🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Luna Namib Collection to open in 2026, offering a unique desert experience
via The Namibian2 min read
The Luna Namib Collection, located south of Sesriem in the Namib Desert, is set to open its first units in July 2026, with additional units planned by April 2027. This collection aims to provide a deeply private and inclusive luxury experience, guided by a lunar rhythm. Guests will find secluded retreats designed for two or four, each with a dedicated concierge team. The setting emphasizes the natural beauty and quiet of the desert, with changing light, ancient camelthorn trees, and the vast sand sea. The experience is designed for solitude, reconnection, and uninterrupted time, inviting guests to slow down and rediscover inner peace. The first three units are scheduled to open in July, August, and September 2026, respectively.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Enzo Fernandez scored the decisive goal, sending Chelsea into the FA Cup final with a 1-0 victory over Leeds. This win comes in the Blues' first match following the sacking of manager Liam Rosenior. Fernandez's first-half header at Wembley provided a much-needed boost for Chelsea, who had been experiencing a turbulent period. Rosenior was dismissed after only 106 days, following a dismal run of five consecutive defeats without scoring, culminating in a 3-0 loss to Brighton. His criticism of the players' desire and spirit after the Brighton match was reportedly the final straw for Chelsea's owners, highlighting a rift within the team. Interim manager Calum McFarlane, stepping up from his role with the club's Under-21 squad, is now leading Chelsea. The team will face Manchester City in the final on May 16. This marks Chelsea's 17th FA Cup final appearance, and they aim to win the trophy for the first time since 2018, potentially salvaging a challenging season.
Must ReadKenya's Sabastian Sawe made history at the London Marathon by becoming the first athlete to complete a marathon in under two hours, finishing in 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds. This achievement surpassed the previous men's world record of 2:00:35. Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha, in his marathon debut, finished second with a time of 1:59:41, and Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo placed third at 2:00:28. Sawe expressed his belief that his performance demonstrates to the new generation that achieving such a record is possible through preparation and discipline. While Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge previously ran a sub-two-hour marathon in 2019, it was not ratified as a world record due to non-standard conditions. Both Sawe and Kejelcha wore Adidas's new Pro Evo 3 supershoes. Kenyan President William Ruto and Kipchoge praised Sawe's historic run. In the women's race, Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa broke her own women's-only world record, finishing in 2:15:41. Kenya's Hellen Obiri came in second with a personal best of 2:15:53, followed by compatriot Joyciline Jepkosgei.
Recent rainfall across Namibia has significantly transformed the Namib Desert, leading to visible changes in the landscape. Areas typically characterized by sand and stone now show subtle green growth, softening the desert's usual appearance. A night of rain left the ground refreshed, and the familiar scent of dry earth and water settled into the sand. The journey to Sossusvlei became more dynamic, with travelers sometimes removing their shoes to cross shallow water and damp sand. The 2x2 parking area for Deadvlei became a 4x4 access point due to the altered conditions. The Tsauchab River flowed into the Sossusvlei area, and Sesriem Canyon carried water, both rare occurrences after heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms also brought strong winds and sounds, contrasting with the desert's usual silence. The immediate response of the landscape, with shifts in color, texture, and movement, highlights the quick changes possible in the Namib. This period offers a unique opportunity to witness the desert in bloom, with carpets of grass and wet riverbeds, encouraging Namibians to visit during this special time.
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