JW Marriott Debuts in Luxury Safari Segment

JW Marriott is part of Marriott Bonvoy's international portfolio of 30 exceptional hotel brands.

The company announced the opening JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge. This marks the highly anticipated debut of the company in the luxury safari segment.

The lodge is located in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Southwestern Kenya. This reserve is one of Africa's most famous wildlife and wilderness conservation areas. It offers a sanctuary where you can discover animals and stunning vistas in harmony. Exciting guided game drives allow guests to see the "Big Five", which include lions and leopards, rhinoceros, buffalos, elephants, rhinoceros, rhinoceros, and rhinoceros in Masai Mara. The reserve hosts the annual great wildebeest movement, which takes place between June and September. This event sees over 10 million animals travel 1,800 miles to reach the Serengeti in 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," mentioned 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 travelers to a transformative and wellness-forward stay delivered with JW Marriott's legacy of extraordinary hospitality."

Kristina Zanic Consultants designed the lodge's elegant interiors. They seamlessly blend the savannah with natural materials and textures. Native colors are also woven through the design. The lodge features 20 private tents that provide a tranquil sanctuary for relaxation and reset. They also have terraces that overlook the River Talek which is a water source and habitat of many wildlife. A tented honeymoon suite has a private plunge pool. Two interconnected king and twin suites make it ideal for families with children older than six years (the minimum age allowed at the lodge).

Well-being and Mindful practices

In keeping with JW Marriott's ethos of mindfulness, the lodge is home to a number of thoughtfully-designed spaces, from the cozy Adventure Lounge full of books to get lost in and a nook for young adults to take time for themselves, to the Cultural Deck where guests can gather around the fire pit to share tales of the day's exploration.

The Spa by JW captures the essence of rejuvenation. It offers customized experiences and signature treatments that combine locally-inspired techniques and therapies. In-room amenities include natural and organic products from Healing Earth, a renowned African skincare brand. The tented room allows guests to enjoy spa treatments while listening to the sounds of nature. Guided yoga can help you reach beyond your body and mind with guided meditations.

Delicious Culinary Journeys

The JW Garden is at the center of the camp - a space where guests can spend time exploring organic, home-grown ingredients. This includes the lodge's trademark rosemary. Chefs use the garden's produce to create customized dishes, cocktails, or mocktails. Daily programming will be offered in the garden, which includes live cooking, interactive cocktail mixology and chef-led talks. The Fig Tree Lounge is a relaxing place to gather. It offers both an indoor and outdoor bar with views of the surrounding plains. Sarabi Restaurant offers an indoor and outdoor dining experience. It is a rich culinary experience that combines JW Garden ingredients with local culinary heritage. You can enjoy a fresh-prepared 'Bush Breakfast' or dinner in the reserve while sipping sundowners, taking in breathtaking views of the savannah.

Connect to the Locale

The lodge's community programming gives an authentic look into local projects such as The Maa Trust which empowers local people and promotes small business start ups. The lodge donates a portion of the nightly rates per person to the organization. It also provides space for craftpeople to sell Maa Beadwork products and other items. The Maa Trust is a place where guests can meet local artisans and make a deeper connection with the people of the region.

The lodge currently employs 60 percent of its staff from the local community. Plans are to increase that number to 70 percent. This will ensure the hotel's continued contribution to the area's socio-economic development. JW Marriott Masai Mara's Apprenticeship program invites young women to broaden their skills and get started in the hospitality industry. During the initial development of the lodge, partnerships with the community were established. The lodge was built on land that had been designated for tourism. To not disturb the environment, most of the work was done by local experts. Materials were sourced from sustainable sources. The lodge has restored access roads to the property and installed power. It also provided clean drinking water to local residents through a water treatment facility.

Everyday operations include a strong emphasis on waste reduction and recycling. The lodge has a water treatment plant that provides sanitized and recycled water. Food waste can be placed at the lodge's compost area. Animals have water wells scattered around the lodge to quench their thirst during the day.

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge supports local organizations like The Mara Elephant Project or The Mara Protector Conservation Programme. This helps to protect animals and their habitats in the greater Mara ecosystem. The lodge's Head guide is passionate about nature and wildlife. He gives talks on local culture at the lodge, as well as leads walking tours. The lodge offers a wealth of memorable moments. Guests can also explore photography and learn new skills in the studio.

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge can be reached in 30 minutes from Keekorok Airstrip or 25 minutes from Sekenani Main Gate.

Book your JW Marriott Masai mara Lodge stay now at $1450 per person per night (all-inclusive, board basis). Visit www.marriott.com for more information.

Source: breakingtravelnews.com