Global Travel News

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 02, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Red Sea Global (RSG), the real estate developer and pioneer of regenerative tourism, has secured EarthCheck’s internationally recognized Sustainable Destinations certification for The Red Sea, making it the first destination in Saudi Arabia to achieve the accolade.

The certification is awarded to destinations that demonstrate leadership in sustainable tourism. It evaluates the environmental, social, and economic performance of an entire destination, not just individual hotels and attractions. This means that every element of The Red Sea, from design to operations, community impact, and conservation practices, have been assessed by independent third-party auditors.

“The EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations program is recognized worldwide for its rigorous, science-backed process. Achieving this certification demonstrates our commitment to setting new global benchmarks and confirms that our approach is delivering real, measurable impact for people and the planet,” said Raed Albasseet, Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer at Red Sea Global.

Within its report EarthCheck called out several areas where RSG is exceeding global best-practice benchmarks. This includes energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, driven by RSG’s decision to power the destination by renewable energy 24 hours a day. It also called out the destination’s water savings rate, supported by minimal irrigation for landscaping, and low levels of waste to landfill, which EarthCheck found to be almost 75% better than its best practice level.

The audit also highlighted initiatives where RSG is operating beyond best practice for the good of local communities. This included its upskilling and education programs, such as the English for Tourism Program, which provides local people with the skills they need for career opportunities in the tourism sector. It also mentioned RSG’s Jewar app, which provides a two-way communication platform for sharing job opportunities, events, and programs, as well as a channel for residents to provide feedback and share their perspectives.

Stewart Moore, CEO and Founder of EarthCheck, said: “RSG is recognized as a pioneer in regenerative tourism. Through our audit of The Red Sea destination, we have seen this commitment clearly in action. We were also encouraged by the breadth of initiatives that go well beyond compliance — including the rescue and protection of marine turtles in the Red Sea, and strong, practical support for economic opportunities in local communities. Alongside this, becoming the world’s largest destination powered by renewable energy is a remarkable achievement. Together, these efforts make The Red Sea a standout example within EarthCheck’s Sustainable Destinations program.”

The Red Sea will now receive an annual audit. If it can demonstrate continual improvement for the next 10 years, it will be designated as a Platinum Certified destination – an accolade that has only ever been achieved by two destinations globally.

RSG welcomed its first guests to The Red Sea in 2023 and now operates 10 resorts, as well as Red Sea International Airport (RSI), which receives regular flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, Milan, Dubai, and Doha. This year, Shura Island, the heart of The Red Sea, is opening its first resorts, as well as Shura Links, an 18-hole championship golf course.

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Bangkok, Thailand, April 01, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / lebua Bangkok, the world-renowned vertical destination, marked a historic milestone for Thailand as the setting for the first-ever wingsuit jump in Bangkok, in collaboration with Red Bull and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The extraordinary feat was performed by renowned wingsuit pilot Miles Daisher, bringing global attention to Bangkok’s skyline while reinforcing the city’s emergence as a destination for world-class experiences.

Leaping from a plane high above the city, Daisher soared across Bangkok’s skyline at speeds of up to 260 km/h, passing lebua Bangkok—home to its iconic golden dome and acclaimed Sky Bar and Sirocco—before landing with pinpoint accuracy on a cruise along the Chao Phraya River.

Selected among Bangkok’s most prominent high-rise landmarks, lebua Bangkok was chosen as a key location for this project—underscoring its status as one of the city’s most recognizable and distinguished destinations.

The historic achievement was made possible through a collaboration between Red Bull, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and lebua Bangkok, reflecting a shared vision to push boundaries and present Thailand in a bold, contemporary light.

“As the world’s first vertical destination, we have always believed that extraordinary experiences deserve an extraordinary stage,” said Narawadee Bualert, President & CEO of lebua Bangkok. “This collaboration is proof that lebua is not just part of Bangkok’s skyline; it is where the world’s most iconic moments choose to land.”

For Daisher, the experience was equally memorable. “To actually fly past lebua Bangkok was a dream come true,” he said. “This historic feat was a collaborative triumph, and the support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, local authorities, and my Red Bull family was everything.”

This landmark collaboration not only showcases the possibilities of extreme sports in an urban environment, but also reinforces lebua Bangkok’s position as a destination where globally significant moments unfold—complemented by its award-winning dining and world-class bars high above the city.

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AlUla, Saudi Arabia, April 01, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Marking a monumental step in its sustainable development and tourism ambitions, AlUla has produced more than 1 million native seedlings that will be integrated into the fabric of the Saudi destination.

This undertaking, achieved through the AlUla Native Plant Nursery and Seedbank, underscores the Royal Commission for AlUla’s (RCU) commitment to restoring the destination’s natural environment while shaping how visitors experience it.

To date, more than 140,000 native plants have been deployed across projects outside AlUla’s nature reserves, including tourism developments, cultural sites and visitor infrastructure. The initiative encompasses the landscaping of heritage sites such as Hegra, Dadan and AlUla Old Town, the design of public spaces and outdoor experiences, and across AlUla’s portfolio of five-star boutique luxury resorts, where environmental design helps elevate the guest experience.

This programme aligns with AlUla’s ambitious strategy to rehabilitate 65,000 hectares of degraded land by 2030. The ecological restoration effort is the foundation of ongoing rewilding and conservation efforts involving species such as the critically endangered Arabian Leopard, the Arabian Oryx and Red-necked ostriches, supporting AlUla’s emergence as a leading destination for nature and wildlife tourism.

For thousands of years, native plants have played a crucial role in shaping life, trade and identity in the region. Archaeological evidence shows how past civilisations relied on plants for food, medicine, construction and daily life, reflecting an enduring connection between people and landscapes.

AlUla, at the heart of the ancient Incense Road, was also renowned for trading exotic and aromatic plant products. Traversing vast geographical distances, trade borne of the region’s natural bounty enabled the ancient cities of Hegra – Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site – and Dadan to flourish. Today, thanks to the AlUla Native Plant Nursery and Seedbank’s initiative, visitors can travel various locations within the destination for a window into AlUla’s ecological past.

During his visit to AlUla in February 2026, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales participated in the destination’s landscape-scale restoration programme, planting an acacia tree inside Sharaan National Park, joining over half a million other native saplings planted in AlUla’s flagship protected area to date.

Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said:

“Tourism development in AlUla is guided by a simple principle: what we build must be true to place. The integration of native flora and fauna across our hotels, heritage sites and visitor experiences ensures that our destination authentically embraces its natural environment and cultural history.

“This is a purpose-led endeavour to restore and preserve local identity for generations. By embedding native biodiversity into the design of the destination, we are creating more meaningful and authentic encounters for visitors while strengthening the long-term sustainability of AlUla as a global tourism destination.”

Naif Al Malik, Vice President of Wildlife and Natural Heritage at RCU, added:

“The Native Plant Nursery and Seedbank is a critical piece of enabling infrastructure for ecological restoration across AlUla. By cultivating and deploying native species adapted to our environment, we are restoring habitats, strengthening ecosystem resilience and supporting biodiversity at scale. These efforts are grounded in science and long-term stewardship, ensuring that environmental restoration supports not only conservation outcomes, but also the sustainable development of local communities and economy.”

RCU’s integrated approach aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, demonstrating how environmental stewardship and tourism development can be delivered in parallel. By connecting conservation, culture and visitor experience, AlUla continues to position itself as a leading model of responsible destination development on the global stage.

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Madrid/Nairobi, March 31, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / “Recipe of Change” is the groundbreaking initiative launched today by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Tourism to tackle a major global sustainability challenge: food waste.

The initiative’s value is immediate and tangible, brought to life through its adoption by major global players in the tourism sector. Combined, these businesses serve over 600 million guests annually and generate more than USD 56.5 billion in annual revenue, mobilizing the sector at scale to prevent food waste, influence consumer behavior, and accelerate the transition to more sustainable food systems.

On the occasion of the International Day of Zero Waste, a Global Roundtable was convened, aimed at accelerating food waste reduction across the tourism sector. As well as recognizing the environmental challenges, the event also emphasized that food waste reduction can contribute to lower costs for the sector, build resilience against supply shocks, and contribute to broader food security.

Through Recipe of Change, stakeholders will measure food waste in their operations, and implement operational and behavioral solutions in support of Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 to halve food waste by 2030.

Remarking on the significance of this initiative, Shaikha Al Nuwais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism said: “2.3 billion people experience food insecurity every single day. With a third of the world´s population failing to receive this basic human right and food wastage contributing up to 10% of global greenhouse gases, we must take decisive action. Recipe of Change seeks to do just that – with the tourism sector directly supporting solutions that drive sustainable consumption.”

The need to drive direct ground-level impact was reiterated by Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of the Industry and Economy Division at UNEP, who said: “Tourism businesses are in a unique position to redesign menus, encourage lasting behavioral change and deliver measurable reductions in food waste. We are calling on more businesses across the tourism sector to become active partners of Recipe of Change and help accelerate progress towards halving global food waste.”

Leading Businesses Commit to Action

The initiative has seen major players in the tourism sector join UNEP and UN Tourism to create ground level impact, including: Accor, Constance Hotels & Resorts, Club Med, easyJet holidays, Grupo Posadas, Hilton, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Minor Hotels, Meliá Hotels International, Radisson Hotel Group, Six Senses, TUI Group, Lightblue Consulting and Winnow.

The interest of these tourism leaders reflects the continued commitment of the private sector to sustainability. It builds on successes such as the “Green Ramadan” campaign led by Hilton in partnership with Winnow, which saw participating hotels reduce food waste by over 60% in early pilots (2023), with further reductions of 20-30% in subsequent editions, as the initiative scaled from 3 hotels to 64 hotels in 2026.

To further accelerate the sector’s transformation, UN Tourism and UNEP encourage businesses across the tourism sector to join the movement and help cut food waste in half.

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 31, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) today announces the release of the PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2026-2028, which shows that inbound arrivals to the Asia Pacific region are projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels from 2026 onward, with the baseline reaching 761.2 million by 2028.

However, in light of evolving geopolitical developments and macroeconomic volatility, the outlook also considers a lower bound forecast scenario, where international visitor arrivals could reach 599.7 million by 2028, representing approximately an 88% recovery compared to 2019 levels.

“International tourism is entering a more complex phase where growth continues, but under increasing pressure,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “At PATA, we recognise both sides of the equation—the positive momentum driven by strong regional demand, and the downside risks arising from geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, and climate-related disruptions.

“In this environment, growth is no longer linear or guaranteed. Destinations and organisations must be prepared for multiple scenarios, with the ability to adapt quickly, recalibrate strategies, and respond with agility. Decision-making must be grounded in real-time data and a clear understanding of risk.

“Ultimately, resilience and preparedness will define how well the industry navigates this next phase of uncertainty.”

“The results reflect not only the pace of recovery across destinations, but also the deeper structural changes transforming the tourism economy,” said Professor Haiyan Song, Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Professor in International Tourism, Research Center for Digital Transformation of Tourism, School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (SHTM). “Understanding these dynamics is critical for destinations seeking to navigate uncertainty while pursuing more sustainable and competitive growth.”

The report was developed in partnership with the Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre at SHTM PolyU, with additional contributions from PATA destination members and regional data partners. It offers inbound visitor forecasts for 39 Asia Pacific destinations, providing a detailed analysis that reflects the diversity of recovery and potential growth of each region and sub-region.

Drawing on current data and scenario-based modelling, the study outlines a period of structurally constrained and uneven growth shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, climate-related disruptions, evolving aviation and visa policies, and rapid digital and AI-driven transformation across the tourism economy.

In addition to the regional outlook, individual destination reports have also been published for all 39 covered destinations, each providing detailed market-specific projections and localised analysis.

Some highlights from the report:

• Ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts continue to pose downside risks to travel demand and cross-border mobility.
• Destinations are encouraged to diversify source markets and strengthen public–private collaboration to build greater resilience.
• China, the United States, and Türkiye are projected to remain the top three destinations through 2028.
• China, Hong Kong SAR, the United States, and Korea (ROK) continue to rank among the region’s leading source markets, despite ongoing air capacity and cost pressures.
• Japan and Hong Kong SAR show notable improvement in destination rankings in the post-pandemic period.
• Mongolia, Japan, Chile, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka are leading recovery performance, each exceeding 150 percent of their 2019 levels.
• By 2028, 27 of the 39 destinations covered in the forecast are expected to surpass their pre-pandemic arrival volumes.

The PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2026–2028 is now available. Based on the level of membership, access may be granted either directly through the PATA Info Hub or via the PATA Publications using a discount code. Additionally, detailed data and projections related to the lower bound forecast are available upon request for eligible members.  Non-members can purchase the reports at PATA Publications.

In connection with this report, a complimentary webinar titled Asia Pacific Tourism Outlook 2026–2028: Growth Under Global Uncertainty was held on Thursday, February 26. The full recording can be accessed via the PATA calendar.

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Manila, Philippines, March 30, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / ASEAN will continue to navigate its future together, even as the Philippines shifts preparatory meetings for its 2026 Chairship to virtual formats — a timely and necessary move in response to evolving developments in the Middle East and their impact on regional priorities, particularly energy security.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered a recalibration of the Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN 2026, scaling down non-essential activities “in order to save on expenses and focus on the most important,” according to Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto.

As part of this directive, approximately 650 preparatory meetings will now be conducted online.

The upcoming Leaders’ Summit in May will tackle urgent priorities, including energy security, food security, and migrant workers’ concerns. It will proceed as an in-person meeting but on a “very bare bones” format.

To implement the directive, the ASEAN National Organizing Council (NOC), chaired by Recto, issued a 27 March memorandum directing the host agencies to conduct virtually all preparatory meetings — from working groups to ministerial.

Even as formats evolve, ASEAN cooperation remains steady and purposeful, ensuring that the region continues to respond collectively and decisively to shared challenges.

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 30, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok welcomes World Champion Pastry Chef Masanori Hata, winner of the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, for a limited-time residency at The Authors’ Lounge, presenting an afternoon tea that showcases his signature artistry and delicate balance of flavour.

Available from 26 March to 25 April 2026, this special collaboration introduces guests to Chef Hata’s pastry creations through a selection of savouries, warm scones and desserts. Recognised internationally for his disciplined technique and thoughtful approach, Chef Hata brings his distinctive style to one of Bangkok’s most celebrated afternoon tea settings.

The experience begins with a sorbet course featuring Floating Island with Bourbon vanilla ice cream and sea-salted caramel, offering a gentle introduction to the afternoon tea that follows.

Guests may then enjoy a selection of tea sandwiches, including Boston lobster with tartare sauce, beef pastrami with potatoes and sour cream, yellow curry bread sandwich with celery heart and egg salad, smoked salmon with horseradish and cucumber, and coronation chicken salad with black olives.

The afternoon tea continues with warm plain and raisin scones, served with seasonal house-made jams and a choice of Devonshire clotted cream, mascarpone or butter.

Chef Hata’s pastry selection includes Lemon Mint Pie, Hazelnut Milk Chocolate Cake, Pistachio Griotte Cake, Apricot and Pistachio Macaron, Hazelnut Praline and Caramel Petit-Beurre Dulcey, and a Brioche Roll with Pear Compote and Jasmine Cream.

Served within the historic surroundings of The Authors’ Lounge, the experience reflects Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok’s long-standing connection with visiting culinary talents and the traditions of afternoon tea that have been part of the hotel’s story for generations. As Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok celebrates 150 years, the collaboration with Chef Masanori Hata continues the hotel’s tradition of welcoming distinguished guest chefs.

Afternoon tea is priced at THB 1,980++ per person, or THB 2,680++ per person including a glass of Champagne.

Afternoon Tea by World Champion Pastry Chef Masanori Hata will be available from 26 March to 25 April 2026 at The Authors’ Lounge, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 30, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Santiaga presents Summer in Tulum, a Tulum-inspired daytime brunch where fermentation, bold Mexican flavors, and music come together.

On Saturday, April 4th, 2026, Chef Mauricio Rosales Ungson brings together a vibrant brunch menu, house-made tepache, and a live DJ set for a one-day event inspired by the laid-back rhythm of coastal Mexico. Recently awarded Bangkok’s Best Mexican Restaurant 2026 by BK Top Tables, Santiaga continues to push contemporary Mexican dining forward through immersive culinary experiences.

The spotlight is on tepache, Mexico’s refreshing fermented fruit drink, crafted in-house and presented through a series of bright, tropical, and spiced variations. Expect playful flavors like hibiscus, tamarind, lemon, jackfruit, mangosteen, and pineapple, all designed to complement a lively daytime drinks program. Guests can also explore the range through a Tepache Flight: three signature tepache cocktails, THB 590++.

The food is bold, expressive, and made to share, featuring dishes such as pan francés tres leches with pink guava, huevos with machaca and chorizo, onsen egg in salsa verde, yogurt with mole rosa, and enchilada de pato.

With only 30 seats available, Summer in Tulum is set to be an intimate daytime experience where food, drinks, and music come together in true Santiaga style.

Santiaga Mexican Restaurant
Saturday, April 4, 2025
11:00 am to 4:00 pm

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 29, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Sukhothai Bangkok invites culinary enthusiasts to a special one-night-only wine dinner at Celadon on 10 April 2026, presenting a collaborative dining experience between two distinguished chefs from Bangkok and Shanghai.

Hosted at Celadon, the Michelin Guide-listed Thai restaurant at The Sukhothai Bangkok, the evening brings together Chef Chapornpat “Jib” Dapachutisan, Thai Chef of Celadon, and her guest chef, Chef Daniel Liu, Executive Chef of The Sukhothai Shanghai. Together they will present a thoughtfully crafted four-course menu with Thai wine pairing, priced at THB 2,200++ per person.

The concept, “Thai–Chinese Twist Cuisine,” explores the harmonious meeting of authentic Thai and Shanghainese flavours, where traditional culinary identities are interpreted through contemporary techniques. Each course highlights the chefs’ shared creativity, blending regional ingredients, cultural inspiration, and modern presentation.

Chef Jib has quickly become a key culinary force at Celadon since joining the restaurant in 2024. With nearly two decades of experience, she combines classical training from Le Cordon Bleu with a deep appreciation for traditional Thai flavours. Her refined techniques and artistic presentation continue to shape Celadon’s distinctive culinary identity.

For this special collaboration, Chef Jib welcomes Chef Daniel Liu, who brings more than two decades of international culinary experience, having led kitchens across major cities including Shanghai, Beijing, Cairo, and Dubai. At The Sukhothai Shanghai, his leadership has guided several restaurants to notable recognition, including the Thai Select One-Star certification awarded by Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce for Urban Café’s Thai restaurant, along with multiple accolades for La Scala Italian Restaurant at the Olive Press Restaurant Awards China.

Together, the chefs present a unique culinary journey where Thai heritage meets Shanghai sophistication, celebrating the cultural connection between the two cities through food.

This exclusive evening promises a memorable dining experience in the elegant setting of Celadon, one of Bangkok’s most respected destinations for refined Thai cuisine.

Event Details
Date: 10 April 2026
Celadon at 18:00
Dinner: 4-course menu with wine pairing
Price: THB 2,200++ per person

Reservations are recommended.
Please call 02 344 8888

About The Sukhothai Bangkok
A sanctuary of timeless elegance, The Sukhothai Bangkok is a 210-room luxury hotel and a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Recognised with a Two Michelin Keys and the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star award, the hotel is renowned for its gracious hospitality and refined sense of place in the heart of the city. Guests enjoy award-winning dining, a tranquil spa, comprehensive wellness facilities, and a 25-metre outdoor swimming pool, along with elegant venues for distinctive events and culinary experiences.

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Cape Town, South Africa, March 28, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Cederberg Conservancy is a 182 000-hectare Wilderness located just three hours’ drive from Cape Town.  It has been a proclaimed World Heritage Site since 1973, under the Cape Floristic Region.  One of the 22 farms in the picturesque Cederberg Mountain range is Mount Ceder, a beautiful, family owned and run working olive farm.  It has been a closely guarded secret by locals “in the know” for many years, but they have just launched three brand-new Under Canvas Hideaways on a pristine site along the Grootrivier (meaning large river), which has been designed for both the international market as well as discerning local travellers who prefer an added dash of catered luxury.

The three new Under Canvas Hideaways, which welcomed their first guests on 1^st March 2026, each offer a whopping 70 m² of understated luxury under canvas complete with beautiful ensuite bathrooms, glass fronts and beautiful decks.  Each Hideaway also has its own private wood fired hot tub.  They have been named after iconic constellations, (Orion, Scorpius and Crux) in celebration of this wilderness area’s very low-light pollution at night, where velvet skies provide the perfect canvas for vivid stars, with the Milky Way blazing its trail in all its glory.  A perfect noctourism escape!

These new Hideaways have a very low impact on nature thanks to their elevated, eco-conscious structures, built in keeping with the ethos of this biologically friendly farm, where animals in the olive grove assist with creating a natural micro eco system, drip irrigation protects its water source and energy is harvested from solar panels.

The new Hideaways complement Mount Ceders existing accommodation offering which comprises six villas (which sleep up to 6 or 8 guests) and three mini-villas (which sleep 4) which are all bookable on a self-catered basis. Leeustert (meaning Lion’s Tail) has also been renovated, and the popular 2 sleeper is also available now for bookings.  The larger Villas also have their own wood fired hot tubs for maximum enjoyments of the views. Villa guests can self-cater or dine at the fully licensed Old Millhouse Restaurant.

The Conservancy is the proud custodian of the protected Clanwilliam Cedar tree and offers refuge to the rare Cape Leopard as well as the Sandfish which is the most threatened migratory fish species in South Africa, which has found a haven in the valley’s Groot Rivier and its tributaries. Activities on site include a wide range of half or full day self-guided walks and guided hikes, mountain bike trails, Olive Grove Tours and tastings and sundowner walks.  There is also Junior Ranger Adventures for youngsters where they can enjoy the great outdoors, learning about San and Khoi rock art, making bows and arrows, go pond fishing and enjoy fun scavenger hunts. The Grootrivier, the perennial river that meanders through the property, is safe for swimming and ideal for canoeing. The birding is also superb, and the region is renowned for its wildflowers in season.

Rates for the Hideaways start from R1,800 (around £75) per person sharing including breakfast, with lunch and dinner available a-la-carte at the restaurant.  Mount Ceder is the sister property to Onguma Nature Reserve in Namibia.

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