Kenya's Thriving Hospitality industry: Seeking Top Experiences

Kenya’s hospitality industry continues to develop as both domestic and international travelers make a comeback after the pandemic. This growth is driven by factors such as a growing economy, improving infrastructure, and the trend of “revenge travel,” which has seen a surge in demand for bucket-list experiences in Kenya.

Kenya’s hospitality industry is expanding due to multiple factors such as the country’s growing economy, improved infrastructure, and business environment. Kenya is also witnessing a surge in tourism due to “revenge travel” post-pandemic, with visitors looking to make up for the lost time by seeking out bucket list experiences. Here are the highlights of four properties that embody the unique breadth of Kenya’s hospitality offerings, including Angama Amboseli, Kwetu Nairobi, Gigiri Nairobi MGallery, and Billionaire Resort and Retreat.

Angama Amboseli

Luxury camp company Angama will open its latest outpost, Angama Amboseli, in November 2023, where staff will greet guests with “Karibu nyumbani,” meaning “Welcome home” in Swahili. The camp, located within the Kimana Sanctuary, will be framed by sweeping views of Mount Kilimanjaro and an abundance of wildlife, including the endangered Super Tusker elephant. The property’s architecture considers the animals, with a raised rim-flow swimming pool that includes a water trough for them to drink from and a viewing tower for guests to observe them undisturbed. The outside of the structures will be constructed using a conventional method that incorporates soil, natural fibers, and cement or sand plaster for added strength. The aesthetic of the camp’s ten guest suites is inspired by the color and texture of elephants.

Kwetu Nairobi

Hilton’s latest addition to the continent, Kwetu Nairobi, will open in April 2023, marking the first Curio Collection by Hilton outpost in East Africa. The estate, which originally housed a historical residence from the 1800s, has been expanded to become a boutique hotel with five additional interconnected structures. It includes 102 guestrooms, an outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, and a seasonal rooftop restaurant and bar. The lobby’s coffered ceilings create a dramatic scene, where a fireplace and seating area will offer a cozy area for guests just steps from the sleek lobby bar.

Gigiri Nairobi MGallery

In 2024, Accor plans to expand its presence in Kenya with the opening of a new MGallery hotel in Nairobi’s affluent Gigiri neighborhood. The 105-key Gigiri Nairobi MGallery, developed in collaboration with the locally owned Jit Group, will feature interiors by the Moscow-based Sundovky Sisters that pay homage to the developer’s gemstone business, utilizing jewel-toned furnishings and an iridescent design aesthetic. The studio has also made sure to incorporate subtle yet genuine nods to Africa through the use of materials such as shells, wood, gold, and marble throughout the property. The lobby will showcase dichroic film accents on the walls and ceiling, a curvilinear bar made of glass bricks, and a prism-like effect in changing light. Guests will be able to enjoy a bar, restaurant, and infinity pool with a terrazzo median providing a tranquil oasis on the rooftop, which offers views of the surrounding forest.

Billionaire Resort and Retreat

The latest addition to the Billionaire Resort and Retreat chain is located in the coastal town of Malindi, offering a serene and luxurious haven for guests. The resort includes 60 sea-facing villas designed by Italian architect Antonio Citterio. The interiors, by Milan-based designer Patricia Viel, combine contemporary and traditional Kenyan design with hand-carved furniture, and Swahili-inspired details. The villas come with private pools and butler service, while the resort also features a spa, gym, and infinity pool.

#KenyaHospitality #TravelKenya #RevengeTravel #BucketListExperiences #AngamaAmboseli #KwetuNairobi #GigiriNairobiMGallery #BillionaireResort #LuxuryTravel #AfricanHospitality