Meliá Hotels International has announced plans to launch its fourth hotel in Tanzania, set within the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Slated to open in early 2023, Ngorongoro Lodge will be located near Serengeti National Park in the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater which formed when a volcano erupted and collapsed on itself over two million years ago.
The UNESCO-protected conservation area – dubbed ‘Africa’s Garden of Eden’ – is a spectacular setting for the luxury retreat. Living among the grassy plains of the crater floor is a diverse array of wildlife including the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes) and immense concentrations of grazing antelopes and wildebeests.
Only too aware of the responsibility that comes with opening a property in this incredible destination, Meliá is putting sustainability at the heart of the hotel. Ngorongoro Lodge will generate a significant part of its own electricity through solar panels and will feature a bottling plant onsite to process local water and avoid plastic consumption.
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The hotel group also plans to form partnerships with philanthropic projects similar to those already in place at sister property Meliá Serengeti Lodge such as the Sanaa initiative which supports local female entrepreneurs and the Born to Learn association which provides scholarships for children in the area.
Meliá Ngorongoro Lodge will feature just 28 rooms and 24 spacious suites boasting breathtaking views of the 2,000-ft-deep crater, as well as two gourmet restaurants, a large outdoor pool, a barbeque area and spa. Taking inspiration from Maasai traditions, the interiors will be adorned with beautiful artworks and bespoke furnishings made by local craftsmen and artisans.
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The boutique hotel is the final property in Meliá’s portfolio of luxurious hotels in Tanzania, joining Gran Melia Arusha located between the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro peaks, Meliá Zanzibar, and Meliá Serengeti Lodge which scooped the ‘best initiative in sustainable development’ at the Worldwide Hospitality Awards.
[See also: Luxury Lodges to See the Great Migration From]
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