Grays Eden Boutique Lodge – owned by Sandrine Fecheyr Lippens and her husband Sam Morris – will open to guests in the first quarter of 2024.
The lodge is located on the banks of the Thamalakane River and is a 12-minute drive from Maun International Airport.
Born and raised in Maun, Lippens, who previously worked as first-class cabin crew for British Airways in London, decided to fulfil her dream of creating a unique luxury property in her home town. The lodge aims to redefine travel in Botswana and Southern Africa.
“Maun is usually a destination reserved purely for a quick flight change on the way to or from a safari destination. Our location allows safari tourists to pause both before and after a breath-taking Botswana safari, and to truly rest and recharge in our tranquil boutique lodge setting,” she said.
Grays Eden features five thatched-roof villas and seven fisherman’s cottages strategically positioned for guests’ privacy.
The villas, three riverfront and two garden-facing units, feature open living areas, ceiling fans, open fireplaces, and large covered verandas. The cottages, four riverfront and three garden-facing units, mirror the villas in comfort and style, with high ceilings and unique pops of color.
Facilities at Grays Eden include The Eden Kitchen, serving freshly prepared dishes highlighting Botswana’s locally grown produce, and The Wine Cave, showcasing a passion for wines with private dining and tastings. Guests can relax at The Bar or enjoy quiet spots around the property for late-night lounging.
Offsite activities include private tours to the Elephant Havens rehabilitation project, boat cruises, and helicopter excursions. Lippens envisages Grays Eden filling the gap for quality town-based accommodations in Botswana, offering a unique and tranquil experience for visitors to Maun and the gateway to the Okavango Delta.
