Preferred Hotels & Resorts unveils two of Africa’s most anticipated openings of 2026 | News
This year, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, introduces two of the continent’s most anticipated escapes for 2026: a barefoot luxury eco-lodge on Zanzibar’s peaceful southeast coast and an intimate safari retreat deep within the Madikwe Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas.
ENVI Paje, Zanzibar (Lifestyle collection) – Opening June 2026
Zanzibar’s newest beachside wellness lodge offers a luxurious barefoot experience on the sapphire lagoon and pristine white sands of Paje Beach. This intimate oceanfront retreat is designed for travelers seeking wellness, renewal and a deeper connection with nature. It features only 22 villas. Guests can embark on tailor-made Wellness Journeys, combining a holistic range of experiences, from meditative and wellbeing sessions to environmentally conscious practices, local cultural immersion through crafts and cooking, water sports and beach activities. A range of treatments at The Sanctuary spa further enhance the experience, all guided by ENVI’s signature African wellbeing philosophy, which combines tradition and modern science.
Last Word Makanyane, Madikwe Game Reserve (Lifestyle Collection) – Opening July 2026
Located within the Madikwe Game Reserve, an exclusive and malaria-free nature reserve, Last Word Makanyane offers an intimate safari escape with just eight river-view suites, set on secluded, family-owned land. Twice daily game drives take guests up close to the Big Five, while guided bush walks and birdwatching offer a deeper connection to the destination. Each suite features large glass windows for uninterrupted views of nature, complemented by interiors that combine natural textures with modern comfort. Between adventures, guests can relax by the pool and enjoy beautifully prepared meals at the lodge or under the open African skies.
Growth in Africa
These two openings are part of the most significant period of growth for Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ African portfolio in many years, with eleven new properties added between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026 in nine countries.
Other highlights include Owloon Manor House, an eight-bedroom private estate in the Cape Winelands designed for exclusive group stays; Yellowwood Cottage, an off-grid coastal retreat in the West Coast National Park; and five Encora Collection Nile Cruise experiences with curated trips between Luxor and Aswan.
“The brand’s African portfolio now includes 37 independent properties in South Africa, Kenya, Morocco, Egypt, Tanzania, Mauritius, Madagascar, Ghana and Equatorial Guinea – each personally assessed against Preferred’s stringent quality standards,” said Celeste Vogel, Account Director for Africa at Preferred Hotels & Resorts.
The smarter way to book independent luxury
Preferred Hotels & Resorts offers something the boutique world has traditionally lacked for travelers who prefer independent hotels but want the assurance of consistent quality and the reward of true loyalty benefits: a globally trusted quality assurance program and a loyalty program that works harder the more you travel.
“The I Prefer Hotel Rewards program is free to join and members can earn money from their first stay,” Vogel explains. “Benefits include exclusive member rates, early check-in and late check-out, and room upgrades across the portfolio, while points can be redeemed for free or discounted nights at participating properties worldwide.”
Join I Prefer Hotel Rewards for free and discover the entire African portfolio at www.PreferredHotels.com.
