One&Only Resorts Introduces 'At One with Nature' Experiences

One&Only Resorts has introduced a collection of bespoke ‘At One With Nature’ experiences to authentically immerse guests in their destination. From hiking through the ancient Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda, to sailing over deserts through Dubai’s sunrise skies, to sighting wildlife in the undiscovered Malaysian rainforest, One&Only has curated awe-inspiring and adventurous experiences to evoke a magical sense of wonder of the natural world.

EXPLORE MOUNTAIN PEAKS, DESERTS AND RAINFORESTS

Listen to the ‘Call Of The Gibbon’s with One&Only Desaru Coast, in Malaysia

The ultimate sanctuary in nature, One&Only Desaru Coast, One&Only’s first resort in Asia, began welcoming guests on 6 September 2020, an ultra-luxury retreat positioned on the south-eastern shoreline of Malaysia between lush rainforests, an expansive white sand beach and the South China Sea. Call of the Gibbons is an exciting jungle trek during which guests can learn about exotic flora and fauna and hear the morning chatter of the White-Handed Gibbons in the nearby Panti Forest Reserve, and spot magnificent creatures like the Dusky Leaf Monkeys, Pig-Tailed Macaques and Oriental Pied Hornbills. This adventure starts with an exciting ride in a Land Rover Defender, followed by a guided trek with the resort’s naturalist in the rainforest and a beautifully prepared tropical picnic of Malaysian delicacies to be enjoyed in the wild. The Panti Forest Reserve is also a bird sanctuary, and avid bird watchers and wildlife lovers can catch a glimpse of White-Bellied Eagles, Short- tailed Babblers and Finsch’s Bulbuls. This experience is $139 per person and is 6-hour experience and allows a maximum of 4 guests.

Meet ‘La Abuela’ at One&Only Mandarina, in Mexico (Opening 1 November 2020)

One&Only Mandarina in Riviera Nayarit in Mexico opens in November 2020 on a serene, undeveloped stretch of coastline. The resort blends chic interiors amid the beachfront jungle wilderness, with free-standing villas that float above the treetops or perch against the cliffs, designed to let nature take centre stage. Experiences offer dramatic vistas in a lush rainforest setting, including hiking The Flatlands and surrounding rainforest, mountain biking trails, ATV off-roading through volcanic shelves, and horseback riding tours. Set on a spectacular cliff-side location overlooking the Pacific Ocean, one of the destination’s crowning jewels is La Abuela – The Grandmother Tree, which is believed to be 235 years old. She resides at the summit of the longest hiking trail, a welcoming sight offering shade and sanctuary to those explorers who reach her. Guests can enjoy a biologist-led experience in which they are invited to connect with their surroundings and reconnect with themselves. While hiking towards the ancient tree, the expert biologist will describe the different species of endemic plants and birds found along the way. The experience is complete by an intimate private dining experience deep in the lush rainforest under the vast canopy, featuring a set menu of Mexican and internationally inspired dishes crafted by Executive Chef Olivier Deboise.

Drift over Dubai’s deserts with One&Only The Palm and One&Only Royal Mirage

Only in Dubai will you encounter the once-in-a-lifetime experience of a hot air balloon ride to watch to sun rise over the golden sand dunes of expansive desert and observe a majestic falcon take flight and circle the skies. A guide will explain how significant falconry is to the UAE’s history and rich cultural heritage and how these birds are trained from birth. After landing in the desert, a private Range Rover transfers guests to an exclusive camp, where the pilot opens a bottle of sparkling date juice to salute the exceptional experience. After a gourmet Arabian breakfast which will also include eggs Benedict, shakshuka, smoked salmon, caviar, and fruit, the adventure continues with a one-hour guided wildlife drive in a vintage open back Range Rover from the 1950’s, with guests learning about the desert flora, fauna, and the ancient Bedouin way of life. This experience costs $2,539 for two people in partnership with Platinum Heritage and is approx.5 hours (available from October).

Take part in the renewal of the Australian BushFollowing the bushfires that impacted Australia and the Greater Blue Mountains region in December 2019, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley continues to witness incredible natural regeneration in the impacted bushland areas, and beautiful native animals such as kangaroos, wombats and goannas have returned to the valley in abundance. Guests can take part in habitat renewal projects, alongside the resort’s knowledgeable Field Guides, to protect smaller species and support the natural restoration of the land. To aid re-planting efforts, the resort is utilising its Seed Bank which contains over a million seeds from native species collected by the resort Team and guests over the past years. Guests have the opportunity to witness the regeneration of the magnificent landscape and to be part of the story through taking part in the resort’s meaningful conservation efforts. Daily Conservation Activities are complimentary for resort guests

Walk through the dramatic canopies of the Nyungwe Forest with One&Only Nyungwe House

Located in Gisakura in Rwanda’s mountainous southwest, One&Only Nyungwe House is positioned alongside the Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the oldest mountain rainforests in Africa. The Nyungwe Forest is home to an incredible diversity of rare flora and fauna, representing 20% of all apes in Africa, and the rich plant life that has thrived for millions of years. Guests can explore the forest through adventurous treks to discover chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, grey–cheeked mangabeys, the Kamiranzovu Swamps and Waterfalls, giant hornbills, great blue turacos and red-breasted sparrow hawks. There is a selection of 10 different trails to discover that are all expertly guided and offer a glimpse into the remote and authentically wild landscape. For those looking to be immersed in the natural landscape, the Canopy Walk is one-of-a-kind in East Africa, taking guests into the thick of the forest amongst the towering trees and luscious greenery. The walk is divided into three parts at 45 metres, 90 metres (75 metres above the ground) and 25 metres consecutively in length with incredible views from above and on the ground. For any budding photographer and wildlife enthusiast, this is not to be missed. This experience is $58 per person and is available daily.

Hike the Prince’s Road route: Big Kabao Peak with One&Only Portonovi (Opening March 2021)One&Only Portonovi is an adventure playground waiting to be uncovered, located at the entrance of the wild Boka Bay, a sheltered idyll on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, surrounded by spectacular mountains and unmatched vistas. Guests can cruise the dramatic Adriatic coastline by yacht or speedboat, or learn to dive or sail through the clear, calm waters. World Heritage sites, abandoned fortresses and hidden beaches can all be explored, such as the impeccably preserved medieval towns of Perast and Kotor, the fascinating islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and unspoilt National Parks. During a rigorous hike to Big Kabao Peak led by ultra-trail athlete and local mountain hiking expert Saša Kulinović, guests will have the chance to explore the Princes Road route and mirror the steps of Austrian Prince Rudolf Hazburg, who had the route designed for him when he visited Orjen. The trail begins at Vrbanj village with a chauffeur-driven jeep safari along the Austro-Hungarian road, and the hiking route includes an extended path to Orjen saddle, where guests can admire unforgettable views over the Bay of Kotor. After the hike, guests will have the chance to visit the mesmerizing Lake Orjenska Lokva and lounge amongst the beautiful flora and fauna on sunbeds, which are exclusive for One&Only guests. This intimate spot is the only place in the mount of Orjen where water can be found throughout whole year. Bespoke home-made cocktails and hiking refreshments will be provided along the way. This experience costs $348 per person and is 7 to 8 hours long.

WELLNESS IN THE WILDERNESS

Salutations to the sky with One&Only Cape Town

Set in the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant waterfront on the doorstep of the city’s iconic Table Mountain, One&Only Cape Town is South Africa’s ultra-luxury urban resort which offers a number of nature experiences from whale-watching on a curated boat tour, to exploring the tranquil Cape Winelands via horseback. For a memorable wellness offering immersed in the environment, guests at One&Only Cape Town can practice yoga at the very top of the ancient and majestic Table Mountain in Cape Town, with views across the sprawling city below and the richest floral kingdom on earth surrounding them. Including transfers and cable car ascent, this one-hour yoga experience is the perfect opportunity to restore balance and harmony, whilst enjoying the magnificence of South Africa’s mother city through astounding vistas and crisp mountain air. This experience costs approx. £82 per person and is approx. 2 to 4 hours, weather dependent

Holistic Healing at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Offering a front-row seat to observe the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is cushioned in the foothills of the Virunga volcano range. Guests can explore where few have been before in one of the world’s most exceptional natural locations in Kinigi, northwest of Rwanda and just five minutes from Volcanoes National Park. Beyond the once-in-a-lifetime experience of trekking gorillas in their natural habitat, the resort has one of the most comprehensive wellness offerings in the country, offering benefit-driven treatments surrounded by the calming forest, harnessing the power of African botanicals to soothe the body, mind and spirit. Exclusive treatments for One&Only Spa have been created in partnership with Terres d’Afrique, a sustainable, natural skincare brand, that use plant-based ingredients indigenous to Africa together with ancient tribal remedies. Holistic therapies in nature are designed to ground guests in their location with Reiki, Crystal Healing and Chakra Balancing treatments available as well as yoga, meditation and pilates.

EXPLORE LAGOONS AND OCEANS

Luxury snorkelling safari with One&Only Reethi Rah in The MaldivesReethi Rah, which means “beautiful island” in Dhivehi, has 12 pristine white sand beaches and six kilometres of shoreline to explore, as well as energising water sports, experiences and excursions - one of the most extensive offerings in the Maldives. Surrounded by tropical blue oceans and vivid greenery, One&Only Reethi Rah is a paradise of opportunity and a space to reconnect with nature. Guests can explore the water by boarding a private yacht and setting sail into the endless blue Indian Ocean, with time to stop at reefs filled with life below the water, including turtles, eels, fish and dramatic manta rays. Above the water, the team will prepare a culinary feast complete with chilled champagne and an opportunity to enjoy complete isolation on a deserted sandbank. Heading back to the resort, guests can relax on the spacious deck, sipping on champagne and watching the sky explode in beauty as the sun sets below the turquoise blue waters. This experience costs from $3,832 for up to six guests and is approx. 4 hours.

Discover the secret mangroves with One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius

Nestled amongst tropical gardens with sublime Indian Ocean views, the iconic One&Only Le Saint Géran offers the ultimate Mauritian experience for today’s discerning travellers, secluded on its own private peninsula. From the ‘Walk In the Wild’ trek with a Mauritian Wildlife Foundation eco-ranger to thrilling deep-sea fishing experiences, guests can discover protected nature reserves and take advantage of privileged access to unrivalled locations and memorable local characters. For the ‘Secret Mangroves’ experience, guests will unearth some of the most important ecosystems on Earth, which anchor and protect coastal ecosystems, making up transitional zone between land and ocean, connecting and supporting both elements. Mangrove forests are essential nursery grounds for all kinds of marine life including fish, rays, and invertebrates, and importantly they absorb a lot of carbon from the atmosphere, making them a critical solution in the fight against climate change. Guests can embark on a journey of discovery of the Mauritian mangroves with ClubOne manager, Burwing Caetan, guided through the mature mangroves of the serene lagoon by kayak or stand-up paddle to witness the untouched ecosystem of flora and fauna. This experience is complimentary whilst staying at the resort and is approx. 45 minutes

Surf with the Pros at One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, MexicoLocated on Mexico’s rugged Baja Peninsula with sweeping views of the Sea of Cortez, One&Only Palmilla truly is the ultimate surfer’s paradise. The resort is now home to the iconic Land Rover Defender, which will be available to transfer guests to the best surf spots in all of Los Cabos, travelling up and down the coast to hunt down the best wave – in One&Only style. With every great swell coming in, TropicSurf pros can pack up the ultimate surf truck and take to the road with guests and visiting pro surfers throughout the year to find consistent, quality waves for all levels. Once the waves have been mastered, surfers can head back to the shore where the truck awaits – equipped with a cooler, classic camp chairs, snacks and more, all to take a break and unwind before returning to the resort– or catching more waves across the coast. The package comes with fitness and spa experiences, including a stretching class to start the day, and a surfer’s relief treatment, a powerful massage designed to help alleviate muscular ache and tension, to conclude the day, before taking a seat at Agua Bar for a specialty tequila tasting. As the sun sets over the horizon, guests can unwind, reset, and plan for another day in Los Cabos.

For more information, visit oneandonlyresorts.com.