African-Inspired Jungle Sanctuaries
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest in Rwanda is cushioned in the foothills of the breathtaking Volcanoes National Park and is surrounded by a Eucalyptus forest sprawling over 35 hectares. Captivating exotic and colourful birds and butterflies are in abundance, and guests have the rare opportunity to see one of the planet’s greatest array of primates, especially the endangered Mountain Gorilla.
As guests travel to the resort through the beautiful surrounds of ‘The Land of a Thousand Hills’, as Rwanda is commonly called due to the spectacular mountainous scenery, they discover colourful and bustling open-air markets and local villages, arriving at the resort to a warm and traditional Rwandan welcome of local dance and drums. Greeted by the Team, each guest is welcomed with a rose-infused mocktail taking inspiration from the resort’s rose garden. The Main Lodge reflects the colours of the African landscape, with burnt orange, warm browns, woods and rich burgundies throughout, and the aroma of local coffee can be enjoyed before the resort’s barista can be heard, grinding fresh coffee beans daily for guests to enjoy.
Amongst the giant Eucalyptus trees sit the resort’s 21 guest rooms and suites, each designed to frame nature and offer a sanctuary in a lush forest setting. The all-wood guest rooms and suites are perfectly placed on stilts, towering above the ground, so guests have the feeling they are floating amongst the trees that surround them. The ten Forest King Lodges feature 77m² of indoor and outdoor living, with handmade artisanal Larchwood terraces perfect for birdwatching or relaxing over a cup of Rwandan coffee. A luxurious king- size bed and en-suite bathroom with beautiful nature views is complemented by an outdoor shower and deck, ideal for an after-trek retreat. A large gas fireplace warms the space and enhances the already warm tones of the room, with geometric lines seen throughout, which echoes the traditional Imigongo black, white and red patterned artwork.
The four Two-Bedroom Forest Lodges at 87m² each, are perfect for families as each feature separate bedrooms with an adjoining bathroom offering a freestanding bathtub and rain shower with comfort seat and twin vanities. The main bedroom boasts contemporary African patterns in tones of blue, accented by local artwork, colourful cushions and warm natural timber, and a gas fireplace, perfect for the cool winter nights. Like all other guest rooms and suites, an expansive Larchwood terrace looks out to the surrounding forest, each handcrafted by local Rwandan artisans. The second bedroom also offering a king-size bed, can be divided into two twin beds, and guests can enjoy their own powder room with forest views, and second private terrace.
Guests need not leave when staying in one of the five Virunga Suites at 147m2. Celebrating Rwanda, African tones reign and the spirit of the country can be felt in the shades of caramel, brown and highlights of yellow, whether from the woven carpets, textured walls or the animal prints and geometric patterned wall art. The Virunga Suites offer a separate bedroom with a king-size bed and large open-air en-suite bathroom with what feels like a bathtub outdoors, as floor-to-ceiling glass doors frame nature beyond. With a dining room table large enough for 6 guests, a spacious lounge with fireplace and terrace, guests are able to enjoy in-room dining at their leisure, and if travelling in a group, this suite is the perfect place for an aperitivo or nightcap with friends, whilst listening to the sounds of wildlife.
The names of the two largest suites at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest celebrate their size and location; the Ingagi Suite, which means ‘Gorilla’ in Kinyarwanda and the Silverback Suite, the name of the leader in each gorilla family. The Ingagi Suite at 251m2 and Silverback Suite at 409m2 both offer a master king-bedded room and large en-suite bathroom with freestanding tub and private deck with rain shower, both showcasing beautiful handwoven African baskets on the walls in black, white and cream. The spacious lounge features a sofa, a dining area, fireplace and a private covered viewing deck with outdoor bathtub. The Silverback Suite provides guests with their own private pool and boma with cosy fireplace which offers views of the lush landscape and wild nature. Both suites are ideal for those travelling with staff as they offer a smaller second bedroom which includes a private bathroom, a private kitchen with 24-hour in-residence chef and butler on call.
With views of the towering trees and the colourful flora, Jack Hanna’s Cottage, once owned by the famed American conservationist, has been carefully restored by One&Only Gorilla’s Nest to celebrate the legacy of Jack’s work. The heritage of the cottage has been preserved, including portraits of famous past visitors, fine wood flooring and antique furniture pieces. The spacious living room centres around a cosy fireplace and features bespoke African artifacts such as a cowhide stool, original wood mantelpiece and Jack’s leather-wrapped Guest Book. The luxurious refurbishment has repurposed the space, adding a library for guests to learn more about Rwanda’s wildlife and the conservation work to protect them, a games room and a modern kitchen for private culinary masterclasses.
For more information or reservations, please visit: oneandonlyresorts.com