With three projects scheduled to open in the Middle East, Mantis is all set to bring its unique brand of sustainable travel to the region
Sustainable travel is more than a buzzword for the hotel chain Mantis, which promises luxury as much as it does eco-friendly tourism.
The conservation-focused group is now coming to the Middle East with three stellar projects: one on Bahrain’s Hawar Island, another in Saudi Arabia, just outside of Riyadh called Mantis Al Baha; and a third called Mantis Saij Mountain Lodge in the UAE. The company, founded by conservationist Adrian Gardiner, will also be opening Mantis Mara Eco-Lodge in Kenya.
“We relish the opportunity to offer guests access to rare encounters and are delighted that we have three distinct properties and destinations in our pipeline,” Craig Erasmus, CEO of Mantis says. “We are working with local partners to create unforgettable experiences that celebrate the region’s natural wonders and cultural treasures.”
FOCUS ON MIDDLE EAST
“Our intention is really to find remote and special destinations and experiences around the world. And we all find that, but I think globally, there’s such a focus on Middle East at the moment,” he tells TTN in an interview.
At Mantis, we recognise that every interaction with our guests, our environment, and our local communities is an opportunity to make a positive impact
– Craig Erasmus
Mantis is part of the Accor brand and has been operational since 2000. These new developments are the company’s first venture outside Africa – it has hotels in Botswana, Madagascar, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, St Helena, Tanzania and Victoria Falls.
The Hawar Island resort is expected to welcome visitors starting September. The 102-key boutique sized hotel on the Unesco-recognised island is a 20-minute boat ride from the mainland.
The design of Hawar Resort by Mantis has been inspired by al korar, an ancient tradition of weaving gold thread.
The island is home to an array of exotic flora – such as Arabian oryx, sand gazelles and Arabian horses – and fauna.
ACTIVITIES AHOY
Once open, it will feature a number of sea-based activities for the intrepid traveller including fishing, paddle boarding, picnic in the sea, coral reef planting, kayaking and an ocean safari. In addition to these, it will also have land-based activities that include horse and camel safaris, wildlife viewing and photography sessions, a Bear Grylls Survival Academy, a kids’ club and cooking classes.
“I think we as a Mantis property are a gateway into a region to really understand and experience it,” says Erasmus.
SIGNATURE STYLE
The Mantis promise is uniqueness. “We pride ourselves on that - every Mantis property is unique, and that is really important,” explains Erasmus. “Every property has a purpose or an impact, and that is kind of core to what we do better at that property. You know, in certain properties, it’s Rhino conservation and other properties, it’s around working community and education, and again, that ethos will continue no matter where we are in the world, but it will be different.”
“We want to export that luxury safari experience to other parts of the world, and for now, we will do that from South Africa, but obviously in support with our colleagues from Accor around the world,” he adds.
In the UAE, the Mantis Saij Mountain Lodge, is under development in Ras Al Khaimah’s Jebel Jais. It will feature luxury ecolodges and an array of activities such as guided treks. Among things on this property’s radar are water conservation, energy efficiency and cutting down on waste. He adds: “We’re in an environment where there’s just so much you could do. The property becomes a gateway to experience RAK, and everything it has to offer.”
The Mantis Al Baha project will have 100 units, which will be operational as soon as the second quarter of 2025. It will have an adventure park and spa facilities and a number of dining experiences.
Al Baha is 2,500 metres above sea level and unlike the urban sprawl most built-up spaces are famous for, it shines with a more natural flare. The highlights here include the Raghdan Forest Park, the Shada Mountains, the marble village of Dhee Ayn and Al Kharrarah Waterfall.
“At Mantis, we recognise that every interaction with our guests, our environment, and our local communities is an opportunity to make a positive impact. Our commitment is to provide extraordinary experiences that nurture conservation and enrich communities,” says the CEO.