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    Xigera Safari Lodge

    Okavango Delta, Botswana

    A luxury safari lodge in Botswana's Okavango Delta

    The story of Xigera Safari Lodge is one of renewal. Of rebirth and family legacy, and of the pioneering spirit that drives us to seek out Africa’s wild spaces. The same spirit that inspired this remarkable reimagining, perhaps a complete reinvention, of an Okavango Delta safari. This is Xigera (pronounced ‘kee-jera’), named for the Pied Kingfisher that makes its home amid the watery channels of Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve. Every aspect is handcrafted to beguile our guests’ senses and stir their souls – from the evocative interiors to one-of-a-kind encounters. But Xigera is equally a line in the sand. A raising of the bar. A bold statement in the realm of luxury safaris in Botswana, and an Okavango Delta safari experience like no other.

    Discover a rich history extending back to 1689

    1689

    1691

    1830

    1880

    1883

    1900

    1922

    1986

    1998

    1999

    2020

    1689

    The original dwelling built on this site was Kensington House, first occupied by Foot Onslow, a Commissioner of Excise under William III.

    1691

    His son Arthur Onslow (1691-1768) was a speaker of the House of Commons for thirty years; he sublet the property to George Davenport, an officer in the Royal Bodyguard and the man who claimed Shakespeare as his grandsire.

    1830

    From 1830 Kensington House was occupied as a private asylum before being replaced by a second mansion called Kensington House, constructed by the notorious company promoter, "Baron" Albert Grant, the founder of Leicester Square.

    1880

    In the 1880's Grant's ‘white elephant’ was replaced by the two houses we see today.

    1883

    Built between 1883 and 1884 Chenesiton House, No. 1 Kensington Court by Mrs Anne Marie Lucena, who has a remarkable 'rags to riches' story with a tragic ending. Among other interesting occupants was the first Baron Redesdale (1837-1916), the diplomat, author, and grandfather of the famous Mitford sisters.

    1900

    In the mid 19th century it was occupied by Count Peter Grigorevich Chernyshev, the Russian Ambassador to London, whose daughter Natalia lived to the age of ninety-six and achieved immortality as the inspiration for the Countess in Pushkin's short story ‘Queen of Spades’.

    1922

    In 1922 the former home passed into hotel use, to be joined in 1925 by No.2 Kensington Court.

    1986

    In August 1986 The Milestone (which takes its name from the old cast iron milestone that stands in its original position beside the hotel) was badly damaged in a fire, for reasons that remain unknown. The hotel was sold to another hotel group.

    1998

    In October 1998, The Milestone Hotel became part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection.

    1999

    By September 1999, The Milestone Hotel had been fully restored to its original architectural splendour, and today ranks as one of the best hotels in the world.

    2020

    After more than 20 years as part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, winning countless awards, creating exceptional experiences with our treasured local partners, and welcoming many wonderful guests, we are so proud to have been recognised with a prestigious Forbes Five-Star.

    Take a tour...

    Dating back to 1883, our Grade-II listed Victorian building, instantly recognisable for its striking Kensington-style red-and-white brick façade, is a true landmark, and we strive to protect and celebrate this precious history, from the original marble checkerboard floors, to the Victorian tiling, leaded windows and wooden panelling, allowing guests a rare glimpse into London’s history.

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    Milestone Reception

    Meet our team

    Led by General Manager Andrew Pike, with 21 years of service, The Milestone is a family of passionate people, with a warm, inclusive ethos that embraces every aspect of our guests’ experiences. 

    Meet the characters of The Milestone

    Our differences

    Discover our ‘Tiny Noticeable Touches’, from freshly-cut flowers, handmade luxury soaps and candlelit turndowns, to personalised gifts, and Bentley and Range Rover transfers.

    Reasons to love The Milestone Hotel

    Discover more about The Milestone Hotel & Residences

    Sleep beautifully

    Discover our bedrooms & suites

    A private sanctuary in the city

    Our Residences offer a private entrance overlooking Kensington Palace

    Stories of The Milestone Hotel

    Discover our gallery

    Wonderful recognition

    Explore our awards & accolades
    Man sptaying cleaning solution in a bedroom

    We care

    Explore our sustainable initiatives

    In the press

    Discover articles written by journalists & media professionals
    Milestone Concierge greeting a younger guest outside of the hotel

    We welcome families

    Delight in all our family experiences

    Sleep beautifully

    Discover our bedrooms & suites

    A private sanctuary in the city

    Our Residences offer a private entrance overlooking Kensington Palace

    Stories of The Milestone Hotel

    Discover our gallery

    Wonderful recognition

    Explore our awards & accolades
    Man sptaying cleaning solution in a bedroom

    We care

    Explore our sustainable initiatives

    In the press

    Discover articles written by journalists & media professionals
    Milestone Concierge greeting a younger guest outside of the hotel

    We welcome families

    Delight in all our family experiences

    Sleep beautifully

    Discover our bedrooms & suites

    A private sanctuary in the city

    Our Residences offer a private entrance overlooking Kensington Palace
    cocktails in stables bar the milestone hotel
    Horse Illustration

    Extraordinary experiences

    We pride ourselves on our local relationships, and carefully design remarkable experiences for our guests. From behind the scenes tours of the Royal Albert Hall to private in-suite concerts by members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, every detail provides a deep connection with our location.

    Explore more
    Illustration of cutlery, fish knif a fork and a butter knife

    Delicious dining

    Our passion for fine wines and gourmet cuisine is the driving force behind everything we serve at The Milestone Hotel & Residences. Experience fine dining in Cheneston's restaurant with its rich mahogany furniture; quintessentially British Afternoon Tea in the Park Lounge; or a light menu in our unique split-level Stables Bar. And, inspired by the fact that our front door is virtually within Champagne cork-popping range of Kensington Gardens, enjoy our famous 'picnic in the park'...

    Explore more
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    The power of passion

    "Our English mansion house has been a hotel since 1922, but was originally three distinct private houses, built in the late Victorian period for aristocratic families. I have been proud to be the GM of this property for the past 16 years and I am especially proud of the many awards we have won for our service, driven by a team of incredibly passionate individuals who have been recognised by our industry for their contribution. Most of my senior team have been with us for more than 10 years and several for more than 15 years, giving us a real sense of community. 


    Our location, directly facing Kensington Palace, is perfect for local exploration, from the winding Kensington Church Street with its myriad of boutiques on the north side, to the charming red brick terraces to the south. 


    I am also proud of our long-standing partnerships, including the iconic Royal Albert Hall and Kensington Palace, alongside our support for the British Exploring Society, for whom we have raised funds to give underprivileged young people the opportunity to discover their own potential. 


    We have recently taken exploration to a different level with our new immersive ‘Urban Foraging’ experience. Other signature experiences include our Smoking Old Fashioned, prepared by our Chief Mixologist Angelo in Stables Bar, or a private recital in your suite by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. 


    We look forward to welcoming you to our very special English Mansion Hotel."


    - Andrew Pike, General Manager

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    We are proud to be part of a number of select and exclusive collections and memberships that share our values of outstanding service, exceptional guest experiences and generous hospitality.

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    London

    • Hotel 41
    • The Milestone Hotel & Residences
    • The Rubens at the Palace
    • The Egerton House Hotel
    • The Chesterfield Mayfair
    • The Montague on the Gardens

    Dorset

    • Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant
    • The Acorn Inn

    Ireland

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    • The Lodge at Ashford Castle
    • Hatch Hall

    Guernsey

    • The Old Government House Hotel & Spa
    • The Duke of Richmond Hotel

    Edinburgh

    • 100 Princes Street

    South Africa

    • Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat
    • The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
    • The Oyster Box

    Botswana

    • Xigera Safari Lodge

    Geneva

    • Hotel d'Angleterre

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