Best New Hotels in the World 2019
Conde Nast Traveller have recently published their Best New Hotels in the World List for 2019.
These are the absolute best of the best. Game changing, boundary pushing and memory making properties that define how we travel now.
Knighton Reeve have eagerly followed the progress of these new properties and are excited to share the definitive Hot List picks for Africa.
Botswana
Mombo Camp, Okavango
We were told that Mombo was being redesigned to redefine luxury in Botswana. They were right.
Wilderness Safaris' star safari lodge in a 111,000 acre concession in the game rich Okavango has been completely reimagined. A glamorous showstopper with a vintage and slick feel. In between game drives, guests can relax in the Africology Spa, take private Yoga classes, or swim lengths in the lap pool.
"Mombo has played a pivotal role in the protection of rhinos relocated from other parts of Africa and there is a wall of fame in camp dedicated to each beast (names and dated) that has made the journey to safety, thanks to guest sponsorship." Condé Nast Traveller 2019
Namibia
Omaanda by Zannier
Namibia's hotel scene is booming. And if you're looking for something different, you've just found it.
The stylishly sleek Omaanda from Belgian hotelier Zannier stands out for its elegance and focus on conservation. Arnaud Zannier was introduced to Rudie & Marlice van Vuuren by Angelina Jolie, who helped him secure a vacant reserve next to their sanctuary. Sitting alongside important conservation projects including rhino, elephant and cheetah rehabilitation: the location and lodge are impressive.
"Everything a top hotel should have now: locally inspired design, a meaningful setting, a serious spa and a firm focus on food - many ingredients such as the feta cheese, are produced nearby."
"Nowhere else in southern Africa offers such a considered approach to immersive safari while staying somewhere so aesthetically sophisticated." Condé Nast Traveller 2019
You'll need to be quick to book one of the 10 rooms or the entire place. Don't miss out! Contact the Knighton Reeve Team.
Shipwreck Lodge, Skeleton Coast National Park
Remote, utter isolation. An otherworldly resort from conservation-focused Natural Selection, the 10 wooden cabins of Shipwreck Lodge resemble many of the ships that have run aground on this desolate coastline. From porthole windows, guests can view a haunting landscape that is home to desert-adapted lion and antelope. By day drive down "roaring dunes", the sound made as the four wheel drive nosedives 180 degrees down the dunes. By evening enjoy fynbos-infused gin and tonics on the deck or by cosy fireplaces.
"The lodge scene in Namibia is frenetic; this one slows things down to a speed that's reminds guests they are at the ends of the earth." Condé Nast Traveller 2019
South Africa
andBeyond Tengile River Lodge, Sabi Sand
Nothing kills a safari buzz quicker than sitting bumper to bumper to view a cheetah. How best to define a lodge on one of South Africa's most competitive game parks? The andBeyond Tengile River Lodge solution: Exclusive access to areas for prime lion, leopard and cheetah viewing.
Tengile, mean's "tranquil" in Tsonga a feeling reflected in the indoor-outdoor living space. It's a sense you get throughout the lodge - not just the full-length lap pool and Africology-stocked spa. Bespoke chairs are angled throughout the lodge to take in the 180-degree view that often includes elephants and babies drinking from the river.
"The landscape here is so phenomenal you may not even need to leave the terrace to brag about seeing the best wildlife at cocktail hour." Condé Nast Traveller 2019
Suzanne and Liz have just visited andBeyond Tengile River Lodge - their response - "Mindblowing".
And Chill
Zuri Zanzibar Hotel & Resort
After gorilla-trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, bush to beach can be reached within two hours of leaving the forest. From the open air lobby, guests at Zuri Zanzibar can step out onto tiered terraces overlooking thatched roof yoga pavilions and the endless blue sea. A game changing indoor/outdoor vibe and funky new look make it the ideal place to catch the Indian Ocean breeze, as the African sun sets.
Due to its location, Zuri is able to boast that it is the only non tidal hotel in Zanzibar.
"Zuri instantly makes Zanzibar a bush-to-beach option to rival the level of Mozambique and the Seychelles." Condé Nast Traveller 2019
For more inspiration
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Call us on 01904 866 033 or email: africa@knightonreeve.co.uk to plan your escape to the Best New Hotels in the World.