The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge has opened in Kenya, now you can go on safari in the midst of luxury
An innovation that marks the company's highly anticipated debut in the luxury safari segment
Marriott
After the Riz-Carlton debut in Australia, in Melbourne, JW Marriott, part of the global portfolio of 30 outstanding hotel brands from Marriott Bonvoy, announced the opening of the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge., marking the company's highly anticipated debut in the luxury safari segment.
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Located within the Masai Mara National Reserve., in the Kenya southwest, one of Africa's most renowned regions for wildlife and nature conservation, the lodge is a sophisticated sanctuary from which to discover animals and breathtaking views in harmony. Exciting guided game drives offer guests the opportunity to observe the "Big Five" that the Masai Mara is home to, including lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos and elephants. Between June and September, Reserve hosts annual great wildebeest migration, which sees more than 10 million animals travel a distance of 1,800 miles from the Serengeti in neighboring Tanzania.
"Fostering meaningful connections and nurturing the soul is at the heart of the JW Marriott brand, so entering the luxury safari segment is a natural next step," said Bruce Rohr, Global Brand Leader at JW Marriott. "Offering our guests once-in-a-lifetime experiences and a deep connection to place, the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge balances the thrill of a game drive with opportunities to unplug and soak it all in. We are thrilled to welcome travelers to a transformational and wellness-filled stay, thanks to JW Marriott's legacy of extraordinary hospitality."
Inspired design
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The lodge's elegant interiors, designed by Kristina Zanic Consultants, blend seamlessly with the savannah, drawing inspiration from the elements with soft, warm tones, natural materials and textures, and native colors. Each of the lodge's 20 private tents offers a peaceful retreat to recharge and rest, and feature terraces overlooking the Talek River, a water source and habitat for many wild animals. The tented honeymoon suite offers a private pool, while two interconnecting king and twin suites are ideal for families with children over six years old (the minimum age of lodge guests).
In keeping with JW Marriott's mindfulness ethos, the lodge is home to a series of thoughtfully designed spaces, from thecozy Adventure Lounge, filled with books to get lost in and a corner for young adults to take time for themselves, to the Cultural Deck, where guests can gather around the fire to share tales of the day's exploration.
Capturing the essence of rejuvenation, the Spa by JW emulates the serenity of the reserve and offers personalized experiences and signature treatments that blend locally inspired techniques and therapies. These are complemented by natural and organic products from the renowned African brand Healing Earth, also available as in-room products. Guests can enjoy spa treatments in the comfort of their tented suite, accompanied by the sounds of the wilderness. In addition to the body, it extends to the mind and spirit with guided yoga, and treatments include a "Maasai Celebration" which incorporates botanicals and local therapies.
Nutritious culinary journeys
The heart of the camp is the JW Garden, an outdoor space where guests can spend time discovering home-grown organic ingredients, including the lodge's signature rosemary. Produce from the garden is used by the chefs to create custom dishes, cocktails and mocktails. The garden will host daily programs, including live cooking, interactive cocktails, and chef-led lectures, for an authentic farm-to-table experience. A relaxing gathering place, the Fig Tree Lounge offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains from the indoor and outdoor bar and serves refreshing cocktails and mocktails infused with seasonal ingredients from the lodge's garden. Sarabi Restaurant, with its indoor and outdoor dining options, offers guests an epicurean and nourishing experience driven by JW Garden ingredients and local culinary heritage. Guests can venture into the reserve with the lodge's guides to enjoy a "Bush Breakfast" or freshly prepared dinner, sipping a sundowner and taking in the breathtaking views of the savannah.
The lodge's community program offers an authentic view of significant local projects, including The Maa Trust, an organization that supports local people by promoting the creation of small businesses. The lodge donates a percentage of the price of the overnight stay per person to the organization and provides a retail space for artisans to sell beads and Maa products. Guests can visit the Maa Trust to meet local artisans and create a deeper connection with people in the area.
Currently, 60% of the lodge team are locals and are expected to reach 70%, ensuring the hotel's contribution to the socio-economic development of the region. As an ongoing initiative, the JW Marriott Masai Mara Apprenticeship Program invites young women from the community to diversify their skills and broaden their experience to launch careers in the hospitality industry. The partnership with the community began during the lodge's early development process. Developed on land earmarked for a tourism project so as not to unduly disturb the surrounding environment, much of the construction was done by local experts under the supervision of trained technicians, while building materials were sourced from sustainable suppliers. The lodge restored access roads to the property, installed electricity in the area, and provided access to potable water for local residents through a water treatment plant.
Emphasis on waste reduction and recycling is an integral part of daily operations. The lodge's water treatment plant provides recycled and sanitized water; food waste is deposited in the lodge's composting site; and water wells are scattered around the lodge for animals to quench their thirst throughout the day.
By supporting local organizations such as the Mara Elephant Project and the Mara Protector Conservation Program., the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge helps protect animals and their habitat in the Mara ecosystem. The lodge's head guide, who brings guests a passion for the surrounding wildlife and nature, is a longtime conservationist who gives lectures on local culture at the lodge and guided walking tours. With plenty of meaningful moments to experience at the lodge, guests can engage in photography and learn new skills at the lodge's own studio.
The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is a 30-minute drive from Keekorok Airstrip and a 25-minute drive from Sekenani Main Gate.
Reservations for the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge are now open with prices starting at $1450 per person, per night (all-inclusive board).
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