Announcements

Now Open: WildPlaces Kulu Ora Lodge - A New Benchmark in Sustainable Luxury in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

WildPlaces Africa - renowned for its exceptional collection of camps and lodges and some of the most immersive and unique wildlife experiences in Uganda – is proud to announce that Kulu Ora, its newest lodge and seventh addition to the WildPlaces portfolio, is now open. With Uganda Airlines’ new direct international flights (London Gatwick to Entebbe), it has never been easier to experience the Pearl of Africa.

Virgin Limited Edition Announces a Complete Re-Design of Ulusaba

Virgin Limited Edition, the award-winning collection of unique retreats part of the hospitality brand Virgin Hotels Collection, is delighted to announce the re-imagining of its iconic private game reserve, Ulusaba, one of the original properties that launched the portfolio 25 years ago.  Both lodges at the reserve in South Africa’s world-famous Sabi Sand will be re-designed from the ground up to create a truly extraordinary 20-bedroom retreat featuring spacious all-suite accommodations with private plunge pools and enhanced wellness facilities.

andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge reimagined

An intimate and romantic lodge set on the edge of a rare sand forest in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province, andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge is set for a thoughtful refurbishment that will preserve its quiet magic while elevating its elegance and sense of place. Tucked between rare sand forest and a sweeping grassy meadow in the diverse Phinda Private Game Reserve, the lodge's six Suites are being reimagined to offer even greater comfort and exclusivity. Phinda Vlei Lodge will welcome children aged 12 and older only, creating a calm, quiet, and romantic experience that still remains open to families with older children. Each space is being meticulously considered to slow the rhythm of a stay, draw attention to the surrounding wilderness and weave stillness into the experience itself.

RIU Opens Riu Palace Swahili: Its First Elite Club Hotel in Zanzibar

RIU Hotels & Resorts has just opened its new jewel in the Indian Ocean: Riu Palace Swahili. Located in the premier area of Nungwi, in the north of Zanzibar, this 5-star hotel becomes the chain's third hotel in Tanzania. The Adults Only hotel marks two significant milestones for the company in this region, taking standards of luxury and fun to another level: the introduction of the exclusive Elite Club service and the anticipated opening event of RIU Party, which will be held each week at Riu Jambo following this opening.

Kerten Hospitality Signs Casadora Resort By Cloud 7 Hotels

Kerten Hospitality, the global lifestyle hospitality group known for creating purpose-driven, community-centric destinations, has announced the signing of Casadora Resort by Cloud 7 Hotels, a new resort and branded residences project in El Jadida, initiated and developed by Groupe Ramos, the French real estate developer recognised for over half a century for its innovative developments and strong attachment to Moroccan culture and heritage.

Swiss-Belhotel International Strengthens Africa Portfolio with the Launch of The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel, Kilimani, Nairobi

Swiss-Belhotel International, has signed a management agreement for The Gama by Swiss-Belhotel, Kilimani, Nairobi, with Albushra Real Estate Limited, marking the global debut of its newest brand concept and underscoring the group's strategic expansion across Africa. The latest signing builds on the group's established presence in East Africa, where Swiss-Belhotel International operates multiple properties.

IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Vignette Collection Debuts in Africa with the Introduction of Fairview Hotel Nairobi

Fairview Hotel Nairobi - one of Africa's most cherished heritage hotels - is joining Vignette Collection, a growing family of one-of-a-kind hotels in destinations to remember. The 99-room boutique hotel, affectionally known as Upper Hill's living garden hotel, represents the brand's first in Africa and first on the continent to join IHG Hotels & Resorts' leading Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, now the second largest in the world.

Marriott International and V&A Waterfront Holdings Announce Agreement to Bring EDITION to Cape Town’s Iconic Waterfront

Marriott International, Inc. and V&A Waterfront Holdings today announced a signed agreement to open The Cape Town EDITION within the V&A Waterfront in 2026. This milestone agreement is anticipated to mark the debut of EDITION Hotels in Africa, bringing its signature taste-making design, innovation, and consistent, excellent service to Cape Town.

IHG Hotels & Resorts Expands Its Luxury Lifestyle Portfolio in Morocco with the Signing of the First Kimpton in Marrakech

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a franchise agreement with Sirayane Hospitality, a local high end hospitality investor and operator with over twenty years' experience in Marrakech, to develop Kimpton Marrakech, a 67-key luxury lifestyle hotel opening in Q4 2026. The signing marks the introduction of the Kimpton brand in Morocco, further expanding IHG's luxury and lifestyle footprint in the country.

Autograph Collection Hotels Celebrates Cape Town’s Seaside Splendor with the Opening of Morea House, Autograph Collection

Inspired by the raw beauty, vibrant culture, and laid-back spirit of Cape Town, Morea House, Autograph Collection, has opened its doors in Camps Bay. The new 90-room hotel joins Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott Bonvoy's diverse and dynamic portfolio of independent hotels championing individuality.

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg Unveils Destination Lobby and Lobby Lounge, Completing Major Transformation

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg today celebrates the official opening of its Destination Lobby and Lobby Lounge, a light-filled, architecturally striking space that completes the hotel's most ambitious transformation to date. The debut represents the final chapter of an extensive building project initiated in 2023, bringing enhanced facilities, new business opportunities, and renewed energy to one of Johannesburg's most distinguished addresses.

Marriott International Introduces the Four Points by Sheraton Brand to Kinshasa with a New Opening

Marriott International (www.Marriott.com) has made its debut in The Democratic Republic of the Congo with the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa. The launch of this distinct hotel introduces a globally recognised brand to Kinshasa, offering tailored experiences for business and leisure travellers in one of Africa's most vibrant and strategically important capital cities.

Marriott International Enters the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the Opening of Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa

has made its debut in The Democratic Republic of the Congo with the opening of Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa. The launch of this distinct hotel introduces a globally recognised brand to Kinshasa, offering tailored experiences for business and leisure travellers in one of Africa's most vibrant and strategically important capital cities.

Kerten Hospitality Enters Morocco With Signing Of Cloud 7 Hotel Dersa Tetuàn

Kerten Hospitality, the global lifestyle operator renowned for creating community-driven destinations, today announced the signing of Cloud 7 Dersa Tetuàn in partnership with Oromecanica Group, a distinguished Moroccan jeweler celebrated for its commitment to authentic craftsmanship and fine artisanal heritage. The signing, which took place in Casablanca, marks Kerten Hospitality's foray into Morocco's vibrant and rapidly growing hospitality market.