African resort Gran Meliá Arusha has opened its doors in Tanzania, in Africa and is beckoning travellers to offer them a truly life-changing experience.
Created by leading luxury Spanish hotel brand, Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Gran Meliá Arusha is the perfect base for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of some of Africa’s most striking landscapes, including the Serengeti National Park and Kilimanjaro. Here’s what to expect:
PURE BEAUTY OF ARUSHA
Arusha is an extremely attractive tourist region and the perfect base for visiting the natural parks in northern Tanzania. Its exceptional prime location has turned it into an ideal starting point for spectacular safaris, where travellers can venture into the endless beauty of the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro, gaze at the light reflecting off Lake Manyara and thrill at the spectacle of wildlife in Ngorongoro, one of Africa’s most striking landscapes.
MOUNT MERU
The imposing silhouette of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second highest peak, rises on the horizon above the extensive coffee plantations east of the Great Rift Valley. This incredible landscape creates a perfect backdrop for the safari’s capital, which shares its name. A multicultural city, and important international diplomatic centre, Arusha has a cosmopolitan feel enhanced by its residents’ warmth and hospitality, which make it easy to fully immerse yourself in the local customs.
IT’S A BEAUTIFUL DAY
Despite being close to the equator, Arusha’s location at 1400 metres above sea level, and on the southern slope of Mount Meru, keeps temperatures relatively low. The cool, dry wind prevailing for most of the year mitigates the humidity
THE ESSENCE OF AFRICA
Gran Meliá Arusha is a dream refuge for travellers attracted by the magic and promise of adventures on the African continent. Nestled in an oasis of 28 hectares of coffee and tea plantations, crossed by a river and several natural springs, Arusha offers luxury, tranquillity and the charm of simplicity.
The hotel’s link to the true essence of Africa and its desire to be sustainable are reflected in an architecture that merges with the environment, and the hotel uses environmentally friendly materials and has a commitment not to use plastic. That’s why water for guests is bottled in glass at the hotel, which also has a natural larder in the shape of a spice and vegetable garden that supplies the resort’s restaurants with seasonal produce.
Gran Meliá ArushaGuests can relax in exquisitely decorated rooms or suites – all with earthy colours and refined lines designed to provide a tranquil haven. Contemporary furniture and lighting help create lived-in spaces showcasing Gran Meliá’s devotion to excellence in every detail.
The rooms have private balconies, some offering stunning views of the city and others over Mount Meru – and for lovers of luxury, rooms on The Level offer the VIP experience.
Wonderful surprises for your body and mind also await in Gran Meliá Arusha’s state-of-the-art Spa & Wellness Centre, with a careful selection of detox and anti-stress therapies.
The hotel’s facilities also include a heated outdoor pool, gym, hairdressing salon, boutique and a modern conference and convention centre.
SAVOUR THE MOMENT
Diverse, surprising and multicultural, Gran Meliá Arusha’s cuisine is designed to excite the palate with four restaurants.
At Saba Saba, the hotel’s all-day dining venue, you can savour the cosmopolitan spirit of Arusha from morning to night – from local, seasonal recipes to fresh dishes with international influences.
At The Yellow Chilli – the fine dining restaurant – food is based on the quality of the produce, artisan preparation methods and unlimited creativity that fuses native recipes and international dishes against a backdrop of unspoilt nature.
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor takes diners on an exciting journey every evening through Indian regions such as the Punjab and traditional dishes of the Mughal Empire.
Kapoor enhances the area’s fresh produce with creations free from artificial preservatives and colourings in his commitment to authenticity and imagination.
The modern, elegant dining room, relaxed atmosphere and attentive service of Yellow Chilli will make any dinner here an unforgettable experience.
The beautiful coffee and tea plantations surrounding the hotel have inspired The Coffee Shop, while at The Rooftop guests can enjoy spectacular sunsets and Peruvian-Spanish fusion cuisine. Here you can expect tapas, tantalising cocktails and once-in-a lifetime views.
FEEL ALIVE
In this stunning part of the world, contact with nature takes on another dimension. Gran Meliá Arusha’s qualified team has designed exceptional experiences that will leave an indelible mark on travellers.
From visiting the elephant sanctuary set among baobab trees which are hundreds of years old, watching the migration of thousands of gazelles and zebras in the Serengeti from the air, or travelling to the crystal-clear waters of Zanzibar, discovering this magical destination is a must.
WILD THING
The first glimmers of the sun herald an exciting safari by car with a private guide who will take you on a tour of some of the most breath-taking landscapes in Arusha National Park. During the trip, surrounded by an almost magical aura, you can spot hundreds of animals in the wild, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, hippos, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, hyenas and leopards – and more than 400 species of birds.
In a forest clearing, enjoy a luxury picnic designed by the resort’s chefs to help replenish your strength before continuing the safari … this time by canoe.
Travellers, led by expert guides, will glide on the placid waters of Momella Lakes, experiencing beautiful landscapes and majestic animals that come to the shores to drink.
TAKE A HIKE
At dawn, after a splendid breakfast, travellers will be chauffeured to Marangu Gate, in Kilimanjaro National Park.
From there you will start your trek to Uhuru Peak, crossing Marangu forest, with its spectacular mosaic of moss walls, lichens and lush vegetation, you’ll be immersed in an unforgettable experience that will take you to the highest summit in Africa.
At 2715m high, and about three hours from the starting point, Uhuru Peak is a site to behold.
The emblematic wooden Mandara Huts and the Maundi crater create a fascinating setting to enjoy the delicious picnic designed by Gran Meliá Arusha’s chefs. Once you have regained your strength, the way back takes you to one of the most photogenic spots on the route: Marangu Falls.
And as a final touch to an unforgettable day, travellers can cool off when they arrive at the hotel with a delicious green juice before enjoying a foot and leg massage using warm essential oils in the magnificent spa.
PRICE
From £207 on a B&B basis. To book, CLICK HERE.
