South African-based hotel and casino group Peermont Hotels Casinos and Resorts is currently completing the pre-opening development phase of Umodzi Park, which incorporates Malawi’s first 5-star hotel, the Bingu Wa Mutharika International Convention Centre (BICC), and the Presidential Villas, in Lilongwe.
Peermont concluded a management contract agreement with Umodzi Holdings in October.
The BICC includes the Lilongwe Auditorium, which seats 1,500 delegates. Five conference rooms can be combined or used individually to cater for up to 70 delegates each.
There are also three banqueting halls which can be used individually to host 200 delegates, or combined to cater to over 1,000 guests. A further four multi-functional venues offer varying configurations that each cater for 15 people in an executive boardroom set-up, or up to 60 people in cinema-style set-up.
There is also an exclusive VIP boardroom, lounge and holding room with a separate entrance and dedicated lift.
The convention centre also features the Mseko Bistro, which will serve speciality coffees and light snacks, sandwiches and salads.
Overlooking Malawi Square is the President Walmont Hotel, the first ever 5-star hotel in Malawi. It has a large reception area, lobby bar, lounge and the Wild Orchid Restaurant, with indoor seating and outdoor pool deck terrace offering an international breakfast buffet and an à la carte lunch and dinner menu.
The hotel’s Lobby Lounge and Bar is open throughout the day, offering a selection of light snacks and hot and cold beverages. The hotel also has a spa and wellness centre, a curio shop, hair salon, meeting rooms and the ‘afropolitan’ Afroma Terrace Bar.
The President Walmont Hotel comprises 130 rooms and suites, with 60 Classic King rooms, 60 Classic Twin rooms, a special assistance room and 10 Presidential Suites, all with air-conditioning, 40-inch TVs with local satellite channels, a writing desk, international plugs, Wi-Fi, a mini-bar that is stocked on request, and a tea and coffee station.
Additionally there are 14 Presidential Villas in a secure estate – a short drive from Umodzi Park – offering a private clubhouse and relaxation and sporting facilities.
The BICC has been operating in a limited capacity since November 2014, and Peermont expects the finalisation of the interior design fit-out to be completed by mid-March.