The Art of Ventures, hopes to have strengthened its
international presence by appointing Small World Marketing Ltd as their UK
representation company. The appointment comes at a time of significant growth for
The Art of Ventures as it continues its expansion programme to become the leading
luxury eco lodge portfolio in Kenya.

Commenting on the appointment, The Art of Ventures Managing Director, Anthony
Russell said:  “This is an exciting time for The Art of Ventures.  We have
experienced exceptional growth over the last three years and this upward trend is
set to continue.  I intend to take my designs into new and exciting directions in
the future whilst still keeping the core principles of combining innovative design,
simplicity and indigenous materials. Small World Marketing’s international
marketing experience will be invaluable during this dynamic period and brings a new
and complementary dimension to the team.”

 

Anthony Russell was the vision and drive behind the design and creation of the Art
of Ventures.  After working for 20 years in the safari business, Anthony set up Art
of Ventures (Art stood originally for Anthony Russell Travels) with the mandate to
create and design exceptional properties, in unique areas whilst working closely and
in partnership with rural communities in conserving their environment.  The Art of
Ventures currently has two properties in their portfolio, Shompole Lodge, situated
on the shores of Lake Natron and Naibor Camp located in the heart of the Maasai Mara
Reserve.

 

Shompole was the first lodge to be designed and built by Anthony Russell in 2000
after spending three years earning the trust of the Maasai people of the Shompole
Group ranch.  Although Anthony was fully responsible for the exceptional design of
the lodge, the manual construction was accomplished in collaboration with the local
people.  The Maasai are shareholders of Shompole and form an integral part of the
running of the lodge.

 

Shompole is a stunning and unique design, artfully combining the textures and
materials harvested from the local group ranch, with the relaxing properties of
flowing water and cool pools in each room. The six rooms are designed with a unique
combination of undulating white walls and the multiple textures of natural quartz
rock, bullrush thatch and smooth recycled figwood. The individually designed smooth
white walls are the art of Shompole, and the use of water as a prime feature combine
to create a fresh and unusual approach to the bush experience, unseen before in East
Africa.  The design of each building incorporates the beauty of natural forms whilst
blending effortlessly into the rugged rift valley surroundings.

 

Although Shompole is a haven of peace and relaxation, there are still plenty of
opportunities for the active visitor including day and night game drives to spot the
plentiful game, mountain biking through the conservancy, bush walks on the
escarpment and sundowner visits to Lake Natron amidst the flamingoes.  The stay at
Shompole is made even more special with lodge springing surprises on it’s guests
including a candlelit bush dinner on the salt pan with Shompole mountain as a back
drop or an intoxicating and dramatic Maasai warrior (Moran) dance in their full
regalia.

 

In 2004 Shompole Lodge was extended to include Little Shompole, an exclusive haven
of complete privacy and luxury. Anthony Russell has cleverly continued the design
theme of the main lodge at Little Shompole by using the same materials and keeping
the central theme of water and white walls.  However, the creation of the two
palatial rooms and stunning communal mess area is a true testament to the extent of
Anthony’s design skill and imagination.  Each room has its own sitting area,
spacious bathroom and a large private cool-pool. The palatial 9’x9’ bed is
nestled under a high-canopied canvas and white netting tent and takes in the
sweeping views of the Great Rift Valley. The delicious meals can either be enjoyed
in the exclusivity of the private rooms or in the striking and chic communal lounge
and dining area.  For those who want to burn off the sumptuous meals by swimming a
few laps there is a 37 metre horizon pool overlooking Lake Natron and the endless
mountain ranges of Northern Tanzania.  With the dedicated team of staff, private
guide and game viewing vehicle and full butler service, Little Shompole is a perfect
getaway for the discerning traveller who wants complete privacy without sacrificing
luxury and atmosphere. 

?The Art of Ventures added Naibor Camp to its portfolio in January 2005.  Naibor
Camp is a luxury tented camp which has recently moved from the fringes of the Mara
conservancy to the heart of the Masai Mara Reserve, only 20 minutes drive from the
nearest Mara river crossing.  Developed in collaboration with Nigel Archer from
Nigel Archer safaris, Anthony has cleverly and successfully applied his design at
Shompole to a very different product.  He has succeeded in creating a stylish and
contemporary design without sacrificing the authentic safari camp feel. Each of the
seven large luxury tents has a private 10 foot verandah complete with day beds and
private dining areas and the en suite bathrooms all have flushing toilets and large,
traditional, hot water safari bucket showers. The tents can be completely opened up
so that they remain light, cool and breezy in the day for maximum comfort.
Activities include game drives, bush walks, mountain biking, unforgettable
sundowners and visits to the local Maasai manyatta to learn about their culture and
way of life.
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