Russian billionaire to open Habitas hotel in Namibia

WINDHOEK – From New York, Russian billionaire Rashid Sardarov has partnered with an international hosting chain to install the first Habitas hotel in Africa in Namibia.

The multi-million dollar project will be built on land owned by Comsar Properties, a company wholly owned by the Russian tycoon.

A press release from Habitas headquarters in New York, USA, indicates that the global hotel group, founded in 2014 and changing the travel experience, will open one of its newest hotels, Habitas Namibia, about an hour drive from Hosea. Kutako International Airport.

In the statement, Oliver Ripley, CEO of Habitas, confirmed that the project was due to be completed in 2019.
He also revealed that over a five-year period they would create more than 500 jobs as they develop.
Ripley said the property of Comsar Properties, located an hour from Windhoek International Airport, would be one of the leading international examples of sustainable travel in a new age.

Ripley revealed that Habitas had entered into an agreement with Comsar to convert its property into a protected nature reserve housing a 40-room hotel, a state-of-the-art spa, an education and learning center, and a conference and convention center. events.

He added that Habitas was committed to investing in the ecosystem, making this territory one of the best global sites for wildlife and environmental conservation.

This new development comes after several weeks of public annoyance that the Ministry of Agrarian Reform experienced after it appeared that the Russian nabob, through the intermediary of his company Comsar Properties SA, was launched a new tour to amass vast tracts of land for the construction of his hunting estate.

Last month, the government defended its decision to approve Comsar's proposed lease, which it said was necessitated by significant economic benefits that will benefit Namibia in some respects.
One of the reasons was that Comsar, in addition to an investment of more than $ 1 billion NOS already made in the Marula game reserve, will make a direct investment of more than a billion needed in tourism, tourism and tourism. nature protection, hospitality activities and other related activities.

The other is that the tourism sector will also benefit from the strong growth of the Russian tourism market in Namibia, and that tourists coming to Namibia will inject vital sums into the economy, as well as taxes and other taxes. . paid to the state by Comsar.

Ripley said the hotel would be built using the latest sustainable technologies and using renewable energy.
The rooms – each being a custom built private pavilion and having minimal impact on the environment – will be equipped with outdoor and indoor showers and an observation deck with their own telescope for viewing. observation of the stars.
The main lobby will overlook the property and will include common gathering spaces, a restaurant, fire pits and a variety of spaces to relax and unwind.

He added that the Habitas experience for guests and members would focus on adventure, education and learning, including the observation and study of the surrounding flora and fauna, learning of local tribes, customs and history, local and international culinary experiences, music concerts (local and international). artists) and working with on-site wellness practitioners.

"We are very pleased to have chosen Namibia as our first home in Africa. We thank Comsar for his vision and support in transforming a historic hunting lodge into a world-class wildlife sanctuary for species conservation. This is the first step in a long-term partnership aimed at bringing a new generation of conscious tourism to Namibia, "Ripley said.

He added that Habitas would attract new international tourists to Namibia, paving the way as pioneers of authentic tourism and responsible travel, adding that their global approach with high environmental value (low environmental impact) and high social impact makes Habitas Namibia a unique destination for future travelers.

He added that their guests would discover a perfect conservation of nature, wildlife, culture, community and conservation. Habitas' philosophy is focused on learning and education and its mission will be to educate people about local history, traditions and culture.

Habitas, founded in 2014, is known for its world-wide experiences that bring people together around cultural programming that includes wellness, food, conversation and music.

Habitas has designed and developed a flagship hotel in Tulum (Mexico), clubhouses in New York and Los Angeles, and future projects in Bali, Malibu, Namibia and the Bahamas.

Albertina Nakale
2018-11-28 10:00:51 7 hours ago