Home to some of the most impressive wildlife, landscapes, nature and an abundance of cultural history, The Middle East and Africa also offers a ton of luxury hotels and resorts. In our third installment of a four-part series of new luxury property openings, below is a curated list of new openings in Africa and The Middle East in 2023.
Africa
Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Marrakech – scheduled opening: Q1 2023
This hotel marks Nobu Hospitality’s first venture into Africa and is located just steps away from the Moroccan capital’s cultural epicenter. Situated in the Hivernage district, the luxury property will feature 71 rooms and suites, a selection of dynamic dining venues and rooftop spaces, a 2,000 sq. ft. spa and fitness center and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge – scheduled opening: Q1 2023
Along the Talek River in Maasai Mara, Kenya, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is the first-ever luxury lodge hotel by Marriott International. In southwestern Kenya, along the Tanzanian border, the hotel will offer a unique base in the 580-square-mile Maasai Mara National Reserve offering 20 guest tents, including one presidential tent and two interconnecting family tents. It will be the only luxury lodge within the Mara National Reserve and will present guests a restaurant, lounge bar, swimming pool, spa, and a large outdoor terrace and fire pit area that will host traditional Masai dance shows in the evenings.
Loapi Tented Camp – scheduled opening: Late Q2, Early Q3 2023
Opening at Tswalu in 2023 is the new Loapi Tented Camp, six individual micro-camps, each functioning as a stand-alone, independently run mini camp. As the largest, privately owned reserve in South Africa, Tswalu’s wide, open spaces, guests are afforded privacy and seclusion throughout their stay with at least 330 feet between each home. In Setswana, the name, Loapi means ‘the space below the clouds’, aptly reflected in the camp’s environmentally sensitive, modular design suspended between earth and sky. Along with numerous sustainable design solutions guests have the ability to book private Fireblade charters to arrive to the camp and also have the luxury of a dedicated Homathi (on-site butler), plus private safari vehicle, guide and tracker on property.
Volcanoes Kibale Lodge Lake Lugembe – scheduled opening: Q4 2023
Volcanoes Safaris, pioneers of gorilla and chimpanzee eco-tourism in Uganda and Rwanda since 1997, is celebrating their 25th anniversary with the opening of Volcanoes Kibale Lodge Lake Lugembe. The new lodge in Kibale, Uganda is the companies fifth lodge and is one hour from Kasese airstrip. Likely to have a mixture of deluxe bandas and a villa, designed with natural elements, guests will be able to explore the 150-site and only a 30-minute drive from the chimp tracking base in the Kibale Forest, which has about 1,500 chimpanzees.
The Middle East
Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea (Saudi Arabia) – scheduled opening: Early 2023
Inspired by the historic incense trade route, desert plains and the Hijaz Mountains, this resort’s heart will be the Oasis. Inspired by a desert flower, the canopy is a self-shading structure, blurring the lines between the natural finishes inside and the native plants and water features outside. Guest rooms will feature open floor plans while villas are placed at strategic peaks for incredible views.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences at the Pearl-Qatar – scheduled opening: Spring 2023
The all-new beachfront property is slated to open in Spring 2023 and is situated on a private beach. The 19-story building housing the Four Seasons Resort and Residences at the Pearl-Qatar will present a new level of luxury living including 161 fully-furnished apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms and 84 Private Residences. Guests can enjoy this residential-style experience with five restaurants and bars, including two venues by Joël Robuchon International, and a 5,560 sq. ft. wellness center, indoor lap pool and two outdoor pools, private screening room and more.
The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai – scheduled opening: September 2023
Set to be a landmark of luxury in the heart of Dubai in the Business Bay area beside the waters of the Dubai Canal, The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai will offer a striking building alongside gleaming skyscrapers of the area. The 225 rooms and suites were designed to combine contemporary touches with traditional elements, while each offers tall window frames with views of the Burj Khalifa or the desert. From their signature evening restaurant on the 18th floor to the enticing rooftop pool and bar, every detail is designed to create an ambience that feels both distinctive and discreet.
One&Only One Za’abeel – scheduled opening: Q4 2023
Showcasing 360-degree views of glimmering skyscrapers, lush green expanses and transcendental sunsets, One&Only One Za’abeel was designed by world-renowned architect Nikken Sekkei. The dual-tower edifice is connected by Dubai’s newest icon, The Link at One Za’abeel (the world’s largest cantilever) is a panoramic sky concourse that connects the two towers of One Za’abeel. Along with 11 exceptional restaurants and bars and a nearly 27,000 sq. ultramodern ft. health and wellness facility with an infinity pool on the 25th floor, there will be a total of 229 guest rooms including 140 exceptionally appointed guest bedrooms, 89 ultra-luxury guest rooms and 94 One&Only Private Homes available for purchase.
Nobu Hotel Tel Aviv – scheduled opening: 2023
In the heart of Tel Aviv, Nobu Hotel Tel Aviv is situated on the tree-lined Rothschild Boulevard which comes to life due to its dining, shopping, theater and cultural surroundings. The boutique hotel will offer 38 rooms and suites, a large garden, fitness center, pool, outdoor spaces and a private rooftop, ideal for special events.
