Marriott has expanded its portfolio of JW hotels
to the luxury safari market, with the opening the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge.
Sitting within the Masai Mara National Reserve
in Southwestern Kenya, one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife and
wilderness conservation regions, the lodge is a 30-minute drive
from Keekorok Airstrip and a 25-minute drive from Sekenani Main
Gate.
Guided game drives offer guests the
opportunity to observe the “Big Five” that Masai Mara is home to,
including lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceros and elephants.
Between June and September, the reserve is host to the annual
great wildebeest migration, which sees more than 10 million
animals travel a distance of 1,800 miles from the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania.
“Fostering meaningful connections and nourishing
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, JW Marriott. “Offering our guests
once-in-a-lifetime experiences and a deep connection to place, JW
Marriott Masai Mara Lodge balances the thrill of a game drive with
thoughtful opportunities to switch off and take it all in. We are
excited to welcome travellers to a transformative and
wellness-forward stay delivered with JW Marriott’s legacy of
extraordinary hospitality.”
Each of the lodge’s 20 private tents, designed by
Kristina Zanic Consultants, provide a
peaceful sanctuary to recharge and reset, and feature terraces
overlooking the River Talek, a water source and habitat for many
wildlife.
The tented honeymoon suite offers a private plunge pool,
while two interconnecting king and twin suites are ideal for
families with children over the age of six, the minimum age of
guests at the lodge.
Facilities at the lodge include a library, fire
pit, spa, vegetable and herb garden, a bar and a restaurant.
The lodge’s community programming provides an
authentic insight into meaningful local projects, including The
Maa Trust, an organisation empowering local people by promoting
small business start-ups.
In fact, the lodge donates a percentage of the
nightly rate per person to the organisation and provides a space
for craftspeople to retail Maa Beadwork and produce. Guests can
visit The Maa Trust to meet with local artisans and forge a deeper
connection to the people in the area.
Also, 60% of the lodge’s team are
locals, with plans to reach 70%, ensuring the hotel’s
contribution to the socio-economic development of the region.
Emphasis on waste reduction and recycling is
integral to daily operations. The lodge’s water treatment plant
provides recycled and sanitised water; food waste is placed at the
lodge’s compost site; and water wells are dotted around the lodge
for animals to quench their thirst throughout the day.
