Zannier Hotels has opened the first of two new lodges in Namibia. Omaanda Lodge is positioned in the heart of the 9,000-hectare Zannier Reserve by N/a’an ku sê private animal reserve, in the savannah near the capital city of Windhoek.
The lodge is composed of ten luxury huts inspired by traditional Ovambo architecture. To preserve its charm and peacefulness the lodge is composed of ten huts (eight of 60 square metres with a double room and two of 120 square metres with two double rooms and a living room). All the huts are equipped in the greatest comfort. From their large private terrace, guests can enjoy the views stretching to the distant mountains. This breath-taking show lives like an ode to natural and timeless beauty.
Omaanda (meaning rhinoceros in Oshiwambo), is the fourth property in the Zannier Hotels collection.
It’s development derives following an encounter between Arnaud Zannier, an entrepreneur with a very unique and personal vision of luxury hospitality and actress Angelina Jolie. When Jolie came across Phum Baitang, she was impressed and recounted to its creator the existence of another place – more than 10,000 kilometres away – lying in a glorious natural setting that should be preserved and cherished in the same way that had been done in the Cambodian resort.
N/a’an ku sê strives to sustain the preservation of natural spaces – a conservation mission that aligns with the values of the Zannier Reserve. A rich sanctuary of flora and fauna can be found in the heart of the reserve. Rudie and Marlice have set up a hospital for injured or abandoned rhinoceroses and elephants, funded by the JoliePitt Foundation. The aim of the hospital is to raise awareness and to educate the planet on the need to support and preserve the wild world.
The Omaanda lodge offers 360-degree views over the African plains and savannah. The village has been transformed into a luxurious wild retreat boasting contemporary comfort of the highest quality and the trademark of Zannier Hotels, naturally blending into the decor inspired by the Ovambo traditions.
In an echo of Namibian traditions, the village is surrounded by a wooden fence called the ‘kraal’. The ‘boma’ is the beating heart of Omaanda where guests can come together as did the local tribes, and is an ode to local tradition. Each hut is covered with a roof of hand-finished thatch. The decoration of each hut is composed of antique pieces coming from Namibia or neighbouring countries. The predominance of curves, straight and pure lines, the omnipresence of different shapes of wood, and the warm colour schemes evoking earth and nature all give Omaanda a particularly welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
Morning, midday and evening, the restaurant offers cuisine inspired by the best local products. An enormous open fire adds a particular charm to the atmosphere and includes a live cooking station.
A bar can be found on the edge of the heated swimming pool overlooking the savannah where guests can relax and keep refreshed throughout the day. There is another refined and cosy bar that guests will enjoy as the ideal spot to begin or end the evening. Omaanda also features a spa comprised of two double rooms.
Rates start at €650 per person per night, full board.
