One&Only introduces new brands and Rwanda resorts

Luxury specialist One&Only has expanded its portfolio, introducing One&Only Nature Resorts, One&Only Urban Resorts and One&Only Private Homes. The operator traditionally has a focus on beach resorts but has now announced its intention to diversify within the ultra-luxury market.

Nature, urban and private home offerings will keep One&Only’s style.

Two new properties in Rwanda have been revealed as part of the announcement, including One&Only Nyungwe House and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest.

As part of the move, all One&Only Nature Resorts will aim to achieve internationally accredited carbon-neutral certification by CarbonZero – following in the footsteps of Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley in Australia.

“I am thrilled we are able to continue to evolve the One&Only experience, providing the once-in-a-lifetime experiences in which our guests seek,” says Philippe Zuber, president and chief operating officer at One&Only Resorts.

“Building on the legacy and success of One&Only, it is an exciting time for the brand as we continue to combine completely distinctive experiences with ultra-luxury.  We look forward to sharing additional locations for our resorts, whether it be in the ultimate address in a prime city or an authentically wild undiscovered location soon.”

All One&Only Nature Resorts will offer “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences on bespoke itineraries. The architectural design of each resort will respect the surroundings and aim to frame the best aspects of the natural beauty and make minimal impact on the location. Guests will have an opportunity to ‘give back’ with hands-on, interactive, immersive experiences with the local community.

In Rwanda, One&Only Nyungwe House, slated to open this year, is designed to fit harmoniously within its natural surroundings and is situated in Gisakura, a working tea plantation on the edge of the Nyungwe National Park.

The Nyungwe Forest is thought to be one of the oldest forests in Africa, with more than 13 different species of primates, 20% of all the apes in Africa, and 75 different species of mammals.

Guests can explore the National Park with treks to see chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, grey – cheeked mangabeys and the Kamiranzovu Swamps and Waterfalls.  There are more than 275 species of birds including giant hornbills, great blue turacos and red-breasted sparrow hawks.

“We are proud and excited to continue to innovate at One&Only and introduce new experiences for our guests,” added Zuber. “One&Only Nature Resorts will provide our guests illuminating and immersive experiences full of adventure that will allow for exploration and discovery.

“Rwanda is such an incredible destination with truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences.  We look forward to immersing our guests in the country and culture and providing that ultimate connection with nature in the ultimate locations.”

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, located on the foothills of the Virunga Volcano range near the village of Kingi, will have views of Rwandan hills and the slopes of the Volcanoes National Park. Guests can discover the habitat of endangered mountain gorillas of which only 780 are thought to still be in existence.

Local African cuisine served at the resort will include fruit and vegetables from the resort’s garden. The resort will also offer an indulgent One&Only Spa and Fitness Centre, honouring the inspired surrounds with treatments using traditional African elements, as well as the latest state-of-the-art technology.

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