Gilgit: World Water Day 2019!
BY ISMAILIMAIL POSTED ON MARCH 27, 2019
Gilgit Serena Hotels celebrated World Water Day 2019 with students of New Era Public School (NEPS) Hussainabad colony Jutial Gilgit. This year’s theme was “Leaving no one behind”
The main objective of the celebration was to give students awareness and highlight the importance of water and water resources in our daily life and how we can preserve it.
According to global statistics, there are around 2.1 billion people currently living without safe water at home across the globe, out of which, 80% of the people live in rural areas.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, rivers, glaciers, and snow are the main resources of water. Some of the world largest glaciers Baifo, Baltoro, and Batura are located in this region, but almost all drinking water systems are contaminated with organic and inorganic pollutants. The main source of water pollution in this region is domestic and commercial waste. Enormous amounts of waste from homes and restaurants enter the river directly, and water pumps lift the river water from the river to several locations.
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Based on this year’s theme and occasion of World Water Day 2019, Students of NEPS performed different types of activities, like egg painting, drawing on chart and made presentations that delivered the message through their activities.
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Principal of New Era Public School specially Thanked management of Serena Hotels for choosing their school for such type of activities, and for creating awareness in students about this dire situation. Students were rewarded by gifts for best presentation based on today’s theme.
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Access to clean water is our right. Conserving water, and being responsible today will help to ensure clean water supply for future generations.
Source: Gilgit Serena Hotels Press Release
Photos at:
https://ismailimail.blog/2019/03/27/gil ... -day-2019/
Serena Hotels receives ecotourism award and other news
7 luxurious hotels loved by royalty
(CNN) — From the British Windsors to the Aga Khan to Monaco's House of Grimaldi, privacy and discretion is paramount for royals when traveling. First-class hospitality, personalized service and luxury amenities are also essential, so it takes a truly remarkable hotel to capture their hearts.
With far-flung and glamorous destinations from Grenada to Gstaad on their radar, and private jets at their disposable, the world is their oyster.
Travel in the royals' regal footsteps with seven of their favorite places to stay:
Kampala Serena Hotel, Uganda
Uganda, fondly known as the Pearl of Africa, has been welcoming royal dignitaries for years with Kampala Serena Hotel hosting the likes of the Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko of Japan, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Zahra Aga Khan, and Mswati III, King of Eswatini and head of the Swazi royal family.
Surrounded by 17 acres of manicured water gardens, the resort is a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Uganda's vibrant capital, Kampala. With architecture and design influenced by the country's cultural and natural heritage, the 188 guests rooms and suites are elegantly furnished boasting an impressive collection by local artisans.
High-profile guests praise the exceptional service, as it's impossible to leave this much-loved flagship Serena resort without being enchanted by the genuine warmth of Ugandan hospitality.
More...
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/hote ... index.html
(CNN) — From the British Windsors to the Aga Khan to Monaco's House of Grimaldi, privacy and discretion is paramount for royals when traveling. First-class hospitality, personalized service and luxury amenities are also essential, so it takes a truly remarkable hotel to capture their hearts.
With far-flung and glamorous destinations from Grenada to Gstaad on their radar, and private jets at their disposable, the world is their oyster.
Travel in the royals' regal footsteps with seven of their favorite places to stay:
Kampala Serena Hotel, Uganda
Uganda, fondly known as the Pearl of Africa, has been welcoming royal dignitaries for years with Kampala Serena Hotel hosting the likes of the Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko of Japan, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Zahra Aga Khan, and Mswati III, King of Eswatini and head of the Swazi royal family.
Surrounded by 17 acres of manicured water gardens, the resort is a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Uganda's vibrant capital, Kampala. With architecture and design influenced by the country's cultural and natural heritage, the 188 guests rooms and suites are elegantly furnished boasting an impressive collection by local artisans.
High-profile guests praise the exceptional service, as it's impossible to leave this much-loved flagship Serena resort without being enchanted by the genuine warmth of Ugandan hospitality.
More...
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/hote ... index.html
Mountaineer Sirbaz Khan climbs world’s 12th highest mountain
Mountaineer Sirbaz Khan has successfully climbed the summit of the world’s 12th highest mountain Broad Peak (8,047 m)without using supplementary oxygen. He completed his summit on the July 12 at 2:25 pm. The expedition was accompanied by four climbers in total – twofrom Nepal and one each from US and Germany.
Serena Hotels has been supporting Sirbaz Khan on his ‘Mission Summit 14’. He aims to summit all 14 highest peaks above 8000m without oxygen. This was hisfourth consecutive successful summit after K2 (8,611m), Nanga Parbat (8,126m) and Mount Lhotse (8,516m).
“It is a great privilege for us to supportSirbaz Khan on his expedition. We have been supporting talent to promote adventure tourism where needed and try to bring diverse experiences to our community through our various initiatives,” Serena Hotels CEO Aziz Boolani said.
The Adventure Diplomacy Initiative by Serena aims to encourage human engagement with nature in ways that test physical prowess, endurance and commitment, with mountain activities being a core part of these activities. This initiative kicked off when the Adventure Diplomacy Group (ADG) was set up comprising seven diplomatic missions to support the Pakistani mountaineer siblings, Samina and Mirza Ali Baig. SaminaBaig is the first Pakistani as well as the first Muslim woman to climb the highest peaks in all seven continents.
https://dailytimes.com.pk/435033/mounta ... -mountain/
Mountaineer Sirbaz Khan has successfully climbed the summit of the world’s 12th highest mountain Broad Peak (8,047 m)without using supplementary oxygen. He completed his summit on the July 12 at 2:25 pm. The expedition was accompanied by four climbers in total – twofrom Nepal and one each from US and Germany.
Serena Hotels has been supporting Sirbaz Khan on his ‘Mission Summit 14’. He aims to summit all 14 highest peaks above 8000m without oxygen. This was hisfourth consecutive successful summit after K2 (8,611m), Nanga Parbat (8,126m) and Mount Lhotse (8,516m).
“It is a great privilege for us to supportSirbaz Khan on his expedition. We have been supporting talent to promote adventure tourism where needed and try to bring diverse experiences to our community through our various initiatives,” Serena Hotels CEO Aziz Boolani said.
The Adventure Diplomacy Initiative by Serena aims to encourage human engagement with nature in ways that test physical prowess, endurance and commitment, with mountain activities being a core part of these activities. This initiative kicked off when the Adventure Diplomacy Group (ADG) was set up comprising seven diplomatic missions to support the Pakistani mountaineer siblings, Samina and Mirza Ali Baig. SaminaBaig is the first Pakistani as well as the first Muslim woman to climb the highest peaks in all seven continents.
https://dailytimes.com.pk/435033/mounta ... -mountain/
Sustainable Tourism in Northern Pakistan
Pakistan is a richly diverse country with varying cultures, dialects and traditions across the length and breadth of its terrain. The same terrain is peppered with historically significant socio-cultural assets. Unfortunately, many of these assets and heritage properties have fallen into disrepair, due to the lack of financial resources and understanding of the significance of preserving the past.
Against this backdrop of immensely beautiful heritage sites and apparent disinterest, the agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), particularly the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), have played a vital role in the restoration of a number of heritage projects in northern Pakistan. Committed to sustainable development, AKTC has restored Altit Fort, Baltit Fort, Shigar Fort, Khaplu Palace and the Wali’s Residence, and handed over these assets to Serena Hotels Pakistan to ensure that the properties are well taken care of and appreciated, as Serena Hotels – part of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development – offer opportunities for sustainable heritage tourism.
Preserving heritage sites, working with local communities and promoting economic activity through sustainable tourism have become hallmarks of the Serena Hotels approach, leading to the betterment of the communities in which each property is located.
Gallery at:
https://www.akdn.org/gallery/sustainabl ... n-pakistan
Pakistan is a richly diverse country with varying cultures, dialects and traditions across the length and breadth of its terrain. The same terrain is peppered with historically significant socio-cultural assets. Unfortunately, many of these assets and heritage properties have fallen into disrepair, due to the lack of financial resources and understanding of the significance of preserving the past.
Against this backdrop of immensely beautiful heritage sites and apparent disinterest, the agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), particularly the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), have played a vital role in the restoration of a number of heritage projects in northern Pakistan. Committed to sustainable development, AKTC has restored Altit Fort, Baltit Fort, Shigar Fort, Khaplu Palace and the Wali’s Residence, and handed over these assets to Serena Hotels Pakistan to ensure that the properties are well taken care of and appreciated, as Serena Hotels – part of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development – offer opportunities for sustainable heritage tourism.
Preserving heritage sites, working with local communities and promoting economic activity through sustainable tourism have become hallmarks of the Serena Hotels approach, leading to the betterment of the communities in which each property is located.
Gallery at:
https://www.akdn.org/gallery/sustainabl ... n-pakistan
Mara Serena Safari Lodge launches its solar power plant
20 December 2019, Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya - Serena Hotels in partnership with Mettle Solar OFGEN have transformed a third property, Mara Serena Safari Lodge in Kenya, into a fully solar powered property. The inauguration of the Mara Serena solar power plant demonstrates Serena Hotels commitment to be the ‘Full Scale Solar Pioneers’ in the East African hospitality sector.
The solar power plant constructed by Mettle Solar OFGEN has an output of 640kWp with 1400kWh of storage utilising TESLA Lithium-ion batteries. This provides capacity to supply
Mara Serena Safari Lodge’s total energy requirements.
Mr. Mahmud Jan Mohamed, Managing Director, Serena Hotels says, “This is an exciting and sustainable approach to addressing our energy needs, aligning our established dedication in
environmental stewardship that has been in existence for over four decades.”
Mettle Solar OFGEN has implemented similar off-grid solar systems in other Serena properties including Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge (2017) and Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge (2018). Additionally, the firm commissioned two grid-tied hybrid solar systems in early 2018 at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp and Sweetwaters Serena Camp. The approximate cumulative environmental impact of these initiatives is as follows:
Total installed capacity: 1,760kWp with 3,900kWh of storage.
Total green energy produced to date: 2,771 MWh.
CO2 avoided: 1,949 tonnes.
Trees that would need to be planted to extract the said CO2 within 10 years: 155,950 trees.
Kilaguni Serena, Amboseli Serena and now Mara Serena, all built in the 1970s within National Parks/Game Reserves are not only a ‘one-of-a-kind getaways’, but a leading-edge example of how clean, renewable energy independence can be successfully achieved through the installation of off-grid Solar PV systems, even in such challenging safari locations.
Mr. Francois Van Themaat, Managing Director, Mettle Solar OFGEN says, “We are proud to be part of this transformational sustainability project in the East African hospitality industry, particularly with Serena Hotels playing a leading role. The use of natural resources such a solar is being embraced as it is one of the most sustainable ways to preserve the ecosystem.”
All Serena’s programmes are aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) set out by the United Nation Development Program. The Solar Power Plant aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals - SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13: Climate Action; and SDG 15: Life on Land.
The demand from eco-travelers is growing and Serena continues to adapt its business best practices model to meet the ecological travel experiences and expectations of today’s guest.
Serena’s intention is to continue the implementation of these and other sustainability initiatives. These will be in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement as it continues to be part of transitioning Eastern African economies into low carbon economies.
https://www.akdn.org/press-release/mara ... ower-plant
20 December 2019, Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya - Serena Hotels in partnership with Mettle Solar OFGEN have transformed a third property, Mara Serena Safari Lodge in Kenya, into a fully solar powered property. The inauguration of the Mara Serena solar power plant demonstrates Serena Hotels commitment to be the ‘Full Scale Solar Pioneers’ in the East African hospitality sector.
The solar power plant constructed by Mettle Solar OFGEN has an output of 640kWp with 1400kWh of storage utilising TESLA Lithium-ion batteries. This provides capacity to supply
Mara Serena Safari Lodge’s total energy requirements.
Mr. Mahmud Jan Mohamed, Managing Director, Serena Hotels says, “This is an exciting and sustainable approach to addressing our energy needs, aligning our established dedication in
environmental stewardship that has been in existence for over four decades.”
Mettle Solar OFGEN has implemented similar off-grid solar systems in other Serena properties including Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge (2017) and Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge (2018). Additionally, the firm commissioned two grid-tied hybrid solar systems in early 2018 at Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp and Sweetwaters Serena Camp. The approximate cumulative environmental impact of these initiatives is as follows:
Total installed capacity: 1,760kWp with 3,900kWh of storage.
Total green energy produced to date: 2,771 MWh.
CO2 avoided: 1,949 tonnes.
Trees that would need to be planted to extract the said CO2 within 10 years: 155,950 trees.
Kilaguni Serena, Amboseli Serena and now Mara Serena, all built in the 1970s within National Parks/Game Reserves are not only a ‘one-of-a-kind getaways’, but a leading-edge example of how clean, renewable energy independence can be successfully achieved through the installation of off-grid Solar PV systems, even in such challenging safari locations.
Mr. Francois Van Themaat, Managing Director, Mettle Solar OFGEN says, “We are proud to be part of this transformational sustainability project in the East African hospitality industry, particularly with Serena Hotels playing a leading role. The use of natural resources such a solar is being embraced as it is one of the most sustainable ways to preserve the ecosystem.”
All Serena’s programmes are aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) set out by the United Nation Development Program. The Solar Power Plant aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals - SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13: Climate Action; and SDG 15: Life on Land.
The demand from eco-travelers is growing and Serena continues to adapt its business best practices model to meet the ecological travel experiences and expectations of today’s guest.
Serena’s intention is to continue the implementation of these and other sustainability initiatives. These will be in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement as it continues to be part of transitioning Eastern African economies into low carbon economies.
https://www.akdn.org/press-release/mara ... ower-plant
Serena engaging local community
The Serena Group is more than a collection of hotels. This film explores how it is an engine for economic development in local communities – and has been for over the last 40 years. Serena provides employment to 4,000 East Africans and gives priority and training to over 2,000 local suppliers and companies, while engaging the local community in ways that help households to achieve better health and greater economic independence.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMIJxr9501I
The Serena Group is more than a collection of hotels. This film explores how it is an engine for economic development in local communities – and has been for over the last 40 years. Serena provides employment to 4,000 East Africans and gives priority and training to over 2,000 local suppliers and companies, while engaging the local community in ways that help households to achieve better health and greater economic independence.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMIJxr9501I
SERENA
L’inauguration de l’hôtel Serena (5 étoiles) est prévue le 15 septembre 2020 en ville de Goma.
C’est un premier hôtel dans la ville touristique construit sur les normes internationales.
Serena Hotels est une société hôtelière qui exploite des hôtels et des complexes hôteliers haut de gamme en Afrique de l’Est, en Afrique australe et en Asie du Sud.
Serena comprend une collection de 36 complexes de luxe, lodges de safari et hôtels, situés en Afrique de l’Est et en Asie centrale et du Sud.
Cet hôtel offre une vue sur le lac Kivu depuis ses 109 chambres, un salon d’affaires et une salle de réunion exceptionnels pour les voyageurs d’affaires, une piscine olympique accessible aux familles et les meilleurs forfaits spas de la ville.
Il faut noter que le mini-sommet quintipartite organisé au cours de ce mois de septembre par le chef de l’Etat Félix Tshisekedi entre les présidents du Rwanda, Burundi, Ouganda, Angola et la République Démocratique du Congo se tiendra dans l’hôtel Serena de Goma.
L’inauguration de l’hôtel Serena (5 étoiles) est prévue le 15 septembre 2020 en ville de Goma.
C’est un premier hôtel dans la ville touristique construit sur les normes internationales.
Serena Hotels est une société hôtelière qui exploite des hôtels et des complexes hôteliers haut de gamme en Afrique de l’Est, en Afrique australe et en Asie du Sud.
Serena comprend une collection de 36 complexes de luxe, lodges de safari et hôtels, situés en Afrique de l’Est et en Asie centrale et du Sud.
Cet hôtel offre une vue sur le lac Kivu depuis ses 109 chambres, un salon d’affaires et une salle de réunion exceptionnels pour les voyageurs d’affaires, une piscine olympique accessible aux familles et les meilleurs forfaits spas de la ville.
Il faut noter que le mini-sommet quintipartite organisé au cours de ce mois de septembre par le chef de l’Etat Félix Tshisekedi entre les présidents du Rwanda, Burundi, Ouganda, Angola et la République Démocratique du Congo se tiendra dans l’hôtel Serena de Goma.
Google translation of the above article.
New postPosted: Sep 10, 2020 01:58 pm Post subject: Reply with quote
SERENA
The inauguration of the Serena Hotel (5 stars) is scheduled for September 15, 2020 in the city of Goma (City in the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
It is a premier hotel in the tourist town built to international standards.
Serena Hotels is a hotel company that operates upscale hotels and resorts in East Africa, Southern Africa and South Asia.
Serena comprises a collection of 36 luxury resorts, safari lodges and hotels, located in East Africa and Central and South Asia.
This hotel offers views of Lake Kivu from its 109 rooms, an exceptional business lounge and meeting room for business travelers, an Olympic-size swimming pool accessible to families and the best spa packages in town.
It should be noted that the quintipartite mini-summit organized during this month of September by the head of state Félix Tshisekedi between the presidents of Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo will be held in the Serena hotel from Goma.
New postPosted: Sep 10, 2020 01:58 pm Post subject: Reply with quote
SERENA
The inauguration of the Serena Hotel (5 stars) is scheduled for September 15, 2020 in the city of Goma (City in the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
It is a premier hotel in the tourist town built to international standards.
Serena Hotels is a hotel company that operates upscale hotels and resorts in East Africa, Southern Africa and South Asia.
Serena comprises a collection of 36 luxury resorts, safari lodges and hotels, located in East Africa and Central and South Asia.
This hotel offers views of Lake Kivu from its 109 rooms, an exceptional business lounge and meeting room for business travelers, an Olympic-size swimming pool accessible to families and the best spa packages in town.
It should be noted that the quintipartite mini-summit organized during this month of September by the head of state Félix Tshisekedi between the presidents of Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo will be held in the Serena hotel from Goma.
https://zoom-eco.net/a-la-une/rdc-felix ... na-a-goma/
RDC : Félix Tshisekedi va inaugurer l’hôtel Serena à Goma
on 11 septembre 2020
By La Rédaction
En marge de l’organisation prochaine du mini-sommet sous-régional quintipartite qui se tiendra dans cette ville, le Président Congolais Félix Tshisekedi va inaugurer l’hôtel Serena. Selon certaines sources, cette inauguration pourrait intervenir le 15 septembre 2020.
RDC : Félix Tshisekedi va inaugurer l'hôtel Serena à GomaEn effet, c’est dans cet hôtel que se tiendra le mini-sommet dont les équipes d’avance des Présidents conviés sont déjà arrivés dans la ville touristique de Goma.
Cet hôtel cinq étoiles offre une vue sur le lac Kivu. Il comprend 109 chambres, un salon d’affaires, et une salle exceptionnelle pour les voyageurs d’affaires, une piscine olympique accessible aux familles.
Ce premier hôtel construit dans les normes internationales est le produit de Serena Hôtels. Serena Hôtels est une société qui exploite les hôtels et complexes hôteliers haut de gamme en Afrique de l’Est, en Afrique Australe et en Asie du Sud. Il comprend une collection de 36 complexes de luxe, lodges de safari et hôtels, situés en Afrique de l’Est, en Asie Centrale et du Sud.
Un hôtel qui sera lancé dans une période marquée par la Covid-19, où le secteur du tourisme et hôtelier est l’un des plus touchés au Monde.
Harris KASONGO
RDC : Félix Tshisekedi va inaugurer l’hôtel Serena à Goma
on 11 septembre 2020
By La Rédaction
En marge de l’organisation prochaine du mini-sommet sous-régional quintipartite qui se tiendra dans cette ville, le Président Congolais Félix Tshisekedi va inaugurer l’hôtel Serena. Selon certaines sources, cette inauguration pourrait intervenir le 15 septembre 2020.
RDC : Félix Tshisekedi va inaugurer l'hôtel Serena à GomaEn effet, c’est dans cet hôtel que se tiendra le mini-sommet dont les équipes d’avance des Présidents conviés sont déjà arrivés dans la ville touristique de Goma.
Cet hôtel cinq étoiles offre une vue sur le lac Kivu. Il comprend 109 chambres, un salon d’affaires, et une salle exceptionnelle pour les voyageurs d’affaires, une piscine olympique accessible aux familles.
Ce premier hôtel construit dans les normes internationales est le produit de Serena Hôtels. Serena Hôtels est une société qui exploite les hôtels et complexes hôteliers haut de gamme en Afrique de l’Est, en Afrique Australe et en Asie du Sud. Il comprend une collection de 36 complexes de luxe, lodges de safari et hôtels, situés en Afrique de l’Est, en Asie Centrale et du Sud.
Un hôtel qui sera lancé dans une période marquée par la Covid-19, où le secteur du tourisme et hôtelier est l’un des plus touchés au Monde.
Harris KASONGO
Opening of Serena in Goma, RDC
It looks like the Summit was scheduled for 13th and the President of RDC was to open the Serena officialy on 15th of September. However the president of Burundi torpedoed the meeting as he wanted to go to USA on 15th and the Serena meeting of the 5 African leaders was postponed.
Were to attend the summit: Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Paul Kagame from Rwanda, Evariste Ndaishimiye from Burundi, Joao Lorenso from l'Angola and the host President Félix Tshisekedi of RDC.
It looks like the Summit was scheduled for 13th and the President of RDC was to open the Serena officialy on 15th of September. However the president of Burundi torpedoed the meeting as he wanted to go to USA on 15th and the Serena meeting of the 5 African leaders was postponed.
Were to attend the summit: Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Paul Kagame from Rwanda, Evariste Ndaishimiye from Burundi, Joao Lorenso from l'Angola and the host President Félix Tshisekedi of RDC.
Google translation of the article..Admin wrote:https://zoom-eco.net/a-la-une/rdc-felix ... na-a-goma/
RDC : Félix Tshisekedi va inaugurer l’hôtel Serena à Goma
DRC: Félix Tshisekedi to inaugurate Hotel Serena in Goma
on September 11, 2020
By La Rédaction
On the sidelines of the forthcoming organization of the quintipartite sub-regional mini-summit to be held in this city, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi will inaugurate the Hotel Serena. According to some sources, this inauguration could take place on September 15, 2020.
DRC: Félix Tshisekedi will inaugurate the Serena Hotel in Goma Indeed, it is in this hotel that the mini-summit will be held, whose advance teams of invited Presidents have already arrived in the tourist town of Goma.
This five-star hotel offers a view of Lake Kivu. It has 109 rooms, a business lounge, and an exceptional room for business travelers, an Olympic swimming pool accessible to families.
This first hotel built to international standards is the product of Serena Hotels. Serena Hotels is a company that operates upscale hotels and resorts in East Africa, Southern Africa and South Asia. It comprises a collection of 36 luxury resorts, safari lodges and hotels, located in East Africa, Central and South Asia.
A hotel that will be launched in a period marked by Covid-19, where the tourism and hotel sector is one of the most affected in the world.
So far only President Museveni of Uganda has announced his presence to the Summit at the new date of 20 September 2020. Others are yet to confirm.Admin wrote:Opening of Serena in Goma, RDC
It looks like the Summit was scheduled for 13th and the President of RDC was to open the Serena officialy on 15th of September. However the president of Burundi torpedoed the meeting as he wanted to go to USA on 15th and the Serena meeting of the 5 African leaders was postponed.
Were to attend the summit: Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Paul Kagame from Rwanda, Evariste Ndaishimiye from Burundi, Joao Lorenso from l'Angola and the host President Félix Tshisekedi of RDC.
It has been postponed again as it has been announced the Summit will now be by Video conference so it is not probable that the president of RDC will come to Goma for the opening of the Serena in the absence of the Summit. But it is also improbable that the new Serena Goma will open in the absence of Prince Amyn. So we have to wait and see.
Four killed, 12 injured in blast at Quetta’s Serena Hotel
It occurred in the parking lot
SAMAA | Noor Ul Arifeen - Posted: Apr 21, 2021 | Last Updated: 4 hours ago
At least four people were killed and 12 others wounded in a blast at Quetta’s Serena Hotel Wednesday night, the Balochistan health authorities confirmed.
"The blast took place in the parking of Serena Hotel," Liaquat Shahwani, the Balochistan government spokesperson, told SAMAA TV.
Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed confirmed the casualties in the blast.
“We have taken this seriously,” he said. “It came at a time when the Chinese ambassador was staying at the hotel but it has been foiled.”
Rescue teams reached the spot and shifted the injured persons to hospitals.
Mobile phone footage from the scene showed several vehicles in flames and ambulances rushing to the spot.
A heavy contingent of security forces reached the site and secured a perimeter around the site.
The nature of the blast had yet to be ascertained.
The bomb disposal squad was called in and a search for the perpetrators was on in the vicinity.
Watch video at:
https://www.samaa.tv/news/2021/04/blast ... ena-chowk/
https://www.dawn.com/news/1619534
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56834937
It occurred in the parking lot
SAMAA | Noor Ul Arifeen - Posted: Apr 21, 2021 | Last Updated: 4 hours ago
At least four people were killed and 12 others wounded in a blast at Quetta’s Serena Hotel Wednesday night, the Balochistan health authorities confirmed.
"The blast took place in the parking of Serena Hotel," Liaquat Shahwani, the Balochistan government spokesperson, told SAMAA TV.
Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed confirmed the casualties in the blast.
“We have taken this seriously,” he said. “It came at a time when the Chinese ambassador was staying at the hotel but it has been foiled.”
Rescue teams reached the spot and shifted the injured persons to hospitals.
Mobile phone footage from the scene showed several vehicles in flames and ambulances rushing to the spot.
A heavy contingent of security forces reached the site and secured a perimeter around the site.
The nature of the blast had yet to be ascertained.
The bomb disposal squad was called in and a search for the perpetrators was on in the vicinity.
Watch video at:
https://www.samaa.tv/news/2021/04/blast ... ena-chowk/
https://www.dawn.com/news/1619534
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56834937
Serena hotel operator TPS narrows loss to Sh633m
Guests enjoy a Serene environment at Serena Beach Hotel in Mombasa. FILE PHOTO | NMG
SUMMARY
- The company received waivers from its lenders, a move that helped ease pressure on its financial position.
- TPS’s long-term borrowings increased to Sh5.5 billion from Sh4.9 billion, partly a reflection of the deferred interest expenses.
- The company had earlier said it was in talks to extend or restructure credit facilities from Absa Bank Kenya and Proparco besides receiving financial support from its majority shareholder Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, SA.
Serena hotel brand operator TPS Eastern Africa #ticker:TPSE nearly halved its net loss to Sh632.9 million in the year ended December as sales increased with the receding Covid-19 pandemic.
The Nairobi Securities Exchange #ticker:NSE -listed firm had made a net loss of Sh1.2 billion a year earlier when the hospitality industry suffered the most from bookings cancellations and travel restrictions as the respiratory disease unfolded.
The company’s sales rose 61.6 percent to Sh3.2 billion from Sh2 billion.
“Due to the global distribution of vaccines, travel restrictions and curfews eased from the third quarter of 2021 as Covid-19 related fatalities reduced remarkably,” the company said in a statement.
“Thus, as the world was headed towards an uneven recovery, the group was required to demonstrate agility in response to the rapidly changing circumstances on various fronts of the business.”
https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/ ... 3m-3812314
TPS’ cash position improved to Sh93.2 million from a negative Sh133.5 million. The company received waivers from its lenders, a move that helped ease pressure on its financial position.
Serena Shigar Fort (@serena_hotels): A Historic Heritage Hotel of Pakistan
BY ISMAILIMAIL POSTED ON JUNE 20, 2022
Contributed by Munaza Kazmi
Munaza Kazmi holds MPhil in Management Sciences, is a travel writer, an author, and a co-author of scientific contributions in national and international publications.
The classical history lovers are pinned everywhere in the world, looking for exploring another piece of art. Pakistan! Famous for its wildest and most dangerous peaks, is home to the Indus Valley civilization, Gandhara, Mughal Rule, tribal kingdoms, and a lot more. However, one can only look at them in museums, palaces or forts, but never got the opportunity to live the history. What if I take you somewhere?
Serena Shigar Fort
IMAGINE! In the middle of gigantic mountains, a day into the actual homes of Kings and Queens, the splendor of royalty on the rhythms of history.
About 170km, almost a two hours unforgettably beautiful drive from Sakardu Airport, Gilgit Baltistan lies the Shigar, an absolutely beautiful gift of nature. There are stunning natural treasures like the Katpana Desert, also known as the Cold Desert and is the highest desert in the world. Among the valley’s mountainous landscapes is K2, the second-highest mountain in the world, Trango Towers, Concordia Glacier amongst many other glaciers. Surrounded by greenery and captative beauty of lakes, Shigar is no doubt a glamorous tourist spot. The perfect tone of the clouds, the huge mountains and the tranquility makes the place a heavenly and magical, where your IMAGINATION will be turning into reality.
Serena Shigar Fort, known as Fong-Khar which in the local language means the “Palace on the Rock”, is one of Northern Pakistan’s most beautiful hotels. There you almost feel as if you have stepped onto a movie set because it is so picturesque.
Decorated by the magnificent beauty of Baltistan’s Karakoram Mountain Range and four centuries of folklore and legends, Serena Shigar Fort is a one of a kind heritage boutique hotel situated within a peaceful natural setting. Experience history in a 450-year-old fort and the 17th century palace of the Raja of Shigar, along with the more recently added “Old House” and “Garden House.”
Ancient mountain landscapes, stunning views and the ambience of a 400-year-old Fort-Palace set our 15 rooms and 5 suites among Pakistan’s most serene and timeless sanctuaries. Ornamented in warm earth tones, all accommodations feature locally inspired design touches like wooden floors, exquisite woodwork, native stone and period furnishings.
The 13 traditional guest rooms located in the original 17th century palace offer you an exclusive glimpse into the life of the Raja and Rani of Shigar, where you can actually enjoy the ways of royalty. Moreover, a more recent addition to the grounds, the Garden House, offers 7 conventional rooms with modern comforts like flat-screen televisions and room service. These accommodations were crafted using building materials and techniques faithful to the historical architecture of Shigar Fort. Adorned with handmade fabrics and antiques, Garden House rooms feature private terraces with views of the Amacha Garden. Most importantly – all rooms at Serena Shigar Fort are non-smoking.
Standard Room
Standard Room
From the traditional stone and wood architecture to the tranquil sight and sound of the Shigar stream flowing in front of the hotel, the experience here is that of a peaceful home away from home in an ancient, historic undisturbed wilderness.
Garden House Standard Room
Garden House Standard Room
From the traditional stone and wood architecture to the tranquil sight and sound of the Shigar stream flowing in front of the hotel, the experience here is that of a peaceful home away from home in an ancient, historic undisturbed wilderness.
Garden Suite
Garden Suite
From the traditional stone and wood architecture to the tranquil sight and sound of the Shigar stream flowing in front of the hotel, the experience here is that of a peaceful home away from home in an ancient, historic undisturbed wilderness.
Heritage Suite
Heritage Suite: The hotel’s 3 Heritage Suites originally served as the chambers of the royal women and the Raja’s mid-season quarters. Spacious and opulently decorated with period antiques, these suites offer a king bed in the main bedroom, a single bed in a separate anteroom or Shah-e-Nasheen and a sitting area. Special features include beautiful paneled ceilings and carvings on Shah-e-Nasheen.
Royal Suite
Royal Suite: Originally the Raja’s royal summer quarters, this non-smoking suite features one comfortable king bed, an adjoining sitting area, originally Raja’s Baithak, a “Shah-e-Nasheen” and an airy, hanging wooden latticework balcony. Decorated in period antiques with a splendid view of the Shigar stream, the room is appointed with a working desk, one exquisite bathroom and a powder room.
Fong Khar Restaurant
The culinary philosophy at Serena Shigar Fort is based on providing the finest seasonal and, where possible, local ingredients from Shigar Valley farms and providers. All meals feature fresh produce from the hotel’s very own cherry orchards and vegetable garden, including a handmade cherry ice cream sure to be the delight of your stay.
Amidst a historic stone and wood design, Fong Khar Restaurant invites conversation among guests while savoring an innovative menu of Pakistani, Balti, Chinese and Continental specialties.
Fong Khar Restaurant
During the warmer months, the al fresco garden is the perfect setting for a meal beneath the grapevine with beautiful views of the Shigar stream and surrounding village. However, for private dining events, the first floor offers a Turkish-style seating area with an open veranda seating presenting gorgeous village and stream views.
From the traditional stone and wood architecture to the tranquil sight and sound of the Shigar stream flowing in front of the hotel, the experience here is that of a peaceful home away from home in an ancient, historic undisturbed wilderness.
https://ismailimail.blog/2022/06/20/ser ... -pakistan/
Contributed by Munaza Kazmi
Munaza Kazmi holds MPhil in Management Sciences, is a travel writer, an author, and a co-author of scientific contributions in national and international publications.
The classical history lovers are pinned everywhere in the world, looking for exploring another piece of art. Pakistan! Famous for its wildest and most dangerous peaks, is home to the Indus Valley civilization, Gandhara, Mughal Rule, tribal kingdoms, and a lot more. However, one can only look at them in museums, palaces or forts, but never got the opportunity to live the history. What if I take you somewhere?
Serena Shigar Fort
IMAGINE! In the middle of gigantic mountains, a day into the actual homes of Kings and Queens, the splendor of royalty on the rhythms of history.
About 170km, almost a two hours unforgettably beautiful drive from Sakardu Airport, Gilgit Baltistan lies the Shigar, an absolutely beautiful gift of nature. There are stunning natural treasures like the Katpana Desert, also known as the Cold Desert and is the highest desert in the world. Among the valley’s mountainous landscapes is K2, the second-highest mountain in the world, Trango Towers, Concordia Glacier amongst many other glaciers. Surrounded by greenery and captative beauty of lakes, Shigar is no doubt a glamorous tourist spot. The perfect tone of the clouds, the huge mountains and the tranquility makes the place a heavenly and magical, where your IMAGINATION will be turning into reality.
Serena Shigar Fort, known as Fong-Khar which in the local language means the “Palace on the Rock”, is one of Northern Pakistan’s most beautiful hotels. There you almost feel as if you have stepped onto a movie set because it is so picturesque.
Decorated by the magnificent beauty of Baltistan’s Karakoram Mountain Range and four centuries of folklore and legends, Serena Shigar Fort is a one of a kind heritage boutique hotel situated within a peaceful natural setting. Experience history in a 450-year-old fort and the 17th century palace of the Raja of Shigar, along with the more recently added “Old House” and “Garden House.”
Ancient mountain landscapes, stunning views and the ambience of a 400-year-old Fort-Palace set our 15 rooms and 5 suites among Pakistan’s most serene and timeless sanctuaries. Ornamented in warm earth tones, all accommodations feature locally inspired design touches like wooden floors, exquisite woodwork, native stone and period furnishings.
The 13 traditional guest rooms located in the original 17th century palace offer you an exclusive glimpse into the life of the Raja and Rani of Shigar, where you can actually enjoy the ways of royalty. Moreover, a more recent addition to the grounds, the Garden House, offers 7 conventional rooms with modern comforts like flat-screen televisions and room service. These accommodations were crafted using building materials and techniques faithful to the historical architecture of Shigar Fort. Adorned with handmade fabrics and antiques, Garden House rooms feature private terraces with views of the Amacha Garden. Most importantly – all rooms at Serena Shigar Fort are non-smoking.
Standard Room
Standard Room
From the traditional stone and wood architecture to the tranquil sight and sound of the Shigar stream flowing in front of the hotel, the experience here is that of a peaceful home away from home in an ancient, historic undisturbed wilderness.
Garden House Standard Room
Garden House Standard Room
From the traditional stone and wood architecture to the tranquil sight and sound of the Shigar stream flowing in front of the hotel, the experience here is that of a peaceful home away from home in an ancient, historic undisturbed wilderness.
Garden Suite
Garden Suite
From the traditional stone and wood architecture to the tranquil sight and sound of the Shigar stream flowing in front of the hotel, the experience here is that of a peaceful home away from home in an ancient, historic undisturbed wilderness.
Heritage Suite
Heritage Suite: The hotel’s 3 Heritage Suites originally served as the chambers of the royal women and the Raja’s mid-season quarters. Spacious and opulently decorated with period antiques, these suites offer a king bed in the main bedroom, a single bed in a separate anteroom or Shah-e-Nasheen and a sitting area. Special features include beautiful paneled ceilings and carvings on Shah-e-Nasheen.
Royal Suite
Royal Suite: Originally the Raja’s royal summer quarters, this non-smoking suite features one comfortable king bed, an adjoining sitting area, originally Raja’s Baithak, a “Shah-e-Nasheen” and an airy, hanging wooden latticework balcony. Decorated in period antiques with a splendid view of the Shigar stream, the room is appointed with a working desk, one exquisite bathroom and a powder room.
Fong Khar Restaurant
The culinary philosophy at Serena Shigar Fort is based on providing the finest seasonal and, where possible, local ingredients from Shigar Valley farms and providers. All meals feature fresh produce from the hotel’s very own cherry orchards and vegetable garden, including a handmade cherry ice cream sure to be the delight of your stay.
Amidst a historic stone and wood design, Fong Khar Restaurant invites conversation among guests while savoring an innovative menu of Pakistani, Balti, Chinese and Continental specialties.
Fong Khar Restaurant
During the warmer months, the al fresco garden is the perfect setting for a meal beneath the grapevine with beautiful views of the Shigar stream and surrounding village. However, for private dining events, the first floor offers a Turkish-style seating area with an open veranda seating presenting gorgeous village and stream views.
From the traditional stone and wood architecture to the tranquil sight and sound of the Shigar stream flowing in front of the hotel, the experience here is that of a peaceful home away from home in an ancient, historic undisturbed wilderness.
https://ismailimail.blog/2022/06/20/ser ... -pakistan/
Re: Serena Hotels receives ecotourism award and other news
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article ... years-old/
HIGH TEA AT THE POLANA
The Grand Lady of Africa is 100 years old
By Bridget Hilton-Barber
Follow
18 Nov 2022
Built in 1922, Maputo’s famous Polana Serena Hotel has been through colonialism, a world war, a revolution, a civil war and a pandemic. She’s still sporting her bling and gazing imperiously out across the Bay of Maputo and the Indian Ocean. We paid her a birthday visit for high tea and bubbles.
Of course there is red velvet cake. Red velvet cake layered with cream, and topped with ermine icing and a chocolate rosette that makes it look like an edible fascinator. Like the Polana Serena, red velvet cakes have a long history. They date back to Victorian times, and interestingly enough are deeply entrenched in American Southern food, where, every June, people serve red velvet cake to commemorate the end of slavery. New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel generally takes credit for popularising the red velvet cake in the 1920s, and it may well have been served when the Polana opened in 1922.
This red velvet cake with a chocolate eventail (fan) is the highlight of the Polana Serena high tea. (Photo: Bridget Hilton-Barber)
Designed by architect Sir Herbert Baker, who also designed the Union Buildings in South Africa and many a gracious Cape wine estate, the Polana Serena was never going to be modest. Our Elegant Lady of Unashamed Extravagance was conceived by the city father of then Lourenço Marques in 1917 with the specific idea of being a place to impress. She cost £300,000 and was hailed as one of the best, most modern hotels in Africa, with no rival in any southern port.
The iconic Polana Serena, Maputo’s most famous luxury hotel, has turned 100 years old. (Photo: Supplied)
Leave your guilt and shame at the door. Walking into the Polana Serena is like entering a glittering palace. The vast reception with its high ceilings and marble columns, a grand sweep of stairs, the original rosewood and gilt elevator cage that still goes sedately up and down four floors. And then glass doors that roll out onto the generous porch overlooking the massive swimming pool and glorious view of the Indian Ocean beyond.
High tea is usually served on the terrace of the Polana Bar, the kind of place where the whirring ceiling fans reflect in the silver soup spoons. Today however, we head for the Aquarius Bar & Restaurant, a quieter spot with indoor and outdoor seating and more glorious ocean views. It’s one of those All Day Decadence places where you can do bubbles and sushi, high tea, coffee, dessert, not to mention fine wines, rare whiskeys and tropical cocktails.
Coffee and cream is served in elegant chinaware. (Photo: Bridget Hilton-Barber)
We meet executive chef Martin Gituma who is relieved the hotel is returning to normal after being hard hit by lockdown and the pandemic. Business is picking up at all their restaurants, the Delagoa Restaurant for fine dining in the evenings, the Varanda Restaurant for breakfast and lunch, the Polana Bar for cocktails and Cognac.
High tea is served with a flourish in a three-tiered silver server all set about with silver pots, and beautiful bespoke Polana Serena crockery. Traditionally the savouries are at the bottom, then the tea and scones in the middle, and sweets on top.
There is a long tradition of great baking in Mozambique, like this delicious fruit tartlet. (Photo: Bridget Hilton-Barber)
The red velvet affair takes centre stage here, accompanied by sumptuous fruit tartlets, and pasteis de nata, a traditional and sublimely delicious Portuguese custard tart dusted with cinnamon.
The next tier has bright bite-sized macaroons, and scones with jam and cream. The macaroon is made with meringue, sugar, and almond flour, has a crunchy exterior and a soft filling, typically ganache, buttercream or jam. The biscuit is said to have been introduced to France by the Italian chef of Queen Catherine de Medici during the Renaissance. The French call them macarons and they’re apparently the most Instagrammed food in that country. Ours are pink and green with a ganache centre.
Originally from India, the samoosa has been granted permanent culinary status in Mozambique. (Photo: Bridget Hilton-Barber)
The savoury tier has sandwiches – salmon and dill, cream cheese and cucumber. And did I mention samoosas? One of the most delicious things Mozambique has done is to grant permanent culinary residence status to the samoosa, the ubiquitous one originally from India and now perfectly acceptable as part of high tea at the Polana Serena. Both tea and coffee are on offer, but we want bubbles. Proper bubbles. So proper, we are allowed to use the actual word. Champagne.
Salmon with capers and dill are the savoury signature of high tea. (Photo: Bridget Hilton-Barber)
Cheers, then, to 100 years of the famous Polana Serena Hotel, who has seen a most lively last century of Mozambican history indeed, and is now owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development who gave her a fabulous $25-million facelift a decade ago. Cheers to our lady who has offered her beds to kings and queens, the rich and famous, politicians, presidents, prime ministers, spies, secret agents and generals.
The Grand Lady of Africa has been impressing visitors for a century. (Photo: Supplied)
During the World War II years, when Mozambique was a Portuguese colony and Portugal was neutral, the Polana Serena was the preferred haunt of spies and secret agents who indulged in good food and complex espionage and counterespionage deals, free of the constraints elsewhere on the continent. Spies from South Africa, England, America, Germany and Italy were so relaxed that apparently they exchanged courteous greetings when meeting in the corridors and bars.
Just before the war, in 1936, SA business tycoon I.W. Schlesinger bought the Polana for £400,000. He retained it throughout the war years, bequeathing it to his son John who owned it until 1963 when he sold it to the Mozambican government.
Afternoon tea and cake is a longstanding tradition at the Polana Serena poolside. (Photo: Supplied)
High tea at the Polana Serena was at its most indulgent peak in the 50s, when the hotel was the darling of high society and LM was famed for its continental atmosphere, café society and nightlife. The rich, famous and gorgeous sashayed their way to the daily colonial-style afternoon tea. For hotel residents, poolside tea and cake is still served every afternoon, where impossibly beautiful people nibble on an exquisite assemblage of gateaux.
Our lady’s high tea services stopped during the revolution and by independence in 1975 she was run by the staff and used as a hostel for foreign workers. Supplies and spare parts were scarce and often staff would strip hardware from one floor to patch up a room on another. Yet even with worn sheets on the beds, used soap and newspaper squares as toilet paper in the bathrooms, she retained her elegance and still served the ever-popular peri-peri prawns.
Legend has it that Samora Machel, the charismatic first president of independent Mozambique, used to stroll between the marble pillars and under the sparkling chandeliers, in his green cap and army fatigues, greeting everyone from the cleaners to the concierge. And Machel always insisted the hotel workers ate when he did at state banquets.
Scones and cream with jam and some French inspired macaroons. (Photo: Bridget Hilton-Barber)
We need more bubbles. The high tea is settling, the salty sea breezes are ruffling the tops of the palm trees. We imagine the dishes served here over the years from Oysters Rockefeller and Duchess potatoes to devilled eggs, prawn cocktails and canapés – and all the high teas with their scones, crumpets, cucumber sandwiches, salmon croquettes, trifles, tortes and meringues. Cheers to all the chefs, peelers, dicers, slicers, choppers and washers who have fed and watered so many people over the last century. And cheers again to the Polana Serena for rising from the ashes and continuing to peddle pleasure. DM/TGIFood
High tea at the Polana Serena costs R300 per person. Booking is essential. See www.serenahotels.com/polana
HIGH TEA AT THE POLANA
The Grand Lady of Africa is 100 years old
By Bridget Hilton-Barber
Follow
18 Nov 2022
Built in 1922, Maputo’s famous Polana Serena Hotel has been through colonialism, a world war, a revolution, a civil war and a pandemic. She’s still sporting her bling and gazing imperiously out across the Bay of Maputo and the Indian Ocean. We paid her a birthday visit for high tea and bubbles.
Of course there is red velvet cake. Red velvet cake layered with cream, and topped with ermine icing and a chocolate rosette that makes it look like an edible fascinator. Like the Polana Serena, red velvet cakes have a long history. They date back to Victorian times, and interestingly enough are deeply entrenched in American Southern food, where, every June, people serve red velvet cake to commemorate the end of slavery. New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel generally takes credit for popularising the red velvet cake in the 1920s, and it may well have been served when the Polana opened in 1922.
This red velvet cake with a chocolate eventail (fan) is the highlight of the Polana Serena high tea. (Photo: Bridget Hilton-Barber)
Designed by architect Sir Herbert Baker, who also designed the Union Buildings in South Africa and many a gracious Cape wine estate, the Polana Serena was never going to be modest. Our Elegant Lady of Unashamed Extravagance was conceived by the city father of then Lourenço Marques in 1917 with the specific idea of being a place to impress. She cost £300,000 and was hailed as one of the best, most modern hotels in Africa, with no rival in any southern port.
The iconic Polana Serena, Maputo’s most famous luxury hotel, has turned 100 years old. (Photo: Supplied)
Leave your guilt and shame at the door. Walking into the Polana Serena is like entering a glittering palace. The vast reception with its high ceilings and marble columns, a grand sweep of stairs, the original rosewood and gilt elevator cage that still goes sedately up and down four floors. And then glass doors that roll out onto the generous porch overlooking the massive swimming pool and glorious view of the Indian Ocean beyond.
High tea is usually served on the terrace of the Polana Bar, the kind of place where the whirring ceiling fans reflect in the silver soup spoons. Today however, we head for the Aquarius Bar & Restaurant, a quieter spot with indoor and outdoor seating and more glorious ocean views. It’s one of those All Day Decadence places where you can do bubbles and sushi, high tea, coffee, dessert, not to mention fine wines, rare whiskeys and tropical cocktails.
Coffee and cream is served in elegant chinaware. (Photo: Bridget Hilton-Barber)
We meet executive chef Martin Gituma who is relieved the hotel is returning to normal after being hard hit by lockdown and the pandemic. Business is picking up at all their restaurants, the Delagoa Restaurant for fine dining in the evenings, the Varanda Restaurant for breakfast and lunch, the Polana Bar for cocktails and Cognac.
High tea is served with a flourish in a three-tiered silver server all set about with silver pots, and beautiful bespoke Polana Serena crockery. Traditionally the savouries are at the bottom, then the tea and scones in the middle, and sweets on top.
There is a long tradition of great baking in Mozambique, like this delicious fruit tartlet. (Photo: Bridget Hilton-Barber)
The red velvet affair takes centre stage here, accompanied by sumptuous fruit tartlets, and pasteis de nata, a traditional and sublimely delicious Portuguese custard tart dusted with cinnamon.
The next tier has bright bite-sized macaroons, and scones with jam and cream. The macaroon is made with meringue, sugar, and almond flour, has a crunchy exterior and a soft filling, typically ganache, buttercream or jam. The biscuit is said to have been introduced to France by the Italian chef of Queen Catherine de Medici during the Renaissance. The French call them macarons and they’re apparently the most Instagrammed food in that country. Ours are pink and green with a ganache centre.
Originally from India, the samoosa has been granted permanent culinary status in Mozambique. (Photo: Bridget Hilton-Barber)
The savoury tier has sandwiches – salmon and dill, cream cheese and cucumber. And did I mention samoosas? One of the most delicious things Mozambique has done is to grant permanent culinary residence status to the samoosa, the ubiquitous one originally from India and now perfectly acceptable as part of high tea at the Polana Serena. Both tea and coffee are on offer, but we want bubbles. Proper bubbles. So proper, we are allowed to use the actual word. Champagne.
Salmon with capers and dill are the savoury signature of high tea. (Photo: Bridget Hilton-Barber)
Cheers, then, to 100 years of the famous Polana Serena Hotel, who has seen a most lively last century of Mozambican history indeed, and is now owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development who gave her a fabulous $25-million facelift a decade ago. Cheers to our lady who has offered her beds to kings and queens, the rich and famous, politicians, presidents, prime ministers, spies, secret agents and generals.
The Grand Lady of Africa has been impressing visitors for a century. (Photo: Supplied)
During the World War II years, when Mozambique was a Portuguese colony and Portugal was neutral, the Polana Serena was the preferred haunt of spies and secret agents who indulged in good food and complex espionage and counterespionage deals, free of the constraints elsewhere on the continent. Spies from South Africa, England, America, Germany and Italy were so relaxed that apparently they exchanged courteous greetings when meeting in the corridors and bars.
Just before the war, in 1936, SA business tycoon I.W. Schlesinger bought the Polana for £400,000. He retained it throughout the war years, bequeathing it to his son John who owned it until 1963 when he sold it to the Mozambican government.
Afternoon tea and cake is a longstanding tradition at the Polana Serena poolside. (Photo: Supplied)
High tea at the Polana Serena was at its most indulgent peak in the 50s, when the hotel was the darling of high society and LM was famed for its continental atmosphere, café society and nightlife. The rich, famous and gorgeous sashayed their way to the daily colonial-style afternoon tea. For hotel residents, poolside tea and cake is still served every afternoon, where impossibly beautiful people nibble on an exquisite assemblage of gateaux.
Our lady’s high tea services stopped during the revolution and by independence in 1975 she was run by the staff and used as a hostel for foreign workers. Supplies and spare parts were scarce and often staff would strip hardware from one floor to patch up a room on another. Yet even with worn sheets on the beds, used soap and newspaper squares as toilet paper in the bathrooms, she retained her elegance and still served the ever-popular peri-peri prawns.
Legend has it that Samora Machel, the charismatic first president of independent Mozambique, used to stroll between the marble pillars and under the sparkling chandeliers, in his green cap and army fatigues, greeting everyone from the cleaners to the concierge. And Machel always insisted the hotel workers ate when he did at state banquets.
Scones and cream with jam and some French inspired macaroons. (Photo: Bridget Hilton-Barber)
We need more bubbles. The high tea is settling, the salty sea breezes are ruffling the tops of the palm trees. We imagine the dishes served here over the years from Oysters Rockefeller and Duchess potatoes to devilled eggs, prawn cocktails and canapés – and all the high teas with their scones, crumpets, cucumber sandwiches, salmon croquettes, trifles, tortes and meringues. Cheers to all the chefs, peelers, dicers, slicers, choppers and washers who have fed and watered so many people over the last century. And cheers again to the Polana Serena for rising from the ashes and continuing to peddle pleasure. DM/TGIFood
High tea at the Polana Serena costs R300 per person. Booking is essential. See www.serenahotels.com/polana