One&Only Nature Resorts aims to offer access to “nature’s best kept secrets" and will target inbound tourists.
The group will open two hotels in Rwanda, both of which will be operated under the new brand.
One&Only is entering Rwanda due to the country's booming economy and growing international interest in its natural beauty – which includes a mountainous region, home to one of the last remaining colonies of mountain gorillas.
While a devastating civil war ravaged the country in the early 1990s, Rwanda is now constantly among Africa’s top performers on a number of indicators – such as economic progress, governance and healthcare.
According to research company Horwarth HTL, Rwanda’s tourism industry is among the fastest growing in the world. In its report,
“Special Market Reports – Assessment of the Hotel Market in Rwanda”, tourist arrivals to the country nearly doubled from 2010 to 2015, with a total number of 1.3 million inbound visits.
Looking to benefit from the boom, One&Only will launch One&Only Nyungwe House and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest.
Located in Gisakura, a working tea plantation on the edge of the Nyungwe National Park, One&Only Nyungwe House will be designed to fit within its natural surroundings.
The Nyungwe Forest is thought to be one of the oldest forests in Africa and boasts a wide diversity of flora and fauna – including 13 different species of primates, representing 20 per cent of all the apes in Africa and 75 different species of mammals.
Accommodation will be offered in luxury suites and villas with a modern, African-themed design. Each villa will overlook the vast African terrain with private decks and fire places.
The resort – scheduled to open in late 2017 – will offer a One&Only Spa and Fitness Centre, with spa treatments honouring the resort’s surroundings by using traditional African elements and ingredients.
While exact details of the wellness offer – including the treatment menu – are yet to be confirmed, all spa treatments and yoga sessions will be made available outdoors, in keeping with the brand ethos of being close to nature.
The second new Rwandan property, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, will be located near the village of Kingi, in the foothills of the Virunga Volcano range.
The USP of the resort will be the opportunity for guests to discover and explore the habitat of mountain gorillas – enabled in partnership with local conservationists.
No opening date has yet been set for the resort, but it will house a spa and wellness element tailored to its surroundings.
“Rwanda is such an incredible destination with truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences”, said Philippe Zuber, president and chief operating officer, One&Only Resorts. “We look forward to immersing our guests in the country and culture and providing that ultimate connection with nature in the ultimate locations.”
The openings are part of One&Only’s strategic move to launch three new brands.
As well as the One&Only Nature Resorts, the group announced it is looking to open properties under One&Only Urban Resorts and One&Only Private Homes.
No further details have been revealed about the other two other brands – but Zuber said the group would soon announce city-based properties that will “showcase our expertise in entertainment, spa, lifestyle and food.”
