The story of Omaanda, can be read like the newest sequel in an epic story of unbelievable journeys.  It is the story of an encounter between Arnaud Zannier, our founder, and Angelina Jolie, an internationally famous artist loved for her engagement as well as her talent.  When she came across Villa Phum Baitang, she was blown away and recounted to its creator the existence of another place – more than 10,000 km away – lying in a glorious natural setting that should be preserved and cherished in the same way that had been done in the Cambodian resort. 

That place was Omaanda, which lies in the midst of the Zannier Reserve, a 9,000-hectare nature reserve that now, thanks to collaborative efforts with the Naankusê Foundation we have partnered with, plays a major role in the animal conservancy. Our Namibian adventure has however only just begun. Sonop, our second Namibian lodge, located south in the Namib desert, offers our guests the opportunity to discover another exceptional part of Namibia.  Perched on top of a group of boulders, in the middle of the desert, some ten luxury tents offer a stay that is at one with the surroundings, in the spirit of British explorers. Located one and a half hours by plane and a few hours by car from Omaanda, Sonop is a new haven of peace and rest, a contrast of surprising sophistication with the powerful surrounding environment.

ACCOMMODATION

Our huts are built in traditional Namibian style, with rounded corners and hand-finished thatched roof. The design is simple and understated; the deep, warm colors are evocative of the earth, sand, and natural environment. The interior decoration is composed of rare objects and precious antiques from African culture. These huts are spacious and boast a private terrace with magnificent views overlooking the nearby ‘dam’ (small lake) and the distant hills of the Khomas Hochland plateau.

The bedroom has a king-size bed and a walk-in dressing room, and an open fireplace. All huts offer a bathroom with a separate toilet, walk-in shower, double sink, and a large bathtub with a view. Every hut at Omaanda has a flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi, an integrated sound system, a safe, a minibar, and is equipped with an air conditioning system.

ONE BEDROOM HUT  –  The eight 1-Bedroom Huts are built in traditional Namibian style, with rounded corners and hand-finished thatched roof. The design is simple and understated; the deep, warm colors are evocative of the earth, sand, and natural environment. The interior decoration is composed of rare objects and precious antiques from African culture.  These huts are spacious (60 sqm interior) and boast a private 20 sqm terrace with magnificent views overlooking the nearby ‘dam’ (small lake) and the distant hills of the Khomas Hochland plateau. The bedroom is fitted with a king-sized double bed which is convertible into twin beds, a desk, an armchair, and a large walk-in dressing room. There is an open fireplace shared by the bedroom and the bathroom. The bedrooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, Sound Bar with Bluetooth Connectivity, and Wi-Fi. The huts also offer a minibar, a laptop-size safe, a Nespresso machine and an electric kettle. All rooms are fully air-conditioned.  With a walk-in rain shower, separate WC, double vanity, and a large bathtub with stunning views, the bathrooms are spacious and comfortable. Guests will feel completely at home in this wonderful location in the middle of the Savannah.

TWO BEDROOM HUT –  The 2-bedroom huts were designed with families or small groups in mind. They promise ultra-modern comfort while maintaining the authentic Namibian style of design and architecture. Warmth and strength of color, original pieces of furniture and decoration, every detail is a reminder of the richness of African culture. A roof of thatch, hand-finished by local craftsmen, perfectly completes these rooms of traditional circular design. The spacious huts (120 sqm) open onto a 26 sqm terrace and are an ideal place for a quiet retreat while watching stunning sunsets or the wild animals roaming on the veld nearby.  Each bedroom has its own bathroom and shares a cozy living area with a large fireplace. The bedrooms are fitted with a king-sized double bed convertible into twin beds, a desk, an armchair, and a large walk-in dressing room. Each bedroom is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a soundbar with Bluetooth connectivity, and Wi-Fi. They also offer a minibar, a laptop-size safe, a Nespresso machine, and an electric kettle. All rooms are fully air-conditioned.  With a walk-in rain shower, separate WC, double vanity, and a large bathtub with stunning views, the bathrooms are spacious and comfortable.

DINING

From breakfast all the way through to dinner, at Omaanda, our aim is to promote the use of local and sustainable produce. We take pride in sourcing with passionate producers, and to prepare simple yet distinguished dishes, reflecting a deep respect for nature and the ingredients that it gives us.  Our team of passionate chefs will be happy to arrange anything you’d like, and, of course, can accommodate any particular diets or nutritional requirements.

AMBO DELIGHTS – RESTAURANT  –  Morning, midday, and evening, the welcoming Ambo Delights restaurant, offers cuisine inspired by the best local products. Set in a welcoming decor, the restaurant offers a varied and refined cuisine throughout the day, from home-made breakfast to small delicious dishes to share at lunch, as well as food from the grill or game meat on a spit at dinner.  Our team of passionate chefs, led by the South-African chef Solon Kendal, offers an inventive and creative cuisine. The cuisine on offer is substantial with wonderfully generous pieces of ‘game meat’, fresh fish, and vegetarian dishes. The gastronomic ‘pièce de résistance’ has to be dinner: a delicious four-course meal. Offering a culinary discovery of Namibia the cuisine is prepared from seasonal and, where possible, organic ingredients. This is of particular importance to us, so as to remain in balance with the nature that surrounds us and engage in sustainable behavior. An enormous open fire adds a particular charm to the atmosphere, while live cooking simply increases the impression of sharing.

POOLSIDE – Majestic yet melting into the background, the 15m by 4m heated outdoor infinity pool offers a superb view over the savannah, from sunrise to midnight dip. Between midday and 4 pm, guests can take a meal in the restaurant that lies right next to the pool in keeping with the peaceful rhythm of the place. The pool bar lies a few meters away and provides refreshments throughout the day. Between excursions or other activities, Omaanda guests can refresh themselves on the deck while enjoying one of the wide selection of drinks, cocktails, and snacks.

EVENING EXPERIENCE – Dinner finished, one’s only desire is to prolong the evening in the bar. Designed to be refined yet cozy, this is the ideal spot to take an aperitif or sundowner. Open from 5 pm to 11 pm, it offers a remarkable selection of wines and spirits as well as a wide range of cocktails. The relaxed atmosphere of the bar encourages an evening playing card or trying out the wooden games. But the friendly ambiance is energized with the nearby ‘boma’, this typically local place to meet and mingle, that welcomes guests and invites them to while away the later hours of their evening in pure contentment. The open fire provides an atmosphere of timeless intimacy, with a deep respect for ancestral traditions.

SPA

Omaanda, we created a space that is at one with nature, with the singular aim of promoting a holistic sense of wellbeing for our clients.  Our aim is for our guests to feel a sense of calm, serenity, and rest from their daily lives. We hope guests will disconnect with the outside world, so as to connect with their inner selves. 

We have therefore created a place where rest, fresh food, connection to nature, pampering, and activities are in front of mind.  Our teams are present to ensure anything you desire can be accommodated, from particular nutritional requirements all the way to custom activities.  In turn, we have also created a spa that fits harmoniously with the rest of the resort. Its treatments, provided in a traditional hut, are inspired by local Namibian beliefs. Comprising two double treatment rooms, this space is dedicated to caring for the body enabling the perfect union of body, spirit, and soul.  Our goal is to enhance the life and well-being of everyone who enters this space. We are pleased to offer you a collection of the finest, traditionally inspired spa treatments in Namibia. 

The Spa treatments are all designed to purify and rejuvenate your body. They embrace age-old healing techniques, beauty recipes that replicate ancient Namibian beliefs, and cultural traditions with therapies designed to encompass mind, body, and spirit. Experienced therapists, with well-honed skills in the modern-day interpretation of treatments that have been handed down through the centuries, create a natural, relaxing, and heartfelt spa encounter. Upon arrival at The Spa, you will be welcomed with a selection of refreshing herbal beverages and fruits, before commencing a personalized treatment that uses only the finest organic, indigenous ingredients and delivers outstanding and long-lasting results. In visiting The Spa our sole aim is to take care of your personal temple. It houses your mind, spirit, and intelligence and we must nurture and care for it daily.