Sanctuary Olonana, on a private stretch of the Mara River in the Maasai Mara, Kenya, will relaunch as a luxury lodge in June.
Key features are 14 new glass-fronted suites, each en suite with a deck. Three of the suites have an additional bedroom, ideal for families. The new main lodge has a restaurant and relaxation areas, as well as a new extensive deck, with outdoor dining areas and a boma. The entire lodge has been redesigned with traditional Maasai elements.
The 14 suites are at least 130 sqm and floor-to-ceiling glass doors open on to views of the Mara River. Bathrooms feature a double vanity, bathtub and rain shower. Each suite is fitted with a king-sized bed, overhead fans, and a daybed on the deck.
Three of the new suites, which have an additional bedroom and are suitable for families, are 163 sqm in size.
The glass doors open from the lounge to the terrace, which has a new boma firepit encircled by deckchairs overlooking the river.
Activities include game drives with experienced guides in customised open safari vehicles, cultural experiences, private picnic breakfasts and lunches. Bush dinners under the stars can also be organised.
Sanctuary Olonana has been rated gold by Ecotourism Kenya. Initiatives include a natural water treatment system, a tree-planting project and an organic garden. The master Maasai bead workers visit daily to create their handcrafted jewellery, which go into the lodge’s curio shop, with all profits going to the community.
The relaunch is the latest announcement in Sanctuary Retreats’ extensive investment programme.
