AWARDS & ACCOLADES

HERBS & SPICES RESTAURANT AT NAIROBI SERENA HOTEL AWARDED THAI SELECT CLASSIC CERTIFICATION - AUGUST 29TH, 2023

On August 29th, 2023, the Herbs & Spices Restaurant at Nairobi Serena Hotel was awarded the prestigious Thai SELECT Classic Certification. This accolade, presented by Mr. Natthapong Senanarong, Minister Consular (Commercial) of the Royal Thai Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, signifies a remarkable achievement in serving authentic Thai cuisine.

Chef Polsak Intara-O-Sot, the culinary maestro behind Herbs & Spices Restaurant and his dedicated team have painstakingly transformed their kitchen into a gastronomic delight of Thailand! Each dish served tells a story of their unwavering dedication to creating an authentic Thai journey for every guest visiting the restaurant. Now with the Thai SELECT Classic Certification, Herbs & Spices Restaurant continues to delight taste buds, standing as a beacon of Thai culinary excellence in the heart of Nairobi.

Eco-Tourism Kenya Gold Rated

Sweetwaters Serena Camp. 

For more details about the award, read more ....

Press Release: Serena Beach Hotel & Spa recognized for 'BEST SERVICE IN TOURISM & HOSPITALITY 2022' at the Mombasa Business Awards

On 16th December 2022, during the Mombasa Business Awards Gala Dinner, Serena Beach Hotel & Spa was recognized for its outstanding Service for the fourth consecutive year and won the award for the ‘Best Service in Tourism and Hospitality’.
The Mombasa Business Awards held its 9th Annual Gala Dinner celebrating leaders who have demonstrated strategic direction for success and also recognized businesses that are making a difference in the business landscape of the county and the nation at large.
Serena Hotels is at the forefront of ensuring that local and international guests experience the best Kenyan hospitality in Mombasa and across the East African region.

About Tourism Promotion Services (TPS), Serena Hotels
Serena Hotels offers quality accommodation in a collection of 22 up-market hotels, safari lodges, camps, and resorts within 7 countries in the Eastern Africa region (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, Mozambique, and DR Congo) and 11 properties in Asia (Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan). These properties are strategically located to offer exciting circuits for guests in some of the most exquisite and prime locations in Eastern Africa and Asia. With a focus on product, service standards, and guest satisfaction, Serena Hotels continues in its quest to be the hotel of choice for the discerning traveler providing guests with quality accommodation, conference, and holiday solutions.
Serena takes pride in the level of personal care and warmth of welcome that it extends to its guests. Each Serena property is designed to complement its environment while nurturing the landscape, culture, and community that surrounds it. The Serena Group leads the industry in East African eco-awareness and eco-policy implementation.

About Mombasa Business Awards
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry organizes an annual gala dinner in Mombasa County titled the Mombasa Business Awards. The objective of the Business Awards is to recognize the spirit of the people making a difference in the business landscape of our County and the Nation at large. Also, the award seeks to recognize leaders who clearly demonstrate strategic direction for success and the pursuit of a vision. The Business Awards are Mombasa County’s premier, cross-industry accolades for enterprise excellence. The Awards are an opportunity to celebrate businesses operating in Mombasa County, whether public, private, or sole proprietor regardless of size or industry.

Contact Information:
For more information, contact Serena Hotels at:
Tel: +254 (20) 284 2000, (020) 284 2244
Email: marketing.kenya@serenahotels.com | Website: www.serenahotels.com
Facebook: Serena Hotels | Twitter: @Serenahotels | Instagram: Serenahotels | Blog: www.theserenaexperience.com
For press inquiries contact:
James Manyeki - Marketing and Communications Manager
Telephone: 0734699277 - Email: James.manyeki@serenahotels.com

SERENA HOTELS RECOGNISED FOR EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP IN MARINE CONSERVATION AT THE ECO WARRIOR AWARDS 2022

On Thursday 27th, October 2022, CEO EcoTourism Kenya was also present. Serena Beach Resort and Spa, Mombasa, Kenya was recognized for its exceptional leadership as the ‘Best Accommodation in Support of Marine Conservation’ at the 15th Edition of the Eco Warrior Awards Gala Dinner Ceremony held in Nairobi. Under the theme ‘Rethinking Tourism: Celebrating Changemakers', the recipients of the Eco Warrior Awards were recognised and celebrated for being changemakers through their consistency, resilience, and innovation on the economic, sociocultural, and environmental fronts. Serena Beach Resort & Spa’s Sea Turtle Conservation initiative has released over 62,868 turtle hatchlings into the ocean over the last 29 years, and through its community participatory and incentive program has turned fishermen wh o were previously poachers of turtles and their eggs into protectors. The Resort has several initiatives that are used to promote the importance of environmental responsibility, marine conservation, and the impact of marine debris and plastic pollution.

SERENA HOTELS WINS GLOBAL BEST PRACTICES AWARD

October 21, 2022, Milan, Italy:

During the 4th edition of the Global Best Practices Awards 2022, Mara Serena Safari Lodge received the ‘Country Best Practices Award 2022 Kenya’. The independent international jury recognized the Lodge for its outstanding approach to professional textile care through eco-friendly, sustainable and energy efficient laundry services.

The appointed jury awards points to the nominees under the criteria of quality; sustainability; business model and service concept; and innovation. Those with the highest points become the winners of the Country Best Practice Award.

Mara Serena Safari Lodge, built in the 1970s within the Masai Mara Game Reserve is not only a ‘one-ofa-kind getaway’, but a leading-edge example of how clean, renewable energy independence can be successfully achieved through the installation of off-grid Solar PV systems, to minimise negative impact in a fragile environment.

SERENA HOTELS RANK THIRD AT THE 2022 SKAL INTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AWARDS IN CROATIA

On 14 October 2022, during the opening ceremony of the 81st Skål World Congress in Croatia, Serena Hotels was recognized for its participation in the 2022 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards. Under the ‘Marine and Coastal’ category, Serena Beach Resort and Spa presented its contribution towards the endangered sea turtle conservation program. The award criteria covered carbon offsetting and climate change mitigation.  .  The judges ranked Serena Beach Resort and Spa’s initiatives third out of ten international entries  and commended The Serena Beach Resort and Spa  for its  support towards Sustainability, which is exemplary.   Serena Beach Resort & Spa’s Sea Turtle Conservation initiative has released over 62,868 turtle hatchlings into the ocean over the last 29 years. The Resort initiatives are used to promote the importance of environmental responsibility, marine conservation, and the impact of marine debris and plastic pollution. Serena Hotels Africa continues to innovatively engage in initiatives that promotes sustainable tourism through best practices on the social, environmental and economic development fronts.

ECO-TOURISM GOLD CERTIFICATION

Six Serena Kenya Properties Retain Eco-Tourism Gold Certification

Serena Hotels is delighted to announce that six of seven properteis within the Serena Hotels kenya portfolio have retained Gold-Eco Rating Certification after undergoing re-assessments of the Eco Tourism Kenya Certification. The Certification program is recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council since 2016 and is at the same level with other international accreditation standards across the globe.

The properties include:

• Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
• Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp
• Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
• Sweetwaters Serena Camp
• Mara Serena Safari Lodge
• Serena Beach Resort & Spa

SERENA HOTELS WINS 2021 TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AWARD

Serena Hotel Properties Recognized Among Best in Africa, based on Outstanding 2021 Traveler/Diner Reviews.

Nairobi, Kenya – May 27th, 2021 – Serena Hotels today announced it has been recognized as a Travelers’ Choice award-winner for Africa based on a full year of TripAdvisor reviews, over the last 12 months. Award winners are known for consistently receiving great travelers’/diners feedback, placing them in the top 10% of hospitality businesses around the globe.

Mr. Mahmud Jan Mohamed, the Group Managing Director reiterated, “The guest's recognition via Trip Advisor is a great honor. We thank our guests for showing confidence in us and promise to continuously improve our product and service. We are also grateful to all our staff for working tirelessly to make our brand remain a premier hospitality brand in Africa.”

 The recognized properties are as below: 

SERENA HOTELS CAMPS IN KENYA RETAIN ECO-TOURISM GOLD CERTIFICATION

24th June, Nairobi, Kenya…the Serena Hotel’s Camp portfolio in Kenya that includes, Sweetwaters Serena Camp and Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp have retained their Gold Eco-Rating Certification by the Eco-Tourism Society of Kenya since year 2013 and 2015 respectively. The Certification program is recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council since 2016 and is at the same level with other international standards across the globe.

Sweetwaters Serena Camp and Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp went through an in-depth biennial on-site audit that resulted in the Gold Eco-rating Certification. A ‘Gold Eco-rating’ is awarded to facilities that have shown innovation in responsible resource use, environmental conservation, community empowerment, cultural preservation and promotion and holistic business practices. Some of the notable projects both Camps were commended for but not limited to includes:

• Trees planted by our guests, staff and the local community school children. Both camps have their own seedling nursery with efforts focused on reforestation while in the recent past, on agroforestry which includes the planting of fruit and herb trees. Whilst contributing towards reducing our carbon footprint, it is hoped that this will enhance food security in the long run.
• Has made conscious efforts to reduce ‘single-use plastic’ through initiatives such as: transitioning to a replenishable large format of guest amenities that replaces the traditional single-use miniature bottled shampoo, shower gel and lotion; elimination of plastic straws; and transitioning to the use of glass mineral water bottles from single-use plastic mineral water bottles.
• Lake Elmenteita Serena and Sweetwaters Serena both run on a grid-tied solar system and have solar water heating systems.
• Supports and empowers the local community through the provision of employment, training, internships, priority towards sourcing of fresh food produce, sale of artefacts and handicrafts from the local community groups at the gift shops amongst others.
• Water conservation is achieved through efficient laundry and kitchen washing process formulations and waste water recycling. Treated effluent water is re-used for irrigation and the excess effluent is let back into the environment.
• Serena Clinics are in place at each property and accessible to guests, staff and the local community who receive free medical and wellness consultation.

Mr. Mahmud Jan Mohamed, Managing Director, Serena Hotels, says, “It is an honor to have our camps in Kenya retain this top-tier eco-rating certification that is recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Despite the adverse effects of the pandemic, our daily interactions and business processes continue to be guided by various policies that focus on responsible business along our value chain so as to create shared value between our business and the eco-system within which we operate.”

The Eco-Tourism Kenya Certification places emphasis on standards for running sustainable travel and tourism businesses. The Gold Certification represents the highest level of standard that can be attained by a business as a result of the adoption of best practices in the use of tourism resources, working with local communities, and managing waste and emissions.

Grace Nderitu, CEO Eco-Tourism Kenya, says, “We applaud Serena Hotels for meeting eco-tourism standards to achieve the Gold Certification Rating. This certification is a true testament of how Serena Hotels is making remarkable continuous improvements to uphold sustainable tourism business practices.”

Click here to download the Press release

Africa's leading hotel brand

Kenya's leading business hotel

Mozambique's Leading Hotel

Polana Serena Hotel

Mozambique's Leading Hotel Suite

Presidential Suite, Polana Serena Hotel

Rwanda's Leading Hotel

Kigali Serena Hotel

SERENA HOTELS WINS 2021 TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AWARD

Serena Hotel Properties Recognized Among Best in Africa, based on Outstanding 2021 Traveler/Diner Reviews.

Nairobi, Kenya – May 27th, 2021 – Serena Hotels today announced it has been recognized as a Travelers’ Choice award-winner for Africa based on a full year of TripAdvisor reviews, over the last 12 months. Award winners are known for consistently receiving great travelers’/diners feedback, placing them in the top 10% of hospitality businesses around the globe.

Mr. Mahmud Jan Mohamed, the Group Managing Director reiterated, “The guest's recognition via Trip Advisor is a great honor. We thank our guests for showing confidence in us and promise to continuously improve our product and service. We are also grateful to all our staff for working tirelessly to make our brand remain a premier hospitality brand in Africa.”

 The recognized properties are as below: 

Rwanda's leading hotel

Top 100 Hotels in the World by Travel + Leisure

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge recognized on the Travel + Leisure “Top 100 Hotels in the World”. Read more ....

SERENA HOTELS WINS 2021 TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AWARD

Serena Hotel Properties Recognized Among Best in Africa, based on Outstanding 2021 Traveler/Diner Reviews.

Nairobi, Kenya – May 27th, 2021 – Serena Hotels today announced it has been recognized as a Travelers’ Choice award-winner for Africa based on a full year of TripAdvisor reviews, over the last 12 months. Award winners are known for consistently receiving great travelers’/diners feedback, placing them in the top 10% of hospitality businesses around the globe.

Mr. Mahmud Jan Mohamed, the Group Managing Director reiterated, “The guest's recognition via Trip Advisor is a great honor. We thank our guests for showing confidence in us and promise to continuously improve our product and service. We are also grateful to all our staff for working tirelessly to make our brand remain a premier hospitality brand in Africa.”

 The recognized properties are as below: 

Tanzania

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort & Spa
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel

Kenya

Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp
Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge

Rwanda

Kigali Serena Hotel
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Certificate of Excellence

Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort & Spa

Tanzania's leading hotel

Tanzania's leading hotel suite

Tanzania's leading boutique hotel

Zanzibar's leading hotel

Kampala's Leading Hotel

Kampala Serena Hotel

Uganda's Leading Hotel Suite

Presidential Suite, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa

Africa's leading green hotel

Uganda's leading hotel

DRC (CONGO)'S LEADING HOTEL 2022

World Travel Awards

Goma Serena Hotel

Afghanistan's Leading Hotel

Kabul Serena Hotel

Afghanistan's Leading Hotel

EDGE - The Global Business Certification for Gender Equality

Serena Hotels, one of Pakistan’s leading hospitality companies, is now the first Company in Pakistan and the second hospitality company globally to obtain the Economic Dividends for Gender Equality (EDGE) Certification. As an EDGE certified company, Serena Hotels is now part of a group of almost 200 companies that are paving the way for gender equality in their workforce across five continents and representing 24 different industries.

EDGE is the leading global standard for gender equality, and the certification recognizes Serena Hotels’ global commitments to creating a workplace where men and women are respected and have equal opportunities to thrive and grow professionally.

Pakistan's Leading Hotel

Islamabad Serena Hotel

Certificate of Excellence

Islamabad Serena Hotel 

Pakistan's Leading Hotel Suite

Pakistan's Leading Hotel

Tajikistan's Leading Hotel

Dushanbe Serena Hotel

Tajikistan's Leading Hotel