Come 2023, travellers will be able to check into JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in southwestern Kenya for an elegant safari retreat in an unparalleled setting.
Marriott International, Inc this week announced its plans to enter the luxury safari segment in Africa, having signed an agreement with Baraka Lodges LTD. Located within the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most well-known wildlife conservation areas, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will offer guests stunning views and abundant wildlife during their stay.
The lodge will be built in a prime location overlooking the banks of the River Talek, while the edge of the reserve will provide a distinctively elevated camp from which guests can uniquely experience the Mara National Reserve.
At the moment, the lodge is set to have 20 private tents, including a presidential canvas-topped pavilion and two interconnecting canopied suites, each featuring a private terrace that looks out over the river. The lodge’s planned shared spaces include a restaurant, lounge bar, spa, and large outdoor terrace with fire pits where traditional Masai dance performances will be held in the evening.
Home to Africa’s famed ‘Big Five’ – lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceros and elephants, Masai Mara has long been a world-renowned region to witness the continent’s majestic wildlife population. Every year, between June and September, the reserve is host to the great wildebeest migration where over 10 million animals travel 1,800 miles from the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania.
JW Marriott Masai Mara’s guests will get to immerse themselves in the beauty of the plains while enjoying a holistic approach to wellness that’s mindful of their impact on the land.
At the heart of the lodge’s operations will be the conservation of the environment and its inhabitants. As part of these efforts, JW Marriott aims to employ up to 50 locals from the Masai community and offer guests robust learning opportunities to better understand and appreciate their destination.
JW Marriott Masai Mara’s interior design, led by Kristina Zanic, will be inspired by the lodge’s captivating surroundings. Sophisticated yet warm, the ambience will reflect a deep connection to the natural world with earthy colour palettes and inviting touches that blend with the local landscape.
“As a brand rooted in mindfulness, we cannot think of a more perfect retreat for the mind, body, and soul than the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya,” commented Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Brand Leader, JW Marriott, Marriott International. “JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will offer guests a luxurious backdrop to make once-in-a-lifetime memories as they connect with nature and wildlife as never before.”
For more information on Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of hotels, visit marriott.com
Source: Marriott