Legacy Hotels announces new developments in Africa

Legacy Hotels & Resorts International has some exciting new developments in Africa including new properties Madagascar, South Africa and Nigeria. Legacy recently became the second hospitality group to commit to the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme in Africa, whereby all its properties will undergo continuous assessment and receive independent accreditation for being environmentally responsible.

Some of its latest developments include:

Madagascar beckons

The luxurious tropical island paradise of Madagascar has remained a largely unknown destination for many people, except for the odd backpackers and other intrepid travellers. But that is set to change with the now completed refurbishment of Legacy Hotels’ 5-star Nosy Iranja island resort.

Located just fours hours by flight from Johannesburg and one hour 20 minutes from Nosy Be in the north of Madagascar, Nosy Iranja is also known as "Turtles Island" due to the visiting Hawksbill turtles that lay their eggs on the pristine beaches. The island is also home to unique fauna and flora and the natural coral reefs teem with exotic fish.

Nosy Iranja consists of two islands - Iranja Be and Iranja Kely - conjoined by a sandbank, which is submerged at high tide. The lodge, which is on the smaller island of the two, is set amidst thirteen hectares of tropical gardens on the private islet of Iranja Kely, linked by a sandbank to a second island offering an historic lighthouse, beaches, flora and fauna, all surrounded by the crystal waters of the Mozambique Channel. The climate of the area is superb all year round, with the months of July to September being the peak European tourist season.

Bringing Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world and renowned for its lemurs and chameleons, within reach of South Africans has long been a dream of Legacy Group chairman Bart Dorrestein, who is passionate about Madagascar and committed to the country's goal of increasing employment through high-quality tourism ventures.

Dorrestein said: "Although there have been many hurdles, we have worked with the local community and government to bring this project to fruition over the last two years. This island is one of most stunning venues in the world and we have ensured that the lodge is in harmony with the pristine environment."

With 28 suites and a villa overlooking the ocean reef, each with its own private veranda (including hammock, two loungers and armchairs), guests can enjoy the utmost privacy and comfort.

Conference facilities for 30 people with state-of-the-art equipment are also available. A second, private restaurant on the south beach can be utilised for group functions.

Luxury Kuzuko Bush Lodge in Eastern Cape

Legacy Hotels & Resorts International, in October 2007, received its first visitors to a new leisure and corporate getaways resort in a private section of the Greater Addo Elephant National Park - an African wilderness experience within reach of Port Elizabeth airport.

With uninterrupted views, the much-anticipated luxury Kuzuko Lodge is surrounded by the vast plains lying beyond the edge of the Zuurberg Mountains in the Eastern Cape.

Greater Addo Elephant National Park is the third largest national park in South Africa and is in a malaria-free region. The development includes 24 luxury chalets with private lounges and deck areas. Each chalet has a colour TV with DStv bouquet, tea/coffee making facilities, a telephone and bathroom with separate shower and bath. Other offerings at this bushveld haven include star-gazing telescope, cosmic safaris, day and night game drives and bird-watching. Recreation facilities include a restaurant, bar and lounge, swimming pool and wellness centre.

The original Elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in the area - today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 400 elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. For the first time in over 100 years, lion and spotted hyena were reintroduced to the park in 2003.

Other news

Legacy Corner in Johannesburg, which will include both retail space and the four star da Vinci Hotel, is progressing well and legacy is eagerly looking forward to opening this, their fourth hotel on the Nelson Mandela Square, in mid-2009. This development, located in the heart of Sandton’s business and shopping district, will have direct access to Nelson Mandela Square and easy access to Sandton City, the Michelangelo Towers Mall and the Sandton Convention Centre.

Extending their footprint into Nigeria, Legacy are currently remodelling an existing building in Lagos and look forward to the opening their first hotel in Nigeria. Located on one of three islands making up Lagos Lagoon – Lagos’ central business district - they believe this hotel will be a great asset to both the corporate and leisure markets. The Wheatbaker is due to open towards the end of 2008.

For more information, visit Legacyhotels.co.za.