JW Marriott Debuts in Luxury Safari Segment with Opening of Masai Mara Lodge

The launch of the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, the company’s much awaited entry into the luxury safari market, was announced today by JW Marriott, one of 30 remarkable hotel brands that make up Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio. The lodge is a sophisticated and considerate haven from which to explore nature and beautiful landscapes in harmony. It is located within the Masai Mara National Reserve in Southwestern Kenya, one of Africa’s most recognized wildlife and wilderness conservation locations. Visitors have the chance to see the “Big Five,” which include lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinoceroses, and elephants, on exhilarating guided game drives in Masai Mara. The annual big wildebeest migration, which involves more than 10 million animals traveling 1,800 km from the Serengeti in neighboring Tanzania, takes place in the reserve between June and September.

The luxurious interiors of the lodge were tastefully decorated by Kristina Zanic Consultants, who drew creative inspiration from the environment and gentle, warm tones, natural materials and textures, and native colors to effortlessly combine the savannah within. Each of the lodge’s 20 individual tents has a terrace with a view of the River Talek, which serves as a water source and a haven for a variety of species. Two interconnected king and twin suites are perfect for couples with children over the age of six, while the honeymoon suite in a tented tent features a private plunge pool (the minimum age of guests at the lodge).

The lodge is home to a number of thoughtfully designed spaces that are in keeping with JW Marriott’s mindfulness philosophy, from the cozy Adventure Lounge full of books to get lost in and a space for young adults to take time for themselves to the Cultural Deck where guests can congregate around the fire pit to share tales of the day’s exploration.

The Spa by JW emulates the tranquility of the reserve to capture the essence of rejuvenation and offers customized experiences and trademark treatments that incorporate locally inspired techniques and therapies. They are supplemented with natural and organic goods offered as in-room amenities by renowned African skincare company Healing Earth. In the privacy of their tented suite, guests can take advantage of spa services while listening to the sounds of nature. With guided yoga, treatments that go beyond the physical body to the mind and spirit also include a “Masai Celebration” that uses local botanicals and therapies.

The JW Garden, an outdoor area where guests can spend time learning about locally grown, organic products, including the lodge’s distinctive rosemary, is the center of the camp. The cooks at the lodge create individualized dishes, beverages, and mocktails using ingredients from the garden. For a real farm-to-table experience, the garden will host daily programming that includes live cooking, interactive cocktail mixology, and chef-led discussions.

A tranquil meeting spot, Fig Tree Lounge provides energizing cocktails and mocktails flavoured with seasonal ingredients from the lodge’s garden and offers magnificent views of the surrounding plains from the inside and outdoor bar. At Sarabi Restaurant, indoor and outdoor dining options transport customers on a fulfilling epicurean journey influenced by JW Garden ingredients and regional culinary history. With the help of the lodge’s guides, visitors can explore the reserve and have a freshly prepared “Bush Breakfast” or dinner while sipping sundowners and taking in the mesmerizing savannah views.

The community programming at the lodge offers a real-world look at important regional initiatives like The Maa Trust, a group that empowers locals by encouraging new small businesses. The lodge offers space for artisans to manufacture and sell Maa Beadwork while also donating a portion of each guest’s nightly cost to the organization. Visitors to The Maa Trust can interact with regional artists and develop stronger ties to the community.

Locals currently make up 60% of the lodge’s staff, with hopes to increase that number to 70%, ensuring the hotel’s contribution to the socioeconomic growth of the area. The JW Marriott Masai Mara’s Apprenticeship Programme allows young ladies from the neighborhood to expand their expertise and skill sets in order to jump-start their careers in the hospitality sector. The early stages of the lodge’s development saw the beginning of a partnership with the community.

A large portion of the construction was carried out by local experts under the supervision of technical specialists, with build materials sourced from sustainable suppliers. The development was done on land dedicated to a tourism project in order to minimize disruption to the surrounding environment. The resort has repaired the property’s access roads, put power in the region, and given people access to safe drinking water via a water treatment plant.

Recycling and trash minimization are major priorities in day-to-day operations. Food scraps are dumped at the lodge’s compost site, and water wells are dotted around the property to provide animals with access to water throughout the day. The lodge’s water treatment plant provides recycled and sanitized water.

JW Marriott Masai Mara Resort helps safeguard animals and their habitat throughout the larger Mara ecosystem by supporting regional organizations like The Mara Elephant Project and The Mara Protector Conservation Programme. The lodge’s Head Guide, a longtime naturalist who leads guided walking tours and gives talks about local culture, shares his enthusiasm for the area’s fauna and ecology with visitors. Visitors can explore photography and pick up new skills at the lodge’s very own studio, where there are many memorable moments to enjoy.

Keekorok Airstrip is 30 minutes away by car, while Sekenani Main Gate is 25 minutes away from JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge.