Local powerhouse O&L Leisure has announced the acquisition of two iconic properties: Le Mirage Resort & Spa near Sossusvlei and Divava Okavango Resort & Spa on the Kavango River. This strategic expansion broadens the group’s offering, inviting both international and local travellers to experience more of the country’s breathtaking and diverse landscapes through its signature world-class lens.
The acquisition sees O&L Leisure, a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List Group, integrate a desert castle and a serene riverside retreat into its esteemed portfolio, which already includes the urban retreat of Midgard Otjihavera in Windhoek, the aquatic luxury of Chobe Water Villas, the wildlife-centric Mokuti Etosha, and the coastal charm of Strand Hotel Swakopmund. This expansion reinforces the group’s unwavering commitment to innovation and to showcasing the extraordinary beauty of Namibia from every angle.
Sven Thieme, Managing Director of O&L Leisure, framed the acquisitions as a pivotal new chapter. “Following our strategic global rebrand earlier this year, this expansion marks an exciting new chapter for O&L Leisure,” he stated. “By welcoming Le Mirage and Divava to our portfolio, we’re inviting guests to discover new corners of Namibia – places rich in beauty, spirit and story – all through the lens of our philosophy: Namibia Through Our Eyes.”
The legendary Le Mirage Resort & Spa is an architectural marvel, a castle-like oasis rising from the stark, beautiful plains near the world’s oldest desert. With the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei and the Namib Naukluft Park as its dramatic backdrop, the property offers 27 elegantly appointed rooms, including eight Camelthorn and nineteen Oasis rooms, plus two unique open-air tower experiences. Beyond its bold architecture and tranquil courtyard pool, Le Mirage is a gateway to adventure, offering thrilling quad-bike drives, guided dune excursions, hot-air balloon flights, and wellness treatments at its Mystique Spa.
Approximately 1,000 kilometres to the northeast, the acquisition of Divava Okavango Resort & Spa offers a completely different, yet equally mesmerising, experience. This peaceful riverside haven features 20 luxury chalets, each with expansive decks overlooking the lush, wildlife-rich banks of the Okavango River. The resort’s elegant restaurant provides a front-row seat to a spectacular display of riverine life. Guests can indulge at the spa, relax by the outdoor pool, or embark on unforgettable activities. These include boat safaris to spot hippos and crocodiles culminating in a spectacular Popa Falls sunset, private helicopter flights over the Okavango Delta to witness elephants traversing the marshes, and excursions to the nearby Mahango and Buffalo game parks.
To ensure a seamless integration into the O&L family, both properties will undergo thoughtful, phased refurbishments. The work is designed to imbue the lodges with O&L’s signature standard of world-class hospitality, reflected through updated interior design and furnishings. Throughout this integration period, both Le Mirage and Divava will operate business as usual, maintaining all current team members, operational systems, and booking channels to ensure no disruption for guests.
This strategic growth means O&L Leisure now offers curated, high-end access to six of Namibia’s most extraordinary destinations. From the wildlife haven of Etosha and the ancient dunes of Sossusvlei to the Atlantic coast, the Otjihavera mountains, and now the Kavango and majestic Chobe rivers, the group provides a comprehensive journey across the full spectrum of the country’s natural beauty.
For travellers planning their next adventure, rates at the newly acquired properties offer a new point of entry into the O&L experience. A night at Le Mirage Resort & Spa starts from N$ approximately 3,600 per person on a Dinner, Bed and Breakfast (DBB) basis, while Divava Okavango Resort & Spa starts from N$ approximately 4,260 per person (DBB). This expands the options alongside Mokuti Etosha and Strand Hotel Swakopmund from approximately N$ 5,820 (B&B), Midgard Otjihavera from N$ 4,100 (B&B), and the exclusive all-inclusive experience at Chobe Water Villas from approximately N$ 16,200. With these additions, O&L Leisure continues to solidify its role as a premier curator of unforgettable Namibian experiences.