20 tents pitched up on the bushy banks of the Maasai Mara’s Talek River. The thrill starts well before check in: within minutes of touching down at the reserve’s Keekorok airstrip (which offers direct turboprop connections with Nairobi), you might spot lions lolling in the tall grass, or elephants grazing along the road. Upon arrival at the camp, a wobbly wooden suspension bridge crosses the river (and with that, the reserve’s natural border) to the canvas-roofed communal lounge, where plenty of zebra-patterned pillows, wood-carved elephant statues and wall-spanning portraits of Masaai tribespeople instantly deliver on the African bush camp fantasy. Ultra-spacious tents, a lounger-lined pool, and a cozy bonfire pit make this a plush spot to retreat between game drives. The small-scale, anything-goes vibe makes it feel un-Marriott in the best possible way.

Overlooking the famed banks of the River Talek and on the edge of the reserve, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge’s prime location will offer guests a distinctively elevated camp from which to discover the Masai Mara National Reserve, its stunning vistas, abundant wildlife, and endless plains. Shared spaces will include a restaurant, lounge bar, spa, and a large outdoor terrace with fire pits that will play host to traditional Masai dance performances in the evening.

Each of the twenty tents is similar in their generous size and style—with the exception of the honeymoon villa (the only tent with a private plunge pool) and an interconnecting family suite. Like the rest of the camp, rooms are safari-chic without the colonial tropes. Between their canvas walls' zipper- and roll-up windows you’ll find a supremely comfortable four-poster bed (draped in mosquito netting) and decor of the usual safari-lodge suspects: Maasai warrior busts, wicker lampshades and ‘tribal’ mirrors fringed with jute and sea shells. Is it boundary-pushing style? No. Albeit lovely, the look is more Zara Home than haute hospitality—it’s a Marriott, after all.

Amenity-wise, things are tip-top: Each tent comes with a canopied balcony overlooking the river and bush (for in-room wildlife spotting potential) and has an outdoor hot tub to soak in the view. Bathrooms have both indoor and outdoor showers, zhuzhed up with licks of marble and copper to up the glam factor. Bring a book along, though: The tents are the first rooms within the Marriott portfolio to forgo TVs—but with these views, who needs one? Nightly all-inclusive rates start at $2,900 for two people per night, or $1,750 per individual person per night. (Premium wine and spirits, spa treatments, gratuities, and park entrance fees aren't included)

Sarabi restaurant and the adjoining Fig Tree Lounge sit at the heart of the camp to offer the human equivalent of the watering hole in view just across the river. Guests gather here in the early morning for pre-game-drive croissants and coffee in thermos cups, while late risers trickle in for a breakfast (the herby scrambled eggs are divine) and flakey pastries, all in the shade of a giant fig tree. For lunch and dinner, chefs design rotating three-course menus (in order to keep food waste to a minimum) that depend on what’s available that day from both suppliers around Kenya and the on-site vegetable garden. We had lunches including falafel wraps and zingy cucumber gazpacho, and dinners of citrusy salmon and lamb chops. That said, the kitchen team is happy to go off-menu too: Ask for a spread of local specialities, and they’ll deliver a bona fide Kenyan feast of roast meats, salted cabbage, and ugali (dense corn-meal cake).

While the restaurant meals are delightful, it’s the bush breakfasts and savanna sundowners—all part of the package—that will stick with you long after your return home. Expect the full safari fantasy of folding tables with white tablecloths fluttering in the breeze, gleaming ice buckets with champagne and Tusker beers, and pop-up kitchen and cocktail stations pitched under a lone acacia tree.

JW Marriott brought along its signature Spa by JW concept, but gave it an African makeover. Occupying a trio of tents near the pool, it’s a welcome spot for post-safari rubdowns and sunburn-soothing facials done with all-natural spa products from South African skincare brand Healing Earth. Treatment rooms overlook the bush where, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot baboons and zebras strolling past while a soft-spoken therapist kneads your muscles into blissful submission. For a little more action, there’s a breezy gym tent with on-theme equipment made from leather and polished wood, as well as guided sunset yoga sessions around the pool.

There is a variety of activities on offer, including daily game excursions, walks, and visits to wildlife watering holes. As well as a vast variety of activities the lodge has a generous size swimming pool and whirlpools situated on every deck. A fully equipped fitness centre and luxury Spa is also situated on site and is available to all guests to enjoy.

The Great Wildebeest Migration between June and November, guided nature walks, Horseback safaris, Hot Air Balloon Safari, Sundowners and Bush breakfast/dinner, Masai cultural village visits, The Mara River to see crocodiles and hippos, and a day trips to the nearby private conservancy.