Olive Exclusive: Our full report

The Olive Exclusive is the boutique sister hotel to the adjacent Olive Grove Guesthouse. Seven luxurious suites overlook an olive grove in the suburb of Klein Windhoek, five minutes’ drive from Windhoek’s city centre. Equally intimate and contemporary is the on-site restaurant, The Olive.

Open since June 2011, Olive Exclusive comprises three Junior Suites and four Premier Suites. The latter differ by having a private balcony and plunge pool, rather than a courtyard setting. Each spacious suite is unique, the décor inspired by Namibia’s distinct regions. Quality finishes blend with natural materials, incorporating an earthy African flavour. In-room creature comforts include a large free-standing bath, air conditioning, Nespresso machine, lounge and dining area, internet, laptop, fireplace, bathrobes, slippers and super-king-size beds. Click on the following to read more about the Junior Suites and the Premier Suites.

The inviting main area at Olive Exclusive houses a reception, gift shop, bar, lounge, and The Olive Restaurant. This leads onto an expansive deck, great for outdoor dining, relaxing and enjoying the view. There’s also a communal swimming pool and secure parking. All are set amongst terraced gardens and linked by cobbled walkways and steps. The interiors stand out with plenty of warm tones, colourful features, tactile materials, organic and modern art pieces, and photographic murals showcasing Namibia. Wellness treatments such as massages are available next door at Olive Grove Guesthouse.

A number of eco-friendly elements have been incorporated into the design of The Olive Exclusive, with materials from the original property recycled in its construction. On an ongoing basis, environmentally sensitive detergents and eco-friendly bathroom products allow waste water to be recycled into the olive grove plantation. To reduce plastic waste, purified drinking water is bottled on site into reusable glass bottles. To conserve energy, they use highly efficient water-heating systems, air conditioners and heaters.

Our view

The Olive Exclusive Boutique Hotel is a fresh new option for travellers looking for a luxurious, personalised stay in Windhoek. Its attractive setting and stylish design make it an extremely comfy overnight stop to begin or end a Namibia safari, or stay longer for a relaxing treat. We particularly liked the striking décor which highlights Namibia’s attractions.

Geographics

Location: Windhoek, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: We recommend a one- or (maximum) two-night stay at The Olive Exclusive to begin/end your Namibia safari. One night is sufficient, but two nights allows time to relax in comfort.

Directions: The Olive Exclusive is at 22 Promenaden Street in Klein Windhoek, about five minutes' drive from the city centre, 15 minutes from the domestic Eros Airport or 45 minutes from Windhoek International Airport.

Key personnel

Owner: Big Sky Lodges

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Food quality: The Olive Restaurant offers a small à la carte menu that is updated regularly, with an emphasis on seasonal and signature dishes. Private meals can also be served in your suite. The food during our stay in November 2011 was delicious and well presented. We especially enjoyed the fresh and interestingly combined ingredients.

For breakfast we were served an individual tiered tray of continental options such as pastries, sliced fresh fruit, cereal and yoghurt, homemade bread, cold meats, cheeses and pickles. Hot breakfasts are made to order.

Lunch and dinner are à la carte. With pre-dinner drinks we were treated to an amuse-bouche of salmon tartare with lime aoli. Our starter of creamy cauliflower soup with burnt sage butter was lovely, and was followed by tasty grilled fresh Atlantic cob with artichokes and a lemon, white wine and parmesan butter. A dessert of marula fruit crème brulée with almond pastry wafers rounded off a superb meal.

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: Complimentary tea and coffee is provided in the suites; all other beverages are available at extra cost from the minibar or hotel bar.

Children

Attitude towards children: The Olive Exclusive will happily accept children of any ages.

Equipment: A cot and highchair can be provided on request.

Generally recommended for children: The design of The Olive Exclusive incorporates raised terraces and an unfenced swimming pool; it is not geared towards young children.

Notes: Though children are accommodated, they need to be supervised by their parents at all times.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: Communications at The Olive Exclusive include a central phone and fax, in-room phone, cellphone reception, and complimentary wireless and fixed-line internet with in-room laptop.

TV & radio: There’s a satellite television in all suites with full bouquet and radio channels.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: Good medical centres and hospitals are located nearby. There is a first-aid kit and qualified first aiders on site.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: The Olive Exclusive is fenced with secure off-street parking and a remote-controlled entrance gate. A security guard is on site 24 hours. The suites are accessed by key card using a monitored software system.

Fire safety: Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are located in each suite, and there are also fire hoses and extinguishers in communal areas.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: A full laundry service is available at extra cost.

Money: There are digital safes in each suite. No currency-exchange facilities are offered.