Gran Melia Hotels and Resorts announced the opening of their first property in Africa, Gran Meliá Arusha.
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Based in the heart of Arusha within Northern Tanzania, the exclusive East African resort, which opened on 1st September 2019, will be the perfect base for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of some of Africa's most striking landscapes, including the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro.
Gran Melia Arusha is a new addition to the extensive collaboration between Meliá Hotels International and Albwardy Investment LLC, the owner Company of the hotels.
Meliá Hotels International already successfully operates five Albwardy hotels: Meliá Zanzibar and Meliá Serengeti Lodge in Tanzania, Gran Meliá Iguazu in Argentina, Meliá London Kensington in the United Kingdom, and Meliá Desert Palm also in Dubai.
The luxury hotel will boast a convenient location for both international and regional travellers, located just a 45-minute drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport and 20-minute drive from Arusha Airport.
The property will also lend itself well to business travellers, offering a state-of-the-art conference centre and meeting facilities in the diplomatic hub of Tanzania.
Gran Meliá Arusha will feature 171 exquisitely decorated rooms and suites designed with earthy interiors and contemporary furniture to provide a relaxing atmosphere for guests.
The rooms are complete with private balconies, offering panoramic views over Mount Meru and the hotel's luscious surrounding gardens.
In line with Melia Hotels International's dedication to being environmentally conscious, the hotel has been created with environmentally friendly materials and a plastic-free commitment.
Gran Meliá Arusha will bottle guests' water on site and is complete with its own spice and vegetable garden which will supply the resort's restaurants with seasonal produce.
Gran Meliá Arusha will also have a wide range of dining options, including the exotic Yellow Chilli.
This signature restaurant from prestigious chef Sanjeev Kapoor will take diners on an exciting journey through the unique cuisine of India, inspired by the Punjab region and the traditional dishes of the Mughal Empire.
The all-day dining option, Saba Saba, offers a varied menu, featuring local seasonal recipes and fresh dishes with international influences, prepared in front of diners in an open kitchen design.
Guests of the hotel will be able to enjoy delicious fresh hot beverages at The Coffee Shop, created from the coffee and tea plantations surrounding the hotel, as well as sophisticated cocktails and Peruvian-Spanish fusion cuisine at the stunning rooftop terrace, complete with live shows and stunning views of Mount Meru.
The experienced team at the resort have designed a series of Exceptional Experiences to ensure guests see the best of what Tanzania has to offer, whether this be visiting Tarangire National Park, a hot air balloon ride to watch the migration of the Serengeti's wildlife or hiking up to the highest summit in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Guests can also enjoy a private guided tour of the breath-taking Arusha National Park, with the chance to see hundreds of Africa's animals in the wild, followed by a luxury picnic within a forest clearing, freshly prepared by the resort's chefs.
Gran Meliá Arusha is also well positioned for guests to explore two of Meliá Hotels International's other leading properties in the area, Meliá Zanzibar and Meliá Serengeti Lodge, for the ultimate African adventure.
Meliá Zanzibar is a luxury all-inclusive beach-front resort, providing a luxurious escape to the northeast coast of the exotic island of Zanzibar, whilst Meliá Serengeti Lodge has a prime safari location, set in the heart of the Serengeti National Park and complete with traditionally decorated Maasai and modern style rooms.
Gran Meliá Arusha's spectacular facilities will also include a state-of-the-art Spa and Wellness Centre, offering a selection of detox and anti-stress therapies dedicated to enhancing beauty and balance, using rituals to stimulate the senses.
The spa features a heated outdoor pool which is surrounded by views of Mount Meru and landscaped gardens.
Other hotel facilities will include a gym, hairdressing salon, shopping boutique and a 600-person capacity conference and convention centre, equipped with the latest leading technology.
Guests have the option of upgrading to the exclusive RedLevel Service, at a supplementary cost, designed to provide a boutique experience within the hotel.
It includes a private check-in, an exclusive lounge and a butler service. ■