O&L Leisure, the owners of the Strand Hotel Swakopmund, say the hotel — which is celebrating its 10th anniversary — has created 250 permanent jobs since opening in 2015.
The hotel has become one of Namibia’s most recognised beachfront destinations, earning Namibia’s Leading Beach Hotel at the World Travel Awards for three consecutive years (2022–2024). Its Ocean Cellar Oyster & Wine Bar was also named Namibia’s Best Restaurant 2024 at the World Culinary Awards.
“The absolute highlight has been our strategic repositioning in 2023,” said Sven Thieme, Managing Director of O&L Leisure. “We’ve invested in renovating our restaurants and elevating every aspect of the guest experience.”
Over the past decade, the Strand Hotel has hosted several high-profile guests, including Tom Cruise, His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium, Will Smith, and a number of Namibian presidents. It has also become a fixture in Swakopmund’s social calendar through events such as the Sandman Marathon.
Ranked fourth among 21 hotels in Swakopmund with 8.6–8.7 ratings on Booking.com, the Strand continues to reflect O&L Leisure’s commitment to gentle luxury and authentic Namibian hospitality as it marks a decade of growth and employment creation.
