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, is introducing 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 set deep within Madikwe Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas.
ENVI Paje, Zanzibar (Lifestyle Collection) – Opening June 2026
Zanzibar’s newest beachfront wellness lodge offers a barefoot luxury experience on the sapphire lagoon and pristine white sands of Paje Beach. Designed for travellers seeking wellness, renewal, and a deeper connection with nature, this intimate, oceanfront sanctuary features just 22 villas. Guests can embark on bespoke Wellness Journeys, blending a holistic range of experiences from meditative and wellbeing sessions to eco-conscious practices, local cultural immersion through crafts and cookery, 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 pairs tradition and modern science.
Last Word Makanyane, Madikwe Game Reserve (Lifestyle Collection) – Opening July 2026
Cradled within Madikwe Game Reserve, an exclusive and malaria-free wilderness area, Last Word Makanyane offers an intimate safari escape with just eight river-facing suites set on secluded, family-owned land. Twice-daily game drives bring guests close to the Big Five, while guided bush walks and birdwatching provide a deeper connection to the destination. Each suite features expansive glass windows for uninterrupted wildlife viewing, complemented by interiors that blend natural textures with contemporary comfort. Between adventures, guests can relax by the pool and savour beautifully prepared meals in the lodge or under the open African sky.
Growth in Africa
These two openings form part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ most significant period of African portfolio growth in many years, with 11 new properties added between Q4 2025 and Q1 2026 across nine countries.
Additional 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 set within the West Coast National Park; and five Encora Collection Nile River cruise experiences offering curated journeys between Luxor and Aswan.
“The brand’s African portfolio now spans 37 independent properties across South Africa, Kenya, Morocco, Egypt, Tanzania, Mauritius, Madagascar, Ghana, and Equatorial Guinea – each one personally vetted against Preferred’s rigorous 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 travellers who favour independent hotels but want the reassurance of consistent quality and the reward of genuine loyalty benefits: a globally trusted quality assurance programme and a loyalty scheme that works harder the more you travel.
“The I Prefer Hotel Rewards programme is free to join and allows members to start earning from their very first stay,” explained Vogel. “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 explore the full African portfolio at www.PreferredHotels.com.
