This month heralds the arrival of Tanzania’s first ever ila spa treatments, at The Residence Zanzibar.

On the south-west coast of the mystical ‘Spice Island’, this 66 villa hideaway has long been a hotspot for those in search of a relaxing retreat – with its spacious private villas, welcoming hospitality, and idyllic location.

The draw will now be even greater thanks to ila’s new, exclusive treatment menu, using local ingredients and rituals.

Meaning ‘Earth’ in Sanskrit, ‘ila’ is passionate about the power of nature as the source of real wellness, using only the finest natural plant and mineral ingredients.

Working with The Residence Zanzibar allows ila to capture the rich culture of Zanzibar, and highlight the wellbeing properties of locally grown plants and herbs.

The exclusive ila treatments make use of honey from local beehives, as well as local coconut, cinnamon, lemongrass and cloves.

The Elite Zanzibar Spice Journey by ila offers an ila journey into Zanzibar’s alluring and mystical heart through local rituals, music as well as rich, decadent herbs and spices.

This is a heavenly full-body experience that uses traditional healing, leaving guests feeling grounded, nurtured and rejuvenated.

Guests are encouraged to surrender themselves to the mysteries of the Spice Island and allow the ila therapists to work their magic with this treatment.

The Etan Signature Face Therapy is a powerful, rejuvenating 90-minute treatment that draws on the historic healing powers of frankincense, used as a sacred ingredient throughout Africa for thousands of years.

The treatment’s name ‘Etan’ is an ancient word meaning “breath of life”, which encapsulates the curative energy of this treatment. ila specialists will use boswellic acids to reduce cellular inflammation, ultrasound therapy and hyaluronic acid to increase hydration, and liquid gold and plant stem cells to increase energy, re-programme cellular function and balance the hormonal system – natural ingredients, with deep effect.

Designed for men, Tree of Life starts with a vital energy body scrub.

An adaptogenic herbal liver pack and classic ila massage follow, using ila’s unique blend of essential oils ‘for vigour’, combined with the ‘African tree of life’ blend: Silky Baobab oil from the seeds of Adansonia tree; phytonutrient-rich Moringa oil; and enriched Argan oil, revered for its health-giving and anti-ageing properties.

Julian Burton, general manager of The Residence Zanzibar commented: “We are delighted to be working with ila to offer our guests luxurious and organic treatments. The spa is a hugely important part of The Residence and a key element for many of our guests during their stay with us.

“The nourishing, yet locally-sourced, treatments will most definitely delight those looking for a calming and rejuvenating experience.”

The Residence Zanzibar is home to 66 exquisite private villas, each with its own swimming pool. Set along a beautiful, long sandy beach, flanked by coconut palms and within 32 acres of garden, The Residence Zanzibar offers an intoxicating mix of elegant sophistication and island charm.

The Spa has long been one of the hotel’s star attractions with six spacious treatment pavilions set in five acres of tropical gardens.

Each has its own garden, outdoor shower, bathtub and relaxation area.

A jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, spa swimming pool, yoga studio and a range of fitness equipment are also available for guests to use throughout their stay.