The world's largets hotel chain JW Marriot is prepping to add Kenya as part of its luxury hotels catalogue with a new lodge in the Masai Mara scheduled to open its doors at the beginning of 2023.
In an interview with Afar Magazine, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge General Manager Barnabas Wamoto confirmed that plans were in high gear ahead of the launch.
The lodge, which will charge between Ksh182,000 and Ksh303,000 per night, will have 20 modern tents as well as dinning area.
Other amenities available include gym, extensive spa, and two-acre organic garden.
Wamoto explained that the tents were made with natural materials in line with the hotel's aim to save the vegetation around the Masai Mara where the lodge is located.
“The design was basically along the principles of JW Marriott of being mindful, of thinking about the whole experience of the guest, and of taking in the beauty of the savanna. We incorporate the elements: earth, wind, fire, water, and you can see Masai touches in terms of fabrics and decor.
"When we started building the camp, we made sure not to destroy any vegetation. We built around any existing trees, and actually planted more trees," he stated.
The lodge is also strategically located overlooking the famed banks of the River Talek and on the edge of the reserve.
The tents include one presidential canvas-topped pavilion and two interconnecting canopied suites, ideal for families, each with a private terrace overlooking the river.
Other activities available will also include safari game drives, hot air balloon rides, nature and bush walks, Masai village tours as well as bush meals and sundowners among others.
According to the GM, the hotel will offer 70 per cent of its employment slots to locals within the Masai Mara locality.
“We would like to bring in a spa retreat concept and being ‘one with nature’ for guests while on safari,” he added.
