Celebrating a Golden Legacy
A Night of Glitz, Glamour, and African Hospitality.
Under the starry Nairobi sky, on Saturday, September 7th, 2024, the Sarova Hotels family hosted an unforgettable gala dinner, marking a magnificent milestone - 50 years of indigenous African hospitality. From its humble beginnings in 1974 with the iconic Ambassadeur Hotel in Nairobi, Sarova Hotels has blossomed into a brand synonymous with luxury, service, and warmth, now boasting a portfolio of nine stunning properties. And oh, what a way to celebrate!
The Sarova at 50 Gala Dinner was a night that felt like stepping into a timeless blend of elegance and tradition, where every detail was crafted to perfection. Held at the iconic Sarova Panafric Hotel, this black-tie affair was a parade of glamour and glitz. A mingled of the who’s who of Kenya’s tourism, social, and business elite dressed in parkling gowns and perfectly tailored suits.
Gracing the event was none other than Hon. Rebecca Miano, EGH. Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, whose radiant presence and inspiring words left a lasting impression on all in attendance. Taking to the stage with pride, she reflected on Sarova’s illustrious journey, remarking:
"I celebrate the achievements by Sarova Hotels & Resorts in the past 50 years and I look forward to bigger achievements in the next 50 years and more! You have done us proud as Kenyan, as the government, and I wish you all the success! Here's to building a legacy that future generations will look back on with pride."
And indeed, the evening was not just a commemoration of the past, but a bold statement of what the future holds for this remarkable brand. The beautifully set tables, adorned with black & gold and soft lighting flickering against the lush décor, echoed the warmth and elegance of the Sarova spirit. The butterfly them displayed throughout the hotel was symbolic of the brand coming of Sarova.
Every bite from the gourmet menu was a celebration in itself. Right from the cocktail reception to the elaborate buffet dinner setup dubbed “A Culinary Odyssey”, the cuisine was a celebration of artistry, fresh organic ingredients, the finest BBQ’s of Africa & a spectacular array of global desserts incorporated in the seven stations so grandly displayed.
In his speech, Jimi Kariuki, Managing Director, Sarova Hotels’ words perfectly captured the essence of the journey Sarova Hotels has undertaken—one that speaks of resilience, adaptation, and a relentless commitment to excellence.
"Just like the Great Banyan Tree, our 50-year history has its roots firmly planted in the past, drawing strength from our legacy. Nonetheless, our vision isn’t limited to what has been achieved, but is focused on expanding our canopy—reaching out into new areas, nurturing new growth, and creating a future that is even more robust and enduring."
In a deeply moving moment, Hon. John Ngata Kariuki, Chairman, Sarova Hotels gave his heartfelt remarks. The room fell silent, as his message reverberated with purpose:
“The history of Sarova Hotels & Resorts cannot be complete without mentioning the contribution of the founders' spouses, who stood by them and encouraged them to keep going. In fact, the name ‘SAROVA’ was formed from the first 2 letters of the first names of 3 of the founders' wives: SA is Sawrna Vohra, RO is Rose Kariuki and VA is Varsha Vohra. The success of a journey often depends on the companionship along the way, and the name 'SAROVA,' symbolizes the unity, love, and support that has been our beacon.”
This glittering event was not merely about looking back—it was a bold leap into the future. Sarova Hotels is poised for even greater heights, and if the past 50 years have been this dazzling, we can only imagine the brilliance that lies ahead.
