From massages that use gold particles to soothe the physique and soul to mobile phone apps, spas are following in the wake of Uber by delivering everything from beauty products to bikini waxes to your home with ordering done from your comfort zone.
The spa market is growing as Kenyans splurge cash on luxurious and therapeutic experiences designed to deliver peace of mind, pleasure and health.
From massages that use gold particles to soothe the physique and soul to mobile phone apps, spas are following in the wake of Uber by delivering everything from beauty products to bikini waxes to your home with ordering done from your comfort zone.
Villa Rosa Kempinski launched a mobile app—SpaBooker— for spa-goers who want to book their massages and other treatments.
“The app allows someone to choose a therapist, whether you want a Thai masseuse or a Kenyan one, pick the time and type of treatment,” said Susan Oyugi, the Kempinski Spa supervisor.
1,400 spa-goers
Abdelhamid Mousa, the spa manager, said they attract about 700 to 800 people every month but with online booking, they anticipate the numbers to go up to 1,400.
‘‘ Sometimes one tries to book for a massage at 6 a.m just after waking up with fatigue and that time phones may not go through. By the time the spa opens, that person may be busy. With SpaBooker, you can book online or even buy body treatments,” he said.
SpaBooker app is the latest development in the wellness market even as demand for massage services see Kenyans dial a masseuse.
Back rubs or even a wax job can now be done at home and the masseuse comes armed with a massage table.
Rahab Mugure, is one of the masseuses who does house calls and has been at it for over 25 years now.
“Most of the people who call me for home massages live in Karen, Muthaiga and Westlands,’’ she said.
For those who live far, they have to pay extra for fuel costs. She massages about five people a day and adds that her business has grown through word-of-mouth.
She has specialised in relaxation and blood circulation massage, reflexology and pregnancy and motherhood massages and charges per hour.
She also does massages during baby showers and weddings.
“I even have a wedding coming up on October 21 with 200 people who want massages. I have teamed up with my four sisters. We work together when I get such big orders and sometimes we hire more hands to help,” she said.
Gold massage
Petra Somen, the managing director of Serenity Spa which is located in Nairobi’s Gigiri, said although they do not offer house calls massage services and have no apps, they have a way of keeping their clients coming.
“A lot of people live a very hectic and busy lifestyle hence we don’t remind our clients with yet another app. We call them up,” said Ms Somen who has opened another spa in Kitisuru.
Among her premium treatments that draws people to the spa is the gold body and face therapy. “Yes, it has little gold particles,” she said.
The spa business is thriving and the Global Wellness Institute has identified sub-Saharan Africa as the fastest growing market in the world, expected to grow at 21.9 per cent every year.
For Serenity Spa, the pregnancy and motherhood package tops their list of most requested massage.
‘‘Pregnancy is a delicate phase in the life for any woman hence we like to pamper them with relaxing massages, scrubs and facials, said Ms Somen.
This comes with foot massages which releases water retention in the feet.
“Post-pregnancy massages are also real treats for any new mum who needs time out which is often the case… No sleep, no me time can drain the most robust mums,” she said.
