On Wednesday 19 September 2018, an intimate group of media personnel were invited to join Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to Singapore, Ambassador Guillaume Kavarguganda, for a luncheon high above Sydney Harbour.
Held at Quay, one of Australia’s most celebrated restaurants, eight media guests joined four representatives from One&Only and Tourism Rwanda to encourage Australians to visit the safest country in Africa and experience the new One&Only Nyungwe House, opening on 1 October 2018.
Guests mingled in Quay’s panoramic Private Dining Room with Ambassador Kavarguganda; Manager, Sales & Marketing for One&Only Nyungwe House, Bonita Mutoni; General Manager for Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, James Wyndham; and Head of Tourism for Rwanda Development Board, Belise Kariza, before sitting down for a four-course lunch taking in sweeping views of Sydney Harbour.
After a starter of hand-harvested seafood, virgin soy, seaweed, and aged vinegar, Ms Kariza explained how the development of Rwanda has boomed over the last 15 years. In 2003, the country had 600 hotel rooms. There are now 10,500 hotel rooms in Rwanda proving the country to be a sought-after destination. Ms Kariza focused on the safety and cleanliness of Rwanda, having stopped the use of plastic entirely, while every last Saturday of the month there is a community cleanliness program dedicated to tidying up the neighbourhood.
Following the second course of shiitake, enoki and black fungi mushroom crisp – a new signature dish on Peter Gilmore’s menu – Ms Mutoni explained the ethos behind the new One&Only Nyungwe House, giving guests an exclusive Rwanda eco-luxury experience.
Ms Mutoni said, “From the moment you arrive, the experience will be seamless. You have someone to meet and greet you from the airport … take you to the VIP lounge while they take your luggage from you.” The resort embodies eco-luxury in all its forms with a strong focus on conservation and sustainability.
The 23 guest rooms and suites are designed to blend harmoniously with the natural landscape while the utilisation of African craftsmanship gives a contemporary look and feel to the resort. One&Only Nyungwe House is the first new property to open within One&Only’s Nature Resorts’ portfolio, joining Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley in Australia.
The afternoon continued with a main of sustainably farmed barramundi, Job’s tears, tonburi seaweed and kale, while guests discussed the cuisine at One&Only Nyungwe House, which also has a focus on sustainable produce and a farm-to-table concept.
Replacing Quay’s iconic Snow Egg, waiters brought out an intriguingly fogging dessert of white coral, mango ice-cream, white chocolate and coconut. Much like the fine details that went into the planning of One&Only Nyungwe House, the final course is flawless, bursting with delightfully complex flavours that make clear why the restaurant paves the way in the culinary world.
One&Only Nyungwe House is open to guests from 1 October 2018.
For more information on the resort visit oneandonlyresorts.com
Lead image: Bonita Mutoni, Manager, Sales & Marketing for One&Only Nyungwe House.