Ultimate.earth invests N$85 million in Swakopmund hotel

Staff Writer

Tourism and conservation company, ultimate.earth is investing N$85 million in a five-star boutique hotel in Swakopmund, with construction expected to create almost 200 temporary jobs and about 50 permanent positions once operational.

The Bohlen, which will be developed in a heritage-protected building in central Swakopmund, began construction on 12 October and is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2027.

The company, formerly known as Ultimate Safaris, said the project had received approval from the Swakopmund Aesthetics Committee, the National Heritage Council and the Swakopmund municipality for its building plans.

The development follows approval from the Namibia Competition Commission for the acquisition, after which the building regulatory approval processes commenced.

According to the company, construction is expected to take approximately one year.

The project extends ultimate.earth’s high-end, low-volume tourism model into an urban setting, with the company aiming to create employment, support local businesses and broaden Swakopmund’s tourism offering.

“We are not coming to Swakopmund to replicate what already exists or compete with established businesses. We want to contribute something distinctive, attract new visitors and complement the tourism experiences that make this town so special,” said Tristan Cowley, managing director of ultimate.earth.

The company operates camps and lodges across Namibia, where its tourism model focuses on supporting employment, skills development, conservation partnerships, local businesses and community initiatives.

Cowley said high-end tourism could create opportunities for people to acquire skills, build careers and earn sustainable livelihoods while supporting the wider economy.

The Bohlen will occupy a building originally known as Villa Wille, constructed in 1909 as the private residence of Hermann Wille, an architect and building engineer associated with early Swakopmund.

The property subsequently served as a private residence, medical consulting rooms and, later, the Hotel Eberwein.

Ultimate.earth has appointed local architects Mackintosh Lautenback and construction company Fritze & Quelle to guide the restoration and redevelopment.

The company said the project would preserve the building’s architectural heritage while introducing contemporary design and modern facilities.

The hotel’s name is inspired by the Eduard Bohlen, a passenger and cargo ship that ran aground on Namibia’s Skeleton Coast in September 1909. The wreck has since become a recognised maritime landmark.

Historical accounts suggest the stranded ship was later used to accommodate diamond miners, providing a further link between the vessel and the hotel’s purpose.

Cowley said the company recognised its responsibility to preserve the building’s historical significance while giving it a new purpose.

The hotel will have 14 suites, comprising eight Classic Suites, four Heritage Suites, including a Family Suite, and two Attic Penthouse Suites.

Facilities will include a spa, gym, restaurant and brasserie serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a 24-hour reception.

The restaurant will also be open to local residents and other visitors, in addition to hotel guests.

Located in central Swakopmund, the property will provide access to the town’s shops, galleries, cafés, attractions and coastline within walking distance.

The company said the hotel would target high-end travellers while encouraging visitors to use existing businesses and tourism experiences in the town.

Cowley said the project’s success would be measured not only by the hospitality experience offered to guests, but also by the employment opportunities created and the economic value returned to Swakopmund.