BON Hotel Swakopmund opens

Text and photos by BON Hotel Swakopmund

BON Hotel Swakopmund, a new offering from BON Hotels, opened its doors to the public in December 2015. This latest addition to the BON Hotels’ stable is a 34-roomed, 4-star hotel situated on Namibia’s coastline between the shores of the Atlantic and the Namib Desert, and will cater for sport groups and the leisure, corporate and conference markets. Conveniently located just minutes from the CBD, the hotel and state-of-the-art conference centre, offers modern, stylish facilities and luxury accommodation.

With the ink just dry on the lease agreement, commenting on the acquisition, Guy Stehlik, CEO of BON Hotels, says Namibia provides major investment opportunities for the group. “It is a tourist mecca that represents one of the most stable economies in the world with excellent infrastructures, a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, and strong international markets. We are eager to work with hotel owners and developers throughout Namibia and to add value to their hotels.”

The hotel is located alongside The Dome, a multi-functional, innovative indoor sports and conference centre, also used to facilitate youth development that can host up to 2 000 delegates. This international facility is the brainchild of developers Horst Fritze and Paul van Biljon, both prominent Namibian businessmen, who aim to leave as a legacy “a facility which aids in sporting development and the holistic development of healthy future generations.” according to Fritze. The venue has hosted some amazing events – the Annual Namibian Music Awards, a Bobby van Jaarsveld concert and many sporting tournaments – the 2016 JSKA World Karate Championships is anticipating 800 athletes from 40 countries, and a projected 1 500 spectators. Some of the luxury suites look out onto the arena providing unfettered views – your very own corporate suite of sorts!

A maximum of 130 guests can be accommodated in the 34 luxury, dome-facing and sea-facing rooms and the public areas comprise various novel meeting areas seating up to 30 delegates. For the fitness fundi’s there is a health and wellness centre with a fully equipped gym (complete with a private section for women), sauna and a 25m heated indoor swimming pool.

The lower levels house various retail outlets – of the many businesses located there guests can make a hair appointment, book a trip, stock up on supplements, have a massage, or meet a colleague for pre-dinner drinks at the Sports Bar & Whiskey Lounge, followed by a meal at The Dome Restaurant. Tap on the window of West Coast FM – you may even get a mention!

There are many nearby attractions, excellent restaurants, and plenty of activities to enjoy on-site and in the area. Not called Namibia’s most popular holiday destination for nothing, Swakopmund now has a world- class hotel, sports and conference facility to add to her appeal as a destination of choice for the leisure, corporate and sport markets.