Africa’s best: Kenya shines at journey awards

Kenyan hospitality retailers scooped no less than 20 awards on the simply concluded World Journey Awards 2022 held on the Kenyatta Worldwide Conference Centre (KICC) final week. In response to the organisers, the awards, now of their twenty ninth yr, “acknowledge reward and have a good time excellence throughout all key sectors of the journey, tourism and hospitality industries”.

As a begin, Kenya topped as ‘Africa’s Leading Destination’ whereas Nairobi, the ‘inexperienced metropolis underneath the solar claimed the prize as ‘Africa’s Main Enterprise Journey Vacation spot’. The awards venue, KICC, was voted as ‘Africa’s Main Conferences and Convention Centre.

We check out different native retailers that hoisted Kenya’s hospitality flag excessive on the African continent.

Within the air…

Kenya Airways

It was a giant evening for the nationwide provider, Kenya Airways, because it emerged as ‘Africa’s Main Airline’ in addition to main within the enterprise class class. As well as, the airline was voted as ‘Africa’s Main Airline Model 2022’. However, Jambojet, a subsidiary of the nationwide provider was voted as ‘Africa’s Main Low-cost Airline’.

On land….

Sirai Home

This is among the most unique locations in Africa, tucked on the highest level inside the 35,000-acre Borana Conservancy in northern Kenya. Sirai is Maasai for the euphorbia tree, however that’s not what makes the home tick. It was as soon as described by UK’s Sunday Occasions as one of many world’s most unique areas the place admission could not have a lot to do together with your deep pockets however with the depth of your character. Selecting a tab amounting to greater than Sh1 million for a night at Sirai is truthful recreation. No marvel it was voted as ‘Africa’s Main Luxurious Personal Villa’.

Fairmont the Norfolk and Mount Kenya Safari Membership

One of many oldest lodges in Kenya virtually closed store throughout the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. However resilience appears to be the hallmark of the lodge that has previously survived a terrorist bomb, among the many first casualties of such merciless acts. Just like the proverbial Phoenix, it rose from the bombing to reclaim its place in historical past. It has risen once more after the Covid scare to turn out to be ‘Africa’s Main Metropolis Resort’. Its cousin, Mount Kenya Safari Club was voted as ‘Africa’s Main Resort’.

Aberdare Nation Membership

The temperate local weather inside the central highlands supplies the best situations for a soothing safari. The previous house of an English couple that was later named Aberdare Nation Membership is extra of nationwide heritage, having modified little from The Steep, because it was recognized then.

It blends so properly with the atmosphere round Mweiga that it was voted as ‘Africa’s Main Inexperienced Resort’.

4 Factors by Sheraton, Nairobi Airport

For a very long time, Kenya lacked a modest airport lodge. Nevertheless, the current previous has seen just a few lodges come up round Jomo Kenyatta Airport, a handy break for weary travellers. With the pool deck on the rooftop overlooking Nairobi Nationwide Park, the lodge was voted as ‘Africa’s Main Airport Resort’.

Finch Hattons

Named after Karen Blixen’s second lover, Finch Hattons is a jewel in Tsavo, the land of lava. To the west lies Mount Kilimanjaro whereas the Chyulu Hills dot the northwest. Past these are “miles of untouched African wilderness”, making Finch Hattons ‘Africa’s Main Tented Safari Camp’.

Olare Mara Kempinski

Tucked by the banks of Ntiakitiak River in Olare Motorogi Conservancy is ‘Africa’s Main Luxurious Tented Safari Camp’.

At Sea…

Billionaire Resort and Retreat, Malindi

“Unwind and recharge in a resort the place souls and senses are stimulated and reinvigorated,” states the web evaluate for Flavio Briatore’s resort in Malindi. Right here, curated gastronomic experiences mix two worlds; Malindi’s idyllic hospitality and Italy’s vaunted culinary repertoire. The resort was voted as ‘Africa’s Main Boutique Resort’. 

Diamond Dream of Africa

The creators of the enchanting resort in Malindi say that is the place the “pressure of nature melds with the unique Indo-Arabic structure to create a hypnotic appeal.” They name it bembeleza in Kiswahili. The dream right here is to hearken to the winds that introduced Arab retailers to East Africa. You could not get the true diamonds right here however topping as Africa’s ‘All Inclusive Resort’, serenity is assured.

Swahili Seaside

Nonetheless, on the coast however the reverse finish, Swahili Seaside additionally boasts structure of a bygone period, interspersed with fashionable conveniences such because the cascading pool. Diani, the place the lodge is positioned, has been named among the many greatest seashores on this planet, the place the solar involves play and the climate by no means takes a vacation. Swahili Seaside Resort led in Africa because the ‘Main Seaside Resort’.

Baobab Seaside Resort

There may be sand in Diani however there are forests too. Baobab Seaside Resort is positioned on one of the vital wooded sections of Kenya’s coast. With verdant vegetation offering some peace of thoughts for individuals of all ages, the resort bagged the trophy as ‘Africa’s Main Household Resort’.

The Residences at Leopard Seaside

For many who wish to benefit from the trappings of a seaside vacation however retreat to some privateness, The Residences at Leopard Seaside present the right cowl. The residences had been voted as ‘Africa’s Main Resort Residences’.

Manda Bay

Situated on the northern tip of Manda Island in Lamu, Manda Bay is a personal retreat the place the mantra is “no footwear, no information” to indicate the laidback nature of the small island. So unique is Manda Bay that entry is barely via prior preparations. No marvel it scooped the ‘Africa’s Main Personal Island Resort’ award.

Ocean Sports activities Resort

Enjoying on the seaside is the entire essence of a vacation and what higher place to take action than the aptly-named Ocean Sports activities Resort in Watamu. The prize? ‘Africa’s Main Sports activities Resort’.