Africa – surely the best continent for adventure travel ever created and one of my favourite destinations. Now, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts has unveiled the revamped Sheraton Djibouti in the eponymous capital city of Djibouti, located in the coastal region on the Gulf of Tadjoura.
The 185-room hotel is the first Sheraton in Africa to bring to life the brand's new vision of its guest experience. It showcases signature elements from the new concept following a multi-million-dollar investment by Constellation Hospitality Group.
Situated on the Plateau du Serpent in the old Diplomatic Quarter, the hotel is within walking distance of downtown Djibouti and a 10-minute drive from Djibouti Ambouli International Airport.
The Sheraton Djibouti was the first international hotel to open in the capital, combining rich Djiboutian culture with global hospitality standards.
At the heart of Sheraton Djibouti is the lobby boasting a magnificent crystal light feature depicting the map of Djibouti.
Good for tourists
Djibouti is located in the Horn of Africa, halfway between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer. It is bordered by Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the west and south and Somaliland to the south-east. The Gulf of Aden lies to the east.
Once a destination strictly for adventure travellers and business people, Djibouti now boasts a thriving tourism industry that is one of the fastest growing economic sectors of the country.
Tourism | Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti in Washington, D.C. (djiboutiembassyus.org)
It has a tropical climate with good beaches including those in the Gulf of Tadjoura and the Bab al-Mandab. It also has plenty of good restaurants, clubs and bars and excellent cuisine. Visitors can enjoy sightseeing, scuba diving, fishing, trekking and hiking as well as the sun, sea and sand.
The three regions of the country are the coastal plain, the volcanic plateaus spreading across the central and southern parts of the country and the mountain ranges in the north.
In the central west is Lake Assal, a crater lake situated at the western end of the Gulf of Tadjoura about 120 km west of Djibouti city. Lake Assal is a saline lake that lies 155 metres below sea level in the Afar Triangle, making it the lowest point on land in Africa and the third-lowest point on Earth after the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea.
Forget the Dead Sea, Djibouti's Lake Assal is the Place to Float (theculturetrip.com)
Sheraton Djibouti features many of the signature elements of Sheraton's new vision.
This includes the Community Table, an inviting, purpose-built workspace that anchors the hotel's lobby and allows guests to work, eat, and drink while soaking up the energy of the space.
Following Sheraton's philosophy to embrace both form and function, these tables are custom designed with amenities to keep guests productive including built-in lighting and power outlets.
"We are thrilled to welcome global travellers and local residents alike to experience the new and inspiring spaces at Sheraton Djibouti," said general manager Boumediene Ouadjed.
"Djibouti has much to offer and discover with its eclectic blend of old and new. Its vast-ranging landscapes including salt lakes, sunken plains and rocky canyons, make it a great destination for nature lovers."
Hotel photos: Marriott International
Djibouti photos: Joelle Ortet/Pixabay