The Magical Thorn Tree Café at Sarova Stanley.

Thorn Tree Restaurant

 

Described as the ideal ‘Get away in the City,’ and reputed to be Nairobi’s first post office is the Thorn Tree restaurant, located on the ground floor of The Sarova Stanley. The restaurant is a Nairobi landmark and is considered the place to meet and rendezvous with friends and family. In the courtyard you’ll find the famous Acacia tree at the base of which is a ‘time capsule’ buried in 1998 by local school children.

Guests enjoying their experience at Thorn Tree Restaurant

Thorn Tree is often frequented by local and international celebrities alike; and it is no surprise why. This bistro style pavement café, with a mouth watering menu; serving everything from hot crispy Italian pizzas to perennial favorites like fish, chips and mushy peas ideal for quick business meetings or tête-à-tête with close friends.

Coffee Mocha & a slice of rich black forest cake

The café has made a range of refreshments available from the fresh juices to ice cold beers. If the freshest of coffee is what you fancy then the Thorn Tree’s specialty coffee range made from the finest coffee beans will definitely put the pep back in your step.

A diverse entertainment calendar is on schedule all year though at the Thorn Tree where themed entertainment and cuisine from different cultures is the main highlight. Live bands grace the stage most days of the week playing a fusion of music from African rhythmic beats, to sensual Latino salsa, to the spell bounding tango from Italy. This coupled with live cooking of mouth watering dishes is what has made this quaint café extraordinary.

So if you’re looking for the ideal café to enjoy tranquil moments in the city then the Thorn Tree is the place for you. 

Tulia Wellness is Launched at Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge



Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge



In today’s fast paced world and day-to-day hassles of life, more people are finding that there is a growing need to take some time out to relax and just pamper one’s self. Sarova Hotel’s launch Tulia spa experience in the midst of the wild. Tulia Spa; is a space where tranquility pervades; a place where the boundaries of east and west blend harmoniously, a place where peace surrounds you and time stand still.  

Tulia Wellness at Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge

Tulia Taita Wellness is a small haven of relaxation where all your senses connects with therapy and blends with nature and the wild all enjoyed within the calm and soothing atmosphere of the African bush filled with an abundance of birds and wildlife...

The Tulia Taita Wellness prides itself on catering for all your senses, not only your sight. It’s certainly a feast for the eyes and ears, as this place has been well-designed with much attention paid to the stylish African details and great surroundings. The sounds and sights of birds and wildlife just in front are shifting by the minute. It continues with your sense of taste, as you are presented with a delicious herbal drink while you are choosing your treatments. Pleasant aromas fill the air giving your sense of smell a treat too.

And finally, the sense that is probably the most important for Wellness visitors - the sense of touch! Well, that is where the Tulia Taita Wellness really excels. For, not only are the staff here highly trained in their technical skills, but they have been hand-picked for their ability to put feeling into their art too!

All in all, the Tulia Taita Wellness redefines the African Wellness experience with quality treatments based on the wonderful ingredients this magnificent continent has to offer. Our personal care ensures a renewing, purely African experience that honors ancient traditions, while commemorating African nature and leave feeling relaxed refreshed, reinvigorated.... and ready to return.



Tulia Wellness Room at Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge

Also available are Tulia Spa packages at Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge, Tsavo.

For more details visit the Sarova Hotels website on www.sarovahotels.com or call the Central Reservations Office on +254 20 2716688 to make your bookings.

Sarova Hotels Staff launch a book- The Divine Dance of Diani

I came across a very exciting book- by Paul Njuguna, ICT Manager at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa who is a writer too. I was greatly touched when I read his first book, Milele Africa, a story based on experience with his grandmother’s unique approach to life that was greatly appreciated and touched people’s hearts in many corners of the world. His second book had a twist and I have had very enjoyable moments reading.

Paul Njuguna

A little insight on the author, a colleague and friend, Paul Njuguna is a long serving associate at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa; Paul Njuguna has passion in ICT which he does with a lot of zeal and commitment. He also forms the team of managers who are renowned for creativity and innovation. His experience at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa has also greatly attributed to his success in writing and deploying his experience so vividly and creatively.



One of Pauls Favourite thinking spots- Cocos Beach Bar-@ Sarova Whitesnds Beach Resort & Spa



The Divine Dance of Diani is a great story of humankind. Though work of fiction, it is set within a background of ideas designed to make sense of the world and our place in it - but these are big ideas. Ideas that make you think. It brings life to ideas that may at first seem mind boggling yet closely analysed, are but our day to day reality. 

Paul Njuguna puts his creativity cap by the coastal beach

He takes us through a walk along the beaches of the coast finally having fully grasped something fulfilling about the universe. I now realise that everything, from the smallest atoms to the biggest galaxies, is governed by one simple event –motion. Why is everything moving? I need not know that exactly but what I do know is that mysteries, adventures and motions are the things of communication that promote achievement of the perfect desire of evolution. The shift in waves is represented by the basic movements of resonance and harmony. A continuous music.

If everything in creation is waves of music, no wonder life and the universe are mere reflections of microscopic particles engaged in an endless dance choreographed by the laws of the universe. Even the feelings of joy, sorrow or boredom are a chemical dance of hormones, magnetic fields and the mingling of molecules and atoms in the brain. Life, death and all patterns of creation move in vibrations too. Even space and time, the arena in which we spend our lives, are not really what we see but projections coming from something far deeper and more mysterious; the spectrum of our collective thoughts. Eventually, this arena will disappear and reappear as something else. When the dance stops, everything returns to the great ocean of oneness.

Through the power of our love, we participate in creation as we are all here in the service of universal art to give rise to beauty and to enjoy all that has been manifested. We are gods and goddesses in embryo waiting to be born the moment we desire to create. This is our reason. The intent of life! The very purpose of the universe. The power of the human mind should be explored. It conceals more surprises than can ever be imagined. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love and to share. This is a precious moment, but it is transient. It is a little afterthought in eternity. If we share with caring light heartedness and love, we will create abundance and joy for each other. And then the moment will have been worthwhile. And probably there may never be the need to ask, why are we here?”

I feel its rhythm and tune merging all the time with the grand cosmic dance of the universe. There is no two; there is only one and no one else. All is perfection, all is harmony. Words were all I had for you. Compared to eternity – It’s just mote of dust dancing in a beam of light. The dance can not end, even when the lights are shut off.

This book is a must read, I couldn’t put it down, Its readily available in major bookshops in Kenya and online enquiry can be made on www.epur.biz, info@epur.biz

Go ahead and grab yourself a copy!

Sarova Whitesands scoops coveted energy management award 2010




(L-Right Sarova Group Engineer-Services  Rabindra Poudel , Group engineer- Projects George Mbugua, Sarova Whitesands unit engineer Aruna Vimal  and former Asst. Engineer Elijah Munyao receive the covetted award at the KAM dinner.)

 

Sarova Hotels, Resort & Game Lodges through their energy conservation policies have managed to ascertain that all the properties within the group embrace energy conservation as a best practice always.  Sarova Whitesands has yet again emerged as the flagship in the Kenyan hospitality industry.

With the increasing global awareness on the importance of taking care of the environment Sarova Hotels; in recognition of what impact business activities have on the environment, has engaged in a variety of projects, systems and practices aimed at environmental and community conservation.  Environmental conservation is a key pillar of the Hotel’s corporate social responsibility programme.

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa yet again scooped top position in the energy management awards- service sector for three years running. The Resort has also implemented in all aspects of its business practice environmental policies such as; appointing energy champions in each department that are responsible implementing innovative actions aimed at energy conservation.

 

Sarova Zawadi

For many people loyalty programs are not so clear, many are inclined towards being oblivious of what the hotel rewards are all about. I know for sure when I want to benefit with every spend i'lI make in my preffered hotels I would opt to enrol into a reward program.

Let me brief you about Sarova Zawadi, shed some light on this premium reward programme, a first of its kind in the hotel industry in Kenya.

Sarova Hotels loyalty program Sarova Zawadi, provides members with varied choices as well as giving rewards for customer loyalty in alignment with today’s international market trends.

Sarova Zawadi is a two-tier program: Zawadi Red and Zawadi Platinum. Zawadi Red is the entry level to Sarova’s world of rewards. Membership is at an annual fee of Kshs.6, 000.  Rewards and privileges include the opportunity to earn and burn points, priority wait list, priority check in and check out, special offers (double points during low season), online preferential profile and online login.

Sarova Zawadi

Zawadi Platinum is the highest tier where members are upgraded once they attain 2000 points and above. It is a class above the rest offering all the rewards of Zawadi red and direct check in to room and check out , guaranteed reservation ,complimentary spouse card, free upgrade , 2 Complimentary newspapers ,extended check out , free incoming faxes, 1 gift dinning voucher , free Internet Wireless Connectively, Meet and Greet Services and a gift Souvenir.

In order to qualify for Zawadi Platinum one has to attain 2000 points. The benefits include all benefits of Red plus:

• In room check in.

• 50% discount on  spouse card

• One Upgrade voucher: Subject to availability.

• 2 Complimentary newspapers during stay

• extended check out ( Up to 2PM) – subject to availability

• Half hour WIFI to residents per stay.

• Sarova Zawadi Platinum Baggage tags

• Gift Souvenir: Sarova Zawadi Polo shirt and Cap.
• On the internet : Online preferential profile Initiate trial of our products and services

What’s even more rewarding is all new members receive a complimentary night for two at any Sarova Hotel of their choice, a complimentary massage, a complimentary visit to The Sarova Stanley gym, a complimentary bottle of wine and a laundry certificate, Sarova Zawadi is a truly a unique rewarding experience, a first of its kind in the Kenyan market.

For further information on Sarova Zawadi, please contact Sarova Hotels on:

Tel: +254-2716688

Fax: +254-2715566

Email: Zawadi@sarovahotels.com

Paradigm Shift towards excellence

The article highlighted in today’s daily nation Smart company page 5 “ Silver lining in Safaricom Shakeup” highlights the restructuring and of the mobile giant’s management team to support the growth strategy and positioning that the company needs to survive the competitive climate.

Mr. Bobby Collymore- Safaricoms’ new CEO has highlighted a total paradigm shift in their focus and strategic alignment and some of his points made me re-think re-engineering, our driving force to excellence and getting to the next level.

Shift from output to out comes

This involves listening to the consumers, products and output should be focused on meeting the customer need than just producing. Focus Is on what the consumer is saying and what they want; listening helps us measure and adapt to become more relevant to consumers.

Shift from value propositions to value conversations

Companies create these propositions to articulate the value they plan to offer customers. These statements become the basis and guiding force of the collateral materials that marketers develop for the sales organization—sales messaging, brochures, PowerPoint decks, and so on. The sales force dutifully takes all of this collateral and presents it to the prospect. They are selling value, right? Not exactly. The sales force is presenting the value proposition itself, a generic statement of value that requires the customer to translate that value into terms relevant to their businesses and their job responsibilities. However, we have no idea if our value has relevance with this customer. Often, the customer doesn’t either. To differentiate ourselves there is need to properly and clearly explain what our value propositions are to our customers. What relevance is it to them in the long run? Our conversations with our guests should be geared towards ensuring they understand the benefits of our VAP’S.

Shift from differentiated products to products that make a difference

Do our products add value to our guests? What tangible / intangible value do we give? When creating the products do we have our guests in mind? Are the products made to generally improve their livelihoods or are they mainly coined for monetary benefits. The latter is going to be a short term win.

Shift from value chains to value cycles

The Value Chain model portrays an organization as a segmented, linear flow of business functionality.  Many companies have designed their various departments to enable this flow, believing that they were conforming to best business practices – and the flow works fine within a typical operational cycle.  But this is only a part of what companies do.  When it comes time to innovate (i.e., stretch beyond the current bounds of the organization), people have a tendency to generate isolated solutions that are relevant only to their department, and not thought through or tested in a systemic manner.  Ever wonder why most organizations today suffer under the silo effect that inhibits the transparency of ideas and information?  A case in point is the proverbial gap between Marketing and R&D.  While ERP systems can help to alleviate some transparency issues, this does not address the core issue, and has little to no effect on innovation. 

If we were simply to take the linear Value Chain model, and bend it around the edges to create a circle (or cycle), it would have an entirely different effect within the company.  In the center of the new “Value Cycle” could be cross-functional teams, processes and social media systems that enable the introduction of new ideas from anywhere within the company, while allowing people from other departments to contribute their perspectives, thus building on and improving the original idea.  Around the outside of the new Value Cycle are the company’s suppliers, business partners, and even regulatory bodies who, if plugged into the process (i.e., the inner circle), can bring yet another perspective to what is now emerging as a new innovation that has been tested and vetted from within.  This merging of internal and external sources into a central innovation process, or cycle, must not be thought of as temporary – it has to become the norm.

Shift from competitive advantage to constructive advantage.

We need to build products that better people and society. To do radically meaningful stuff that matters 100x more. We need to get feedback from the customers and build our edge from their criticism (i.e. we indulge in the constructive criticism- mostly on trip advisor).

At Sarova hotels our focus is to continuously re-engineer ourselves and give our customers the greatest value, ensure they understand  our value proposition and our products remain relevant to the market.

All about Thai Chi

Thai Cusine at Sarova Stanleys Thai Chi Restaurant

One of the city’s most elegant dining establishments, The Thai Chi Restaurant boasts the finest in authentic Thai cuisine.



Thai Chi Restaurant



Situated opposite the Exchange Bar on the first floor, The Thai Chi restaurant is a small piece of Thailand in Nairobi.

You will be immersed in Thai culture as you enjoy the delicacies of our executive Thai chefs, highly respected artisans who have worked in some of the finest Thai restaurants in Thailand and Europe.

Modern day Thai cuisine has an ancient history. As early as the thirteenth-century, the Thai people had established what might be considered the heart of Siamese cuisine as we know it today.

Today, Thailand is a nation obsessed with food. When the local people meet, it is common to greet each other with the question "Where are you going?" quickly followed by "Have you eaten?” This passion for food and a willingness to experiment are the key reasons that Thai cuisine is widely regarded as the finest in the world.

hat gives Thai food its distinctive character is a harmony or flavours, a taste combination that is a mix of sour, salty, hot and aromatic.

The use of peanuts and coconut in the curries is characteristically Thai, as is the use of distinct ingredients such as lemongrass, kaffir lime, galangal, ginger, fresh lime and palm sugar.

The herbs and fresh ingredients yield different aromas and flavours in each Thai dish.

At the Thai Chi Restaurant you will enjoy a range of authentic Thai dishes. We hope you will enjoy the experience and return to taste your way through our extensive menu.

At Thai Chi Restaurant we try and creat an experience of Thailand right in the hurb of Nairobi. 

Sarova Survivor Challenge

 

Sarova Survivor Challenge



 

Sarova Survivor Challenge is a carefully crafted experiential training program that is fluid and flexible enough for trainers/ consultants to customize so that both team and individual needs are met. We take great pride in being a part of the global training revolution of this century.

What is Experiential Training?

Experiential Training is one of the most effective method used in adult learning today and, just as the name suggests, participants physically and mentally get to experience the training.

Business training typically focuses on learning through lectures. Although lecture can promote thinking, it rarely encourages the learners to apply whatever is learnt. Successful trainers today believe that learning comes primarily from doing.

Experiential training puts the participants in situations that require them to dig deep. They share these thoughts openly and honestly better than any other training process. There is real power in experiential training.

These action-learning techniques create an emotional tie to the message or metaphor of the exercise that is often received with enthusiasm by the participants. But it is in the debriefing once the exercise is complete where the real learning takes place.

 

After each exercise, the participants are led through a debriefing session in which they relate their training experience to their real-world experiences at work.

Consequently, your people return to the workplace equipped with the tools they need to be leaders, risk-takers, and top performers!

HOW IT WORKS

           

I. The Sarova Survivor Challenge.

Our/your trainers carry out a Pre-Training Needs Analysis and customize a training program for your team(s). The training dates and itinerary are developed and the client selects from the various packages we have to offer what service we are to provide, such as accommodation, meal plans and transport.

On the final training day, Action Plans to implement learning back at the work place are devised by the participants under the guidance of the trainer/facilitator and a Post-Training Evaluation is later carried out to monitor progress.

II. Self-Organized Training.

The clients trainers or consultants can tailor make a training or team building program either from the “Sarova Survivor Challenge” Menu or introduce their own menu of activities and games suitable for the planned training or team building program.

MENU SELECTION

The learning areas were identified as listed below:

1.      Team work

2.      Team Commitment

3.      Leadership

4.      Time management

5.      Organizational and communication skills

6.      Decision making

Games or activities that will be selected should suit your team’s needs and based on their make up, age, gender balance and other considerations. Details of the selected game are available to see if this would suit your team and desired objectives.

Once the activities and games are identified you may either sit with your training or consulting team and devise an itinerary or send us your list of selected activities and games for itinerary development.

If we are providing the facilitator(s) we will customize your itinerary for you after the Pre-Training Needs Assessment.

In developing your own itinerary, you should take into account the duration of each game with at least a 15-20 minute interval between games to allow for de-briefing time as well as movement to the next venue. We shall assist in developing your itinerary once the leaning areas are finalized.

Your itinerary should also cater for meal times and breaks.

March Goodies

March is named after the Roman god of war, Mars. It was the first month of the year in ancient Rome. Since March is the first month of spring, it was a logical point to begin the year. When the Gregorian calendar was adopted, it became the third month of the year. It is one of the seven months with thirty-one days.

For reservation

The most well known holiday of the month is March 17th, St. Patrick's Day. Parades are held in many major cities in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Many people celebrate by eating a meal of corned beef and cabbage and by drinking lots of green beer.  At Sarova Hotels we have outlined several fun events that will ensure you fully enjoy the month. At Sarova Stanley we have launched a Brazilian Gastronomic week starting from March 21^st -26^th  , where you get to experience the best of Brazilian cuisine prepared by the legendary Chef Paulo with a Brazilian celebratory meal which will be served on the 26^th of March at Thorn Tree Café.

 

For reservations



For lovers of dancing, flamenco which has Spanish origins is an elegant dance that has always baffled many who would love to be able to dance to it and display prowess on the dance floor. Let the world of Spanish music come alive to you at Sarova Stanley’s Exchange bar on 22^nd March from 5/:30 pm- 9:00 pm.  I highly suggest you learn flamenco dancing today. Tips on this are available on the YouTube link below.

Come and let’s enjoy the month of March together.   

Tips for traveling with Kids



Slides at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa

Holidays are coming up and the idea of traveling with kids need not be terrifying. Whatever ages your children may be in; family travel can still be fun ad fulfilling and a great chance to enjoy your holiday with your close loved ones.

When selecting the means of transport, consider the age of your kids and the patience required per travel.  Shorter traveling options are most preferred and less stressful, however for long transport means consider packing the following:-

·         Distracters- have games, toys, iPods and activities that will ensure the children are well entertained

·         Snacks and bitings’- make sure you pack lots of mini biting to act as both a distracter and a food substitute.

·         Engage the children in reading a map to be able to keep the focused on navigation. You can use your data enabled phones e.g. blackberry and leverage on Google maps for this.

·         Carry enough water and juice and keep your eyes open for “pit stops” that are clean and sufficient for your family to utilize.



A childs creche at Sarova Whitesands



Now for the destination, make sure you choose a hotel that is family friendly. You should ensure the hotel has child friendly facilities and programs to keep your children well entertained. At, Sarova Hotels we are sure to make you children have fun, be safe and give you a chance to enjoy your well deserved break. Sarova Ozone kids club is a loyalty program that is focused on our very important guests- the children.  There is a play room for the children, customized swimming pools, a dedicate team of animators who will keep the children engaged in fun and educative activities all day.



Sarova Ozone Play room



Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa has become a favorite for our VIP guests (children) and each year the children have something exciting, new and fresh to look forward to. Last December, children were given Sarova Ozone Passports that they children were given and they got Sarova Ozone stamps after every outlined activity. For a relaxed afternoon, Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa has an option of five free form swimming pools all set for the entire family to enjoy as well as waterslides.

Time to relax for mum & dad

 Whatever you do, make sure that you take your children where they will have fun and learn at the same time. Meanwhile dad and mum can stroll on the beach and head on to Tulia Spa for a couple’s therapy! Family fun in one stop!

Corporate Social Responsibility



CSR as it is popularly abbreviated is a platform that gives companies the opportunity to give back to society and ascertain responsibility towards the community. Companies have leveraged on CSR as a PR Building tool and oftenly in the past, it has been gravely mistaken and the entire objective overlooked.

Companies that subscribe to sustainable business practice as a corporate culture embrace CSR as a means to an end that seeks to positively impact the society and community. Companies should leverage on sustainable projects that would be embraced as a permanent solution in the ongoing process of change.



Sponsor of meak eye clinic in Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge



At Sarova Hotels, CSR programs are governed by  three pillars: education, health & the environment. Sustainability is a key priority area that is used to measure the viability and success of any contribution and CSR effort. Some of the CSR activities at Sarova Hotels are as follows:-

·         Save Lake Nakuru campaign -Sarova Hotels, Resort & Game lodges is an active participant in the initiatives to save Lake Nakuru as an ornithological paradise and the endangered white rhino and is a key partner in Friends of Lake Nakuru National Park

·         Save the rhino campaign - This year, the Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge actively took part in the “Cycle with the Rhinos” race in Lake Nakuru National Park to raise funds towards saving the white rhino where it donated Ksh. 200,000.

·         Beach Cleaning- Marine conservation. - Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa, has adapted practices and projects aimed at preserving the beach and its environment. 

·         Sarova Hotels supports local talent - engages raw talent within the community to entertain guests during their daily themed dinners at all the properties.

·         Save the whale shark campaigns -Sarova Hotels has participated severally in save the whale shark campaigns and is in the fore front of advocating for marine conservation. This was cemented by donating two giant whale monuments to the Kenya Airports Authority to display at the Mombasa international Airport.





Green Tsavo Reforestation drive.



·         Reforestation initiatives –Sarova hotels has adopted tree planting initiatives across all units. Guests are requested to plant trees during their stay. Successful campaigns have been green Tsavo reforestation project in Taita, Sarova Mara Game Camp, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge and Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge.

·         Elephant census in conjunction with KWS- Sarova Hotels partnered with KWS to support the recently concluded elephant census in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.

Destination Weddings




http://www.sarovahotels.com/

 

Saying the words “I do” seems to be a daunting task and often couples look at making the occasion as memorable as possible so as to cushion their romance and love. Destination weddings are a keen topic for 2011 brides to be. Every girls dream is to get married in an exquisite setting, one that would evoke friendly memories and make for a lovely picturesque on the family living room stand.



Wedding at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa



There is the ever remarkable beach wedding under the swaying palms and white sandy beaches; the couple says their vows in a totally tropical environment with frangipani flowers taking center stage. One such destination venue will be Sarova Whitesands beach resort & Spa which has had severally classic beach weddings that were nothing short of breathtaking.



Wed in the wild at Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge



For the Safari lover, a re-union in the midst of the wild bush is quite an ideal setting for a serene, quiet and intimate wedding set up. You have the option of elephant backdrops. These I must say are live animals. The endangered Rhinos at Sarova Lion Hills Game Lodge also offer a romantic bus experience all set to make your day both remarkable and special.

Kenya is a magical place for a romantic wedding, or renewal of your vows. Your destination options will vary from safari reserves at Sarova Game Lodges such as scenic game parks rich in wildlife, or beautiful white beaches along the coast coupled with some for the most romantic lodges and luxury tented camps in the wilderness.

Wherever you decide make your day memorable.

www.sarovahotels.com/maracamp