5 New Luxury Hotel Openings in Africa to Know This Year
With relaxed restrictions and international travel firmly back on the agenda, it’s no surprise that many destinations are preparing to welcome visitors to their shores with renewed fervor. This means tempting new adventures and luxurious accommodations to attract visitors to their shores.
One of those places is Africa, which is famous for its scenic landscapes, vast wildlife and welcoming culture. In preparation for an influx of adventurers over the coming months and years, new reasons for visiting are popping up in the form of new hotels and resorts.
With a focus on wellness and sustainability, many of these new openings come complete with holistic spas, fitness centers and plenty of access to the natural beauty of the African vista, while structures have been constructed from local materials and finished with handcrafted furnishings.
To help you with your vacation planning in 2022, we’ve handpicked our favourite new African hotels that are sure to inspire some wanderlust to the continent.
Sanctuary Tambarare, Kenya
Easily accessible from Nairobi, Sanctuary Tambarare is located in the 90,000-acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy in the shadow of Mount Kenya. Made up of 10 large tent accommodations that are dotted across its unspoilt terrain, Sanctuary Tambarare is a wildlife retreat that offers the perfect combination of adventure and serenity. Each luxurious tent has its own private veranda, with uninterrupted cinematic views of the outdoors. Guests can spend their days spotting lions, elephants and gazelles and come sunset, retire to the main tent, which has been made especially welcoming with soft lighting, wood-carved furniture and vibrant furnishings in Masai-inspired blue tones.
Opens 1 June
andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge, Tanzania
It’s not strictly new but having undergone a total refurbishment after sustaining some flood damage in 2022, &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge will reopen to guests from June 2022. Located in one of the most remote regions of the Serengeti, the Grumeti offers unparalleled access to the resident game reserve and landscape all year-round. The spacious guest suites enjoy plenty of natural light, with exterior decks that provide great views of its namesake Grumeti River. The lodge’s understated sense of luxury is buoyed by the local decorative touches including colorful patterns of Kitenge fabrics, mason walls and woven furnishings reminiscent of hippo hides. Tasty dishes such as artisanal pizzas are made in the interactive kitchen where guests can help plan their own meals with the chef, while sundowners can be enjoyed at the central circular bar overlooking the natural landscape beyond.
Opens 6 June
The Homestead, South Africa
As part of South Africa’s Nambiti Private Game Reserve, The Homestead aims to redefine the luxury African safari by providing authentic access to the nature, wild life and culture that permeates the south of continent. Consisting of just 12 luxury lodges, the property combines considered accommodations with an eco-conscious ethos that includes a solar farm to provide power to the lodge. African dishes made from locally sourced ingredients will be served in its restaurants while guests can embrace their surroundings with tailored experiences such as trail hiking, bird watching and game drives.
Opens early 2022
Nobu Hotel Marrakech, Morocco
Renowned hospitality brand Nobu will make its arrival in the Hivernage district of Marrakech this autumn, the first on the African continent. Located just moments away from the various souks of the ancient medina, the contemporary hotel is conveniently positioned close to the historic heart of the city. Alongside its 71 expansive rooms and suites, guests can enjoy the signature Nobu restaurant, rooftop terraces, multiple swimming pools and in-house spa.
Opens fall 2022
Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira, Mozambique
Situated on a private Island off the coast of Mozambique, Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira is a thoughtfully designed resort that embraces the rich cultural heritage of its surroundings. Inspired by the local culture, the rustic architecture and handcrafted architecture that’s made from materials native to the region are designed with sustainability in mind. Offering 40 private villas with stunning oceanfront views of the Indian Ocean, it is perfectly situated within nature for a relaxing and refreshing time. You can go on diving expeditions in the surrounding living coral, as well as unwind in the holistic spa, seasonal restaurants, lounge and bar areas.
Opens December 2022
