The ultra-luxury portfolio of One&Only is set to expand with the opening of One&Only Nyungwe House resort on 1 October 2018. The resort is the second property of One&Only’s Nature Resorts collection, joining Australia’s One&Only Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa in the Blue Mountains of NSW.
Positioned on the edge of the Nyungwe rainforest in the mountainous landscapes of Rwanda’s southwest, the property is set within a working tea plantation alongside one of the largest and best-preserved montane rainforests in Africa.
One&Only Nyungwe House offers guests the opportunity to go where few have gone before, promising once-in-a-lifetime experiences in one of the world’s most exceptional natural locations. Immersed in wild beauty and awe-inspiring jungle views, every element of the resort has been carefully considered, with farm-to-table dining, spa and wellness offerings that embrace nature and local traditions, and authentic experiences to discover.
“It is an absolute privilege and an honour to confirm the opening of One&Only Nyungwe House, the second addition to our Nature Resorts portfolio, and to provide our guests with the rare opportunity to explore this remote and authentically wild location,” said Philippe Zuber, President and COO, One&Only Resorts.
“Our guests will be able to trek with chimpanzees or discover the endangered Mangabey monkeys, walk among majestic mahogany trees and spot exotic birds, orchids and butterflies. We have created an ultra-luxury oasis which celebrates every possible moment of this remote jungle environment from sunrise breakfasts or treehouse yoga, to enjoying soothing indigenous spa therapies in the warm tropical air, through to evening cocktails by a crackling fire pit,” Zuber remarked.
The 23 guest rooms and suites at One&Only Nyungwe House are all designed to fit harmoniously within the natural surroundings, utilising local African craftsmanship inspired by Rwanda and offering a contemporary look and feel. Log burners in each guest room and suite will burn fragrant eucalyptus, while expansive private decks offer views over the sweeping African terrain or viewing galleries of the rainforest and wildlife.
Experiences include the opportunity for guests to participate in Umuganda, a nationwide initiative in Rwanda in which locals spend the last Saturday morning of every month working in the local community and giving back in some way, from developing infrastructure to environmental protection.
Trekking, stargazing and outdoor pursuits
Guests at One&Only Nyungwe House will have the opportunity to select from an array of carefully curated experiences during their stay. In addition to trekking chimpanzee and rare monkey populations through the ancient forest, guests can enjoy a range of remote outdoor pursuits, from birdwatching to a canopy treetop walk at the very top of the rainforest. Hiking trails lead from the resort deep into the jungle, such as the easy sparkling quartz Karamba Trail which begins in the open-air site of a former gold mine. The more challenging Mount Bigugu Trail covers the highest peak in the park with views of Lake Kivu, dramatic hills and colourful flora and fauna. Other signature activities will include stargazing and nocturnal field walks, swooping over the African landscapes by helicopter, jungle boot-camp workouts, spear throwing and archery lessons, an introduction to the African kitchen garden or insight into the secrets of African tea.
Farm-to-table cuisine
One&Only Nyungwe House will offer African-inspired cuisine within the surroundings of a traditional Boma, providing the perfect location to share adventures from the day and enjoy produce from the resort’s garden. Guests can savour the natural flavours of Nyungwe and experience the ‘farm-to-table’ cuisine which provides the inspiration behind every menu, favouring organic, seasonal ingredients from the fertile lands of Gisakura and surrounds. The dining room offers magical views of the tea plantation from dawn until dusk, while the tea lounge offers panoramic treetop views. From sunrise breakfasts to gastronomic feasts on the elevated deck, nutritious and indulgent options are available on every menu.
African holistic spa therapies
The One&Only Spa will offer a range of exclusive beauty and wellness treatments using organic, natural skincare products from South African brand, Africology. Each treatment combines the wisdom of traditional African holistic therapies with natural ingredients, including a herbal oil massage for total body relaxation and Africology rituals to boost energy. Signature treatments will include Intoga Amasatchi, a 75-minute, deep-tissue, full-body treatment using hands and wooden sticks, which traditionally represent the wisdom and direction of the healer to stretch tight muscles and relieve toxic overload.
The expansion of One&Only’s Nature Resorts will continue in 2019 with the opening of One&Only Gorilla’s Nest in Northern Rwanda. Located on the foothills of the volcanic Virunga Mountain Range, the resort will offer immersive gorilla trekking in the habitat of the Volcanoes National Park, complementing One&Only Nyungwe House to provide the ultimate twin-centre experience for guests travelling to Rwanda.
