Namibia | Hungry, Hungry Hippos
September 12, 2014OKACOM – Celebrates 20 Years
September 15, 2014“We come in peace” proclaims a board at the building site on the corner of Theo-Ben Gurirab Avenue and Nathaniel Maxuilili Street in Swakopmund. The 4072 m² plot is the location where construction of the Gondwana Collection’s new hotel started on June 1st.
It will be bright, fresh and trendy, and it will perfectly fit the urban image of the coastal town. Architect Sven-Erik Staby has made provision for plenty of green space and parking. The hotel will sport 54 double rooms, which does not seem a lot compared to the size of the grounds.
Gondwana Collection’s new hotel in Swakopmund (Sven-Erik Staby)
“When we planned the hotel complex it was very important to us that it should be bright and spacious”, says Gondwana’s Operations Director, Alain Noirfalise. “The rooms are larger than average and they are fully air-conditioned to ensure that our guests will be comfortable whether a bergwind or a stiff southwester is blowing.”
Hotel guests will be treated to a scrumptious breakfast but no other meals will be served. “There are so many good restaurants in walking distance that we decided against offering dinner”, Noirfalise explains.
Gondwana Collection’s new hotel in Swakopmund (Sven-Erik Staby)
Gondwana Collection’s new hotel in Swakopmund (Sven-Erik Staby)
And the furnishings? After all, Gondwana is known for the interior decoration themes of its lodges. Gondwana’s interior designer Janine Botha smiles: “We have many ideas but we haven’t made a decision yet. The sea, the beach and the sun will play a role. We will do our best to create an ambiance that will make our guests feel at home.”
OJ Construction will take about 18 months to complete the building project.
The new Gondwana hotel in Swakopmund is scheduled to open towards the end of 2015.
