09
March
2023
|
10:30
Europe/Amsterdam

Craig Storkey

Area Manager, Rwanda

Craig Storkey-Area Manager_OORwanda

Craig Storkey is the Area Manager for One&Only in Rwanda, overseeing the operation of One&Only Gorilla’s Nest and One&Only Nyungwe House. He is based at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, located in the foothills of the breath-taking Virunga volcano range and the closest ultra-luxury resort to the Volcanoes National Park, where guests can observe the majestic, endangered mountain gorillas roam free in their natural habitat.

Craig is responsible for colleague development, aligning the strategic interest of the resorts by creating innovative strategies for One&Only resorts in nature and is the custodian of the One&Only experience in Rwanda. He works closely with the Lodge Mangers at each resort making sure the yearly strategic direction of each resort is adhered to. He works with Lodge Manager Jacques Le Roux for One&Only Gorilla’s Nest and Lodge Manager Dee Paulse for One&Only Nyungwe House the first One&Only resort in Rwanda. Craig also oversees the Kigali Sales & Marketing Office. Part of Craig’s remit is to initiate local and international collaborations with partners, create an unrivalled resort experiences for guests, and to grow One&Only’s resorts in Rwanda as the destination of choice amongst luxury travelers.

With One&Only encouraging resorts to build a sustainability portfolio, Craig has built the Rwanda portfolio with many sustainability partners at each resort location. To name a few at Nyungwe House they have assisted the local cooperative of ex-poachers in creating more jobs at the resort enabling them to sustain their families and at Gorilla’s Nest they have partnered with Handspun Hope a local women’s organisation which produces crafts made from local materials and are gifted to resort guests. Craig also adheres to the government objective of community growth and works closely with the local leaders at each resort making sure staff and guests join in the nationwide program known as ‘Umuganda’. From developing infrastructure to environmental protection, resorts take part in this positive initiative, giving back to the communities of Nyungwe and Kinigi and getting to know the local people in a uniquely hands-on way.

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is home to 21 guest rooms and suites all encircled by lush greenery and designed to frame nature. Guests will experience locally sourced cuisine that celebrates authentic Rwandan flavours, wellness treatments that take their lead from traditional African wisdom, and once-in-a-lifetime memorable experiences in nature. Together with One&Only Nyungwe House, located on a working tea plantation on the edge of the ancient Nyungwe National Park, the two resorts offer guests the ultimate twin centre experience in Rwanda.

In his 3 years with One & Only Rwanda the resorts have received numerous prestigious awards and the latest award was securing the 1st and 2nd rankings for Top Resorts in Africa for Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. One&Only Gorilla’s Nest took first place and One&Only Nyungwe House took second place. The two resorts were also ranked in Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards Best Resorts in the World with One&Only Gorilla’s Nest at 25 and One&Only Nyungwe House at 26, a great achievement as Area Manager of One&Only Rwanda. These awards are a testament of Craig continuing to observe the One&Only theme of creating everlasting memories with once-in-a lifetime experiences.

Originally from South Africa, Craig joined One&Only with over 30 years of hospitality experience in Africa. He has held General Manager positions in various hotels and resorts across the continent, including Sun City Resort in South Africa and Falls Resort, Casino & Convention Centre, located in Zambia incorporating the Zambezi Sun and Royal Livingstone hotels, part of Sun International Group. Prior to joining the team in Rwanda Craig owned and operated several restaurants.

For more information or reservations, please visit: www.oneandonlyresorts.com