risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime (National Cancer Registry, 2023). These figures reveal an alarming reality for women around the world and in South Africa. However, NGO’s [...]
Some careers are chosen with precision. Others, like Yvette’s, begin with a detour that leads to a deeper understanding of Holistic healing. When her matric results were delayed, Yvette’s father insisted she couldn’t simply wait at home. He had a friend whose wife ran what he thought was a hair school. “Go for an interview,” [...]
In an industry dedicated to healing, balance, and vitality, leadership can often become the unseen backbone of success. For Julie van Rooyen, General Manager of Amani Spa & Wellness, leadership in wellness more than just managing operations, it’s about modelling the very values the industry promotes. For nearly two decades, Julie has carved a leadership [...]
Some wellness practitioners speak about healing. Others live it - quietly, consistently, and with deep presence. Wendy Marula Senior Spa Therapist at Amani Spa & Wellness at the Radisson Safari Hotel in Hoedspruit, is one such person. You feel it within seconds of meeting her: an energy that is unhurried, grounded, and deeply attuned. Guests [...]
Some women are born with a natural instinct to nurture. Lorraine Matshego, Head Therapist at Amani Spa at Shepherd’s Tree, found her path organically through childhood and instinctual healing—massaging her family, experimenting with make-up, and being told by those around her, “You’re gifted with people.” In 2018, she formalised that gift by completing her Cosmetology [...]
In this month’s Amani Star, we shine the spotlight on Sunette van der Merwe, Group Operations and Business Development Manager at Amani Spa & Wellness. Sunette brings three decades of experience across hospitality, spa management, and wellness leadership — across Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Her story is marked not only by personal [...]
In this month’s Amani Star, we shine the spotlight on Sunette van der Merwe, Group Operations and Business Development Manager at Amani Spa & Wellness. Sunette brings three decades of experience across hospitality, spa management, and wellness leadership — across Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Her story is marked not only by personal [...]
At the end of 2024, a shared dream took root. Tourvest Integrated Tourism Group, the Tourvest Foundation, AHA Hotels and Lodges, Nkambeni Safari Camp, the Nkambeni community, and Amani Spa & Wellness came together to launch a six-week Spa Therapist Skills Training and Development Programme. While the core training lasted six weeks, the full journey—including [...]
It’s no secret that the way we start our morning can set the tone for the rest of the day. How we spend those first moments after we wake up can dictate everything from our energy levels to our mood and productivity. But let’s face it: sticking to a routine when we’ve barely had our [...]
Himanshu Semwal’s journey into wellness was not just a career move; it was a calling. Born in the mountainous state of Uttarakhand, India, his path could have led him to engineering, as his family initially hoped. But deep down, he felt a pull towards something greater—something rooted in ancient wisdom. At 18, he made a [...]
