(March 24, 2022, 11:53 +07)
Marriott has signed an agreement with Baraka Lodges to enter the African safari market.
The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will be located within the Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife and nature conservation areas.
Scheduled to welcome guests in 2023, the luxury retreat overlooks the banks of the Talek River.
The newly built pavilion is expected to have 20 private tents, including a canvas-covered presidential pavilion and two interconnecting four-poster suites, each with a private terrace overlooking the river.
Luxurious room at JW Masai Mara Lodge
The shared spaces will include a restaurant, lounge bar, spa and a large outdoor terrace with fire pits that will host traditional Masai dance performances in the evenings. Interior design is led by Kristina Zanic.
“As a brand steeped in mindfulness, we can’t think of a more perfect retreat for mind, body and soul than Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve,” said Bruce Rohr, vice-president. President and Chief Brand Officer, JW Marriott, Marriott International. “The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will provide guests with a luxurious backdrop to create once-in-a-lifetime memories by connecting with nature and wildlife like never before. We are thrilled that the JW Marriott brand welcomes adventure travelers, including families, to this breathtaking part of the world.
The wild landscape will offer guests the opportunity to observe the “Big Five” that Masai Mara (also known as Maasai Mara) is home to: lions, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos and elephants.
Between June and September, the reserve also hosts the annual great wildebeest migration, when more than 10 million animals travel a distance of 1,800 miles from the Serengeti in neighboring Tanzania.
The safari lodge is expected to employ up to 50 people from the Maasai community.
“The signing of JW Masai Mara Lodge is an important step in Marriott International’s growth in Africa as the company enters the luxury safari segment. This historic project responds to the growing desire of travelers to offer experiences that allow them to establish a deeper connection with the destination of their choice. JW Marriott encourages guests to be mindful and present, which lends itself perfectly to a meaningful safari vacation,” said Jérôme Briet, director of development, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International.
“We are delighted to partner with Marriott International to launch this beautiful luxury lodge and their first Safari offering in the Masai Mara,” said Mr. Shivan Patel of Baraka Lodges LTD.
Marriott International currently operates over 120 properties in Africa in its portfolio. JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will join Marriott Bonvoy’s growing portfolio of 8,000 hotels worldwide.
See also: Exclusive travel industry interview with Kurt Ekert, President of Saber.
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