Paradise Island Resort, the Ruparelia Group’s private island retreat on Lake Victoria, is positioning itself as a new kind of luxury destination, combining hospitality with a strong focus on sustainability.
The island is located about 20 minutes by speedboat from Speke Resort Munyonyo, and is set to open in October. The 19-acre island is a 100 per cent eco-lodge, with its operations powered by solar energy.
“We are 100 per cent an eco-lodge. The island runs on solar,” says Sheena Ruparelia, a director at Paradise Island Resort.
The decision to run the island on solar power is at the heart of the resort’s identity, allowing guests to experience an upscale getaway while surrounded by nature.
Paradise resort has 38 accommodation units, including standard cottages, cliff-hanger cottages, two-bedroom deluxe cottages and executive villas. The accommodation has been designed to cater for different groups, from couples and families to corporate and private gatherings.
“We built it with family in mind so there is kids’ accommodation within the cottages,” Ms Ruparelia says.
The family-focused design is part of a wider effort to make the island a lifestyle destination rather than simply a place to stay.
Architect Ivan Martin Kutosi says the concept was developed around creating a destination with a range of experiences and activities.
“The whole idea was to create a lifestyle destination. We conceptualised it with lots of lifestyle activities, but there are also conferencing facilities, retreats, weddings, parties,” he says.
The resort therefore combines accommodation with spaces for conferences, corporate retreats, weddings and other social events, giving guests reasons to spend more time on the island.
Its setting is central to the experience, with the resort offering visitors an opportunity to enjoy Lake Victoria away from the bustle of the city.
The development reflects a growing interest in tourism destinations that combine luxury with responsible use of natural resources. For Paradise Island, sustainability is not only part of its marketing proposition but is built into its operations through its solar-powered model.
With its combination of island living, family-friendly accommodation, lifestyle activities and renewable energy, Paradise Island is seeking to establish a distinct place in Uganda’s growing luxury tourism market.
