Exclusive spa wins Kenya coveted world trophy

Perhaps better known as the man who used to date Naomi Campbell, few are aware that the Kenyan coast is also home to Flavio Briatore, one of the world’s most flamboyant millionaires.

An investor in the lucrative Formula 1 motorsport industry, Mr Briatore is said to be worth $150 million, but he’s most famous for his high spending and flashy girlfriends, having been linked with a string of models like Heidi Klum and being the proud owner of a $22 million yacht.

Apart from the Force Blue yacht, which is a converted icebreaker with 12 suites and an on-board Turkish bath, Mr Briatore also owns the fancy Twiga Club in Tuscany, a super exclusive Sardinian beach club aptly called Billionaire; and a secluded spa known as Lion in the Sun in Malindi, which is often rented by superstars in need of private getaways in sunny, little-known spots.

This month, the Lion in the Sun Spa was gifted by the prestigious high fashion magazine Tatler with the title of “The world’s best spa”.
For spas, the Tatler awards are the equivalent of the ‘Oscar’ awards common in the film sector, and are just as highly coveted.

Unlike other awards that involve competition between category nominees, Tatler trophies are done without the knowledge of a facility owner.

Specially appointed agents are booked into various global hotels and spas where they then carry out tests to verify the quality of the facility.

Once this is completed, owners of the winning facilities are informed of the results. To the winners of the coveted award, this often comes both as a surprise and an addition to their business’ rating.

Although Lion in the Sun group owns two spas under the Henri Chenot brand; one in Malindi and another in Merano Italy that attracts high ranking global personalities, the group is delighted with the victorious award won by the Kenyan spa.

The little hideaway on Kenya’s coast is frequented by discerning visitors who travel miles to indulge themselves in detoxifying treatments.

“Our main concept is detoxing. Clients are served with special food and diet that minimises the supply of toxins while at the same time special treatments are implemented in order to help the patient expel the biggest amounts of toxins possible for that individual,” said Dr Pierino Liana, the Chairman Lion in the Sun group.

This specialisation in draining the body of toxins has made the Spa drift away from the more popular concept of a spa business.
“Our Spa is not a beauty Spa,” said Dr Liana.

Lion in the Sun has been able to tap into high-end clientele mainly seeking detoxifying services thus their main strength and the secret behind their success in business.

Surprisingly for many Kenyans, the niche getaway spot has existed for the last 15 years, coming into existence when Mr Briatore sold some of his property that was previously his private residence.

“At the beginning, we owned few properties for private use including Lion in the Sun that was a private residence for Mr Briatore.

Four years ago we decided to transform Lion in the Sun into a highly exclusive retreat with a worldwide recognised health Spa,” said Dr Liana.