Zanzibar Spa Wellness feat. Zanzibar Henna

Zanzibar Spa Wellness - Singo Briefing

One of the beauty treatments offered at Mrembo is called singo. A natural scrub traditionally used when a Zanzibar girl is preparing for her marriage. Singo is prepared by Swahili women; it is a magically scented mix of different flowers like fresh Jasmin, Kilua, Ylang Ylang flowers and rose petals combined with cloves and sandalwood. Prior to applying a little Mrashi (rosewater) is added and than the mix is applied to the bride to be a few days before she gets married. This is a big ceremony exclusively for women who all gather in much excitement and apply the Singo to the bride. The bride to be undergoes a daily singo, the scrub exfoliating her skin, leaving her fragrant and glowing, with skin as soft as silk. Many of the ingredients of the Singo are also used in daily life like garlands for weddings or to seduce one another by arranging them on the bed.

Zanzibar Spa photo: Prepwork at Mrembo.

On Pemba, couples scrub each other at the same time; men rub their beloved with singo, while women use the invigorating clove based scrub known as vidonge for their husband. Vidonge is another important Swahili treatment derived from the past. It is made from the remains of clove stems and buds, after they have been distilled to make clove oil. The stems and buds are pressed into a small ball, with a little rose water. The result is a coarse, warming scrub, leaving skin energized and fresh.en enjoy a heat sensation after which they feel completely invigorated. The vidonge is said to increase men’s libido and stamina and could be a perfect gift to take home.

Swahili massage treatments include hot sand massage and kukandwa. In a hot sand massage, sand is heated and tied into a muslin parcel, then applied to the skin to alleviate pain or inflammation, opening the pores and bringing a medicinal heat to the muscles. Elderly Swahili people use the old, traditional massage kukandwa using mbarika leaves (castor seed). The leaves are soaked in hot water prior to applying them, which opens up the pores and relieves fatigue after giving birth, sport injuries and exhaustion.

Zanzibar Spa Wellness - Zanzibar Henna Briefing

Zanzibar Henna is also an important beauty ritual on the archipelago of Unguja and Pemba and is made of the dried leaves of the henna tree. Nowadays many places unfortunately use the very aggressive piko which has absolutely nothing to do with natural henna and is actually nothing more than hair dye.

Zanzibar Spa photo: Zanzibar henna painting.

Real Zanzibar henna painting takes time, with Zanzibari patterns combining elements from Arabic, Indian and African styles. The henna powder is mixed with black tea and lime juice to retrieve a darker color and must be applied at least twice to get a good result.

At Mrembo, you can try most of these little known and 100% natural treatments, which make you feel relaxed and fulfilled. You will also be able to spend an entire day pampering yourself with various treatments, sip ginger/lemon- grass tea, and learn about Henna and other Zanzibari beauty traditions, whilst listening to the melodious sounds of Taarab music.

Zanzibar Spa Wellness - List of Services & Tariffs

All our scrubs and specialty treatments are combined with a massage containing therapeutic, firming and relaxation elements. Our Zanzibari team at Mrembo is trained by professional therapists from Canada and Brazil. Most treatments will take an hour and end with the scrub, after which you will shower. This is done since we do not want to disturb you in the middle of the treatment. Should you wish to finish you treatment with one of our home made oils to nourish your skin please feel free to ask our therapists.

Mrembo Aromatic Massages

Mrembo Massage

USD 40 p.p.

Foot Massage 30 minutes

USD 25 p.p.

Head, Back, & Foot Massage

USD 40 p.p.

Body Scrubs

Traditional Singo Scrub

USD 45 p.p.

Zanzibar Spice Scrub

USD 45 p.p.

Coconut Body Treatment

USD 45 p.p.

Matemwe Sand Scrub

USD 40 p.p.

Pemba Kidonge Clove packing

USD 45 p.p.

Packings & Parcels

Mbarika (Castor seed hot leaf )

USD 40 p.p.

Hot Sand Parcel

USD 40 p.p.

Compilation spice parcel

USD 45 p.p.

Crushed lime and coconut parcel

USD 45 p.p.

Other Treats

Mrembo Manicure

USD 30 p.p.

Pedicure

USD 35 p.p.

Herbal Facial

USD 40 p.p.

Hair and Scalp Treatment

USD 40 p.p.

Henna Ceremony

USD 15 p.p.

Stone Town Escape Package

Pedicure, Mrembo Massage and henna ceremony

USD 85 p.p.

Mrembo Package

Massage & Body scrub of your choice, herbal facial and henna ceremony

USD 90 p.p.

Bridal Package for Couples

Singo for her, Kidonge clove for him, Pedicures for both, Surprise gift, special floral incense atmosphere

USD 175 p.2p.