One&Only Resorts expands with launch of three new brands
by Tom Walker | 26 Apr 2017
One&Only Nyungwe House will be the first new property to be operated under the One&Only Nature Resorts brand
Luxury resort operator One&Only is looking to evolve its business with the launch of three new divisions.
Famed for its ultra-luxury beach and spa resorts, the South Africa-based group is entering a trio of new markets with One&Only Nature Resorts, One&Only Urban Resorts and One&Only Private Homes.
“The new experiences will complement the existing award-winning resort collection,” said Philippe Zuber, president and chief operating officer, One&Only Resorts.
“Building on the legacy and success of One&Only, it is an exciting time for the brand as we continue to combine completely distinctive experiences with ultra-luxury.
“We look forward to sharing additional locations for our resorts, whether it be in the ultimate address in a prime city or an authentically wild undiscovered location soon.”
The first new brand to launch will be One&Only Nature Resorts, which aims to offer access to “nature’s best kept secrets, in an inspired itinerary, curated for the most discerning global travellers”.
Intimate in size, the architectural designs of each resort will look to take into account the surroundings with minimal impact to the location, from development through to operation.
Guests will also be given an opportunity to give back with hands-on, interactive, immersive experiences with the local community, each curated to the destination.
The first new properties to be operated under the One&Only Nature Resorts will be the One&Only Nyungwe House and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest – both located in Rwanda.
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 also offer an indulgent One&Only Spa and Fitness Centre, with treatments honouring the resort’s surroundings by using a number of traditional African elements and ingredients.
The second new Rwandan property, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, will be located near the village of Kingi, on 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 boast a spa and wellness element tailored to its surroundings.
“We are proud and excited to continue to innovate at One&Only and introduce new experiences for our guests. One&Only Nature Resorts will provide our guests illuminating and immersive experiences full of adventure that will allow for exploration and discovery,” Philippe Zuber added.
“Rwanda is such an incredible destination with truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We look forward to immersing our guests in the country and culture and providing that ultimate connection with nature in the ultimate locations.”
No further details have been revealed of the other two new brands – One&Only Urban Resorts and One&Only Private Homes.
Zuber said, however, that the group would soon announce city-based properties that will “showcase our expertise in entertainment, spa, lifestyle and food.”
One&Only spa resorts
Luxury resort operator One&Only is looking to evolve its business with the launch of three new divisions. Famed for its ultra-luxury beach and spa resorts, the South Africa-based group is entering a trio of new markets with One&Only Nature Resorts, One&Only Urban Resorts and One&Only Private Homes. “The new experiences will complement the existing award-winning resort collection,” said Philippe Zuber, president and chief operating officer, One&Only Resorts. “Building on the
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