andBeyond Rebuilds and Refurbishments

As one of the world’s leading experiential travel companies, &Beyond is committed to delivering extraordinary guest experiences. In line with this, we have planned a considerable investment in our safari lodges and camps. Our upgrades will ensure that your guests experience a consistently high standard in our trademark brand of natural luxury. Together with our warm hospitality and some of Africa’s most highly trained rangers, our brand new look will continue to captivate the hearts of your guests, keeping them coming back again and again.

Here is an update of the activities that have been completed or planned.

&BEYOND SANDIBE OKAVANGO SAFARI LODGE
Botswana, Southern Africa

Drawing their inspiration directly from nature, the suites at &Beyond Sandibe are being elevated above their surroundings, gazing out onto the Delta. Uncluttered and elegant, the lodge will feature a copper palette, with natural rusty tones. Copper-clad mekoro, sculpted wooden tables and intricate baskets will celebrate the very best of Botswana craft. At night, the rooms will become private cocoons, with fireplaces providing warmth and light in winter.

Construction work is proceeding on schedule, with the entire property due to be completely rebuilt and relaunched by 1 July 2014.

• The camp is currently closed to allow for heavy construction work
• During this time, comprehensive remodelling of both front and back of house areas will be carried out, all concrete will be removed from the site and alternative energy sources will be implemented
• Eight completely rebuilt guest suites with private plunge pools, as well as the guest area, will reopen on 1 July 2014
• Work on a further four suites will continue on the outskirts of the lodge, with four additional suites due to open by 1 September 2014 and the addition of a further three planned at a later stage
• During July and August, noise will be minimised, with soft work such as painting, plastering and smaller installations

&BEYOND BENGUERRA ISLAND
Mozambique, Southern Africa

A soft refurbishment will take place in May and the lodge will remain open throughout 2014, with a further refurbishment phase planned in early 2015.

• A new management team is in place, combining experienced previous Benguerra Island lodge staff with long-standing &Beyond team members, bringing with them our unique brand of hospitality and ensuring that the guest experience at &Beyond Benguerra fulfils expectations of our usual high standards
• A refurbishment has been planned and will be carried out in two phases to ensure that the lodge can remain open throughout 2014, including Mozambique’s peak season from June to August.
  During phase one the guest rooms will receive a full softs refurbishment and new colour theme that will showcase the natural beauty of the Bazaruto Archipelago, focusing on the lodge’s spectacular sea views and the simplicity of island life.
• A new dive boat and vehicle for island drives will be purchase and the existing fleet will be overhauled.
• To perfect our vision for the lodge’s ultimate grand re-opening, one existing casita will be refurbished as a prototype of our planned new look and will feature a generous plunge pool, spacious private deck and completely revamped interior design.
• Phase one will be completed by June 2014 and will involve the closure of three rooms from February until June 2014. All work will be carried out with guest comfort as a top priority and will have minimum impact on the guest experience.
• Phase two of the project will be rolled out early in 2015, when all the remaining casitas and cabanas, as well as the family villa, will be upgraded to match the prototype. Guest areas will be scaled back to create a more intimate space, with new furniture and fittings
• It is anticipated that the lodge will be closed between February and May 2015, re-launching in June 2015, just in time for Mozambique’s high season

&BEYOND KICHWA TEMBO TENTED CAMP
Kenya, East Africa

Building on its history of classical African safari, &Beyond Kichwa Tembo is being redesigned to celebrate its signature elements of romance and nostalgia, as well as to showcase the panoramic Mara views. Boasting interiors that are Maasai-inspired, simple yet contemporary, the suites will enhance the guests’ sense of privacy complemented by enduring and timeless style.

Work is well under way to ensure that twenty eight of the camp’s suites, as well as its guest areas, will take on a brand new look.

• The camp’s twelve luxury tents on the Sabaringo River remain open throughout the rebuild period, with guests enjoying the intimacy of a far smaller camp
• The swimming pool at the camp is currently closed for refurbishment.
• A new guest area has been set up to accommodate guests staying in the luxury tents and has proved extremely popular with our guests
• Guests to the luxury tents are also currently enjoying the use of their own private check-in areas, as well as a selection of beautiful private dining locations
• The rebuild will be completed late June, with the entire camp re-opening on 1 July 2014
• Educational trips for travel partners are being planned from mid-May 2014.

&BEYOND GRUMETI SERENGETI TENTED CAMP
Tanzania, East Africa

Inspired by the Great Migration, &Beyond Grumeti is in the process of receiving a brand new look that combines hues of wildebeest grey with natural stone and bone, as well as bleached cypress. Rustic yet sophisticated, the new look of the camp will be toned down and intimate.

• Building work has commenced and is expected to be completed by the end of April 2014, with all new softs and furniture installed by October 2014
• Ten contemporary guest tents are being rebuilt to include a butler’s lobby for discrete service and privacy
• Bathrooms are being reconfigured with al fresco shower towers made of natural stone and open to the sun and stars
• Guest areas are being updated and restyled, with a new extended deck creating more space for outdoor dining
• The dining room has been opened up to the traditional African boma, or outdoor cooking area
• Three rooms will be closed from 14 January to 25 February, with another five rooms blocked off from 26 February to 18 March
• The entire camp will be closed from 19 March and will re-open on 30 April 2014
• No current bookings have been affected
• Guests staying at the camp while the work is being carried out will not experience any inconvenience, as the areas affected are not close to the guest area and will be completely closed off for work to take place