Offering a front-row seat to one of the world’s most popular mountain gorilla sanctuaries, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest will begin welcoming guests on 1 November 2019. Set in the foothills of the Virunga volcano range, the ultra-luxury resort is located in Kinigi, northwest of Rwanda and just five minutes from Volcanoes National Park. The park is home to the highest number of mountain gorillas, five dormant volcanoes and is categorised as a rainforest because its montane ecosystem.
The resort is home to a collection of 21 jungle-chic rooms. Featuring 10 Forest King Lodges, four Two-Bedroom Forest Lodges, five Virunga Suites, one Ingagi and Silverback Suite, each space is designed to frame nature, and is surrounded by eucalyptus trees and strategically positioned on stilts. Private decks and in-room fireplaces provide guests the opportunity to live amongst the endless landscape, inviting the outside in.
Guests can look forward to enjoying meals in the main restaurant, Nest, offering dining both indoor and out, as well as offer a private dining area for up to 22 guests. Executive chef Bryan English and his team will focus on local and organic ingredients, making use of the abundant produce from local farmers as well as his own Chef’s Garden. Similar to One&Only Nyungwe House, the culinary team will work on a new menu daily with a focus on Rwandan and African influences, based on guests’ preferences and dietary needs.
The One&Only Spa in partnership with South African brand, Terres d’Afrique, will offer guests holistic treatments using plant-based African ingredients and will provide two treatment suites in a private building. Guests will also have access to Club One facilities offering a relaxation room, an open-air heated pool and plunge pool, as well as the Fitness Centre with steam room and sauna, and the Pool Bar offering healthy options with fruit juices evolving into evening cocktails.
In tribute to the destination, guests will not only have access to the activities in the National Park, but a diverse range of on-resort activities which can be booked at the dedicated Experience Centre.