Beauty & health

There are two gyms run by Pulse. One on the World Trade Centre in downtown Accra and another, that we’ve seen, at Lizzy Sports Complex. At the latter there’s a huge range of machines, plus a couple of large studios. There’s a range of classes, including spinning, body pump, kickboxing and African dance.  Other location World Trade Center, Accra Central (024 268 3283). 

Backed by 16 acres of palm-studded grounds and a sweeping azure pool, Accra’s newest luxury bolthole is certainly living up to its hype. Waiters on roller blades glide across the gleaming patio, supplying fresh snacks and icy drinks to holidaymakers stretched out on loungers around the pool; the onsite luxury shopping centre is filled with high-end goods, from high-end fashions at Stellar Deluxe to Afrocentric homeware at Joe’s Perspective; Sankofa restaurant pleases with an array of international flavours, and the one2one cocktail lounge expertly whips up any favoured tipple. There’s a great little deli by the shopping galleries, and the restaurant is becoming very popular. It’s also worth saying that the breakfast is the best in the city right now.

This excellent gym has the latest Life Fitness equipment. There are personal trainers on hand if needed, but you can just go in and use the equipment. There’s a nice 20m x 10m pool out back with seating around it – plus a poolside bar to undo all your good work. It offers a wide range of classes including zumba, boot camp training and circuit training, among others

Pippa’s is one of the best gyms in Accra, with a wide range of Life Fitness equipment, air-con, satellite TV and a modern music system. It has a wide variety of activities on offer, including body combat, spinning, pilates, zumba and modern African dance. For the little ones there’s a tumble-tots class. Taekwondo is an important element, and classes are held by one of Africa’s best Taekwondo fighters. The on-site Mandy Fouracre Dance Academy has a programme for children between three and seven, and jazz and ballet for ages seven to 18. There’s a variety of beauty treatments are available, with a full range of pampering options.

A highly recommended stop-off for the eco-conscious and the beauty- conscious alike, All Pure Nature sells all manner of natural bodycare products, from handmade soaps and healing clay to aromatherapy oils and skin balms. And for anyone feeling a need for escapism, full body massages are offered for GH¢50 per hour.

A beauty salon offering make-up consultation, eyebrow-shaping, eyelash application and facials. It stocks the natural SO Aesthetic products, which include foundation, powder, lip gloss, lipstick, blush and anything else beauty-centric. Owner and stylist Sacha Bruce-Adjetey runs a tight ship.

This upmarket unisex salon is one of the nicest-looking in Accra. Separated by a wall of glass tiles, the boys can have a cut by professional barbers while the girls can have their nails done. Massages and waxing are in private rooms.

It might not look like much from the outside, but once you enter through the inconspicuous front door here and give in to the gods – or devils – of vanity you may never want to leave. The pampering possibilities are endless: skin therapies, manicures, pedicures and excellent massages.

This full-service salon and spa in Osu is a premier destination for fast, economical beauty services. Not only is the decor chic, but ten full spa-pedicure stations flank the far wall and eight manicure stations take up half of the floor. It also offers tattoos and piercings.