London, March 2023 - JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, is set to make its debut in the luxury safari segment with the highly anticipated opening of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge later this month. The first JW Marriott safari lodge will sit within the Masai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya surrounded by abundant wildlife with a connection to the local land and people at its core.

“JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is an elegant retreat for guests to practice mindfulness and connect with the locale. We are proud to be supporting the community and to contribute towards the conservation of the Masai Mara’s wildlife and environment, which we are so grateful to call home and look forward to sharing meaningful moments with our guests,” said Barnabas Wamoto, General Manager, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge.

Partnership with the community began during the early development process of the lodge. Developed on land committed to a tourism project so to not unduly disturb the surrounding environment, much of the construction was undertaken by local experts overseen by technical specialists with build materials sourced from sustainable suppliers. The lodge has rehabilitated access roads to the property, installed power to the area, and provided access to clean drinking water for locals through a water treatment plant.

For the opening 60 percent of the lodge’s team are from the local area, and plans are to reach 70 percent employment for locals, ensuring its contribution to the socio-economic development of the region. As an ongoing initiative, JW Marriott Masai Mara’s Apprenticeship Programme will invite young women from the community to diversify their skills and broaden their experience to kick-start their careers in the hospitality industry.

As part of JW Marriott’s ethos of fulfilment, community programmes will intertwine with the guest experience to provide authentic insight into meaningful local projects and partnerships, including The Maa Trust. Working together with community-owned wildlife conservancies in the Masai Mara, The Maa Trust works to increase the benefits that go back to the local community with a specific focus on women, youth and children. The organisation empowers small local business start-ups and microfinance schemes. The lodge will support the trust by donating a percentage of the nightly rate per person and will provide a space at the lodge for craftspeople to retail Maa Beadwork and produce. Guests will be able to visit The Maa Trust to meet with local artisans and forge a deeper connection to the people in the area. The lodge is also donating stationary and sanitary pads to a local school, and has long-term plans to support other organisations.

Set amongst breathtaking land renowned for stunning vistas, abundant wildlife and endless plains, conservation will be a priority at the lodge. By supporting local organisations such as The Mara Elephant Project and The Mara Protector Conservation Programme, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will contribute to protecting animals and their habitat across the greater Mara ecosystem. Bringing a passion for the surrounding wildlife and nature to guests, the lodge’s Head Guide is a lifelong conservationist and wildlife enthusiast, and guests will also be able to learn more about local conversation at talks held at the lodge as well as guided walking tours.  

Emphasis on waste reduction and recycling will be integral to the daily operations. The lodge’s water treatment plant provides recycled and sanitised water. Food waste will be placed at the lodge’s compost site, and water wells will be dotted around the lodge for animals to quench from throughout the day.

Bookings for JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge are now open with prices from $1450 per person, per night (all-inclusive board basis). For more information, visit www.marriott.com.

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About JW Marriott 

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW Marriott is a tribute to the founder of Marriott International, J. Willard “J.W.” Marriott, who prioritized his own well-being so that he could take better care of others. Inspired by his approach to life and rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are more than 100 JW Marriott hotels in more than 35 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travellers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.  

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.