Luxury and change of scenery guaranteed! In the heart of the African continent, a treasure still remains unknown to the general public: luxury hotel establishments. The prestigious Forbes Travel Guide has listed 38 very high-end destinations spread across seven African countries. A ranking rich in lessons on the luxury positioning of these nations and the evolution of the expectations of wealthy travelers.
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In the lead, Mauritius holds the prize with 12 dream addresses such as One&Only Le Saint Géran, a resurgent icon of Mauritian style. With its villas on a white sand beach, the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita hotel embodies an island sanctuary worthy of the most discerning.
South Africa follows with 9 properties, including 7 in the architectural mosaic of Cape Town, such as the Victorian building Ellerman House. The Mount Nelson, Belmond Hotel, is the emblematic ‘pink hotel’ of the metropolis. Without forgetting the Silo Hotel, contemporary luxury in the “Mother City”.
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Morocco climbs to 3rd place thanks to Marrakech and its 7 palaces like Mamounia, an oasis of arabesque elegance. The Royal Mansour symbolizes the refinement of Moroccan style with its particular riads.
The Seychelles are distinguished by their 5 very private settings, from the Six Senses Zil Pasyon, a chic eco-resort, to the Raffles Seychelles personal paradise on the Indian Ocean.
Photo of Giraffe Manor, Kenya’s luxury destination. The East African country is the 5th African country with the most destinations listed in the Forbes Travel Guide, with a total of 3. Here is the complete list of destinations in the country: Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, a stately escape in the mountain’s shadows; Fairmont The Norfolk, a historic Nairobi hideaway; Giraffe Manor, a stately English manor with a safari twist.. DR
Kenya completes this podium with 3 havens, including the colonial Giraffe Manor where giraffes are your surprise guests. Tunisia and Egypt bring up the rear with a Mediterranean palace each.
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A recent Bloomberg Businessweek article reported that a price of around $1,000 per night has become a common rate for a truly luxury hotel room. It should be noted that this relatively high price serves as a “litmus test” for wealthy travelers, indicating that the services and amenities will live up to their premium expectations.
The Forbes Travel Guide aims to help wealthy travelers in the “Thousand Club” (referring to the thousand dollars) identify hotel properties capable of consistently delivering value at these rates.
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While no fixed price criteria is given, it is understood that Forbes Travel Guide lists primarily high-end establishments generally charging at least $1,000 per night for a room. A price which must be justified by exceptional services and services according to the strict standards of the guide.
From impeccable service to Instagrammability
“Beyond the ranking, these destinations reflect the evolution of luxury towards more unique and tailor-made experiences», analyzes Amanda Frasier, president of Ratings at Forbes Travel Guide. A new deal beneficial to Africa, where responsible luxury tourism makes it possible to sustainably promote its rich natural and cultural heritage.
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Because if traditional criteria (impeccable service, high-end equipment) remain essential, today’s wealthy traveler is above all looking for “instagrammability” and authenticity. “He seeks these exceptional moments worthy of social networks, a total immersion in the soul of a place“, continues Frasier.
So many assets that African destinations abound, from the splendor of Marrakech riads to Kenyan wildlife observation lodges. A pool of extraordinary experiences, combining heritage and nature, tradition and modernity. As long as hoteliers know how to present them with passion.
Palaces full of Forbes stars
“The main thing is to have a team that exudes this culture of welcome and anticipation of the customer’s desires.», insists the president of Ratings. Defying standards to offer a tailor-made and unforgettable stay.
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A major challenge for these palaces which, according to Amanda Frasier, “must constantly reinvent themselves to maintain their precious Forbes star“. A quest for perpetual excellence, a strategic challenge for these beacons of continental luxury.
