Ghana’s sole five-star luxury hotel, Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra, will launch the ASANA Bar and Kitchen this month, blending Asian-inspired cuisine with locally sourced ingredients to commemorate its 10th anniversary.
The venue, located in the hotel’s lobby, aims to elevate Accra’s gourmet scene through a fusion menu and artisanal cocktails crafted by seasoned mixologists.
Scheduled to open in April 2025, ASANA will operate as an all-day à la carte restaurant and bar, offering flexible indoor and outdoor seating. Designed to reflect Kempinski’s signature elegance, the space features a circular marble countertop beneath crystal chandeliers, allowing guests to observe mixologists at work while sampling fusion cocktails and a curated wine list.
Felix Otte, the hotel’s Director of Food and Beverage, described the project as a creative evolution of Kempinski’s culinary identity. “ASANA isn’t just about ambiance it’s a platform to merge Ghanaian ingredients with Asian techniques,” he said, highlighting Chef Shara Tumaob’s role in developing the menu. General Manager Hanno Barkhoff noted the opening aligns with the hotel’s decade-long focus on “luxury and innovation,” framing the lobby as a symbolic gateway to refined hospitality experiences.
The launch follows a broader trend among Accra’s high-end hotels to diversify dining offerings amid rising demand for experiential tourism. Kempinski, which opened in 2015, has steadily expanded its F&B portfolio, including rooftop bars and themed brunches, to cater to both international travelers and Ghana’s growing affluent class.
Industry analysts observe that such ventures aim to capitalize on Ghana’s post-pandemic tourism rebound, which saw a 46% increase in international arrivals in 2023. However, competition is intensifying, with rival properties like the Labadi Beach Hotel and Marriott also renovating dining spaces.
While Kempinski’s anniversary celebrations emphasize its legacy, challenges persist. Critics note that luxury hotels in Accra often struggle to balance global standards with localized pricing, potentially limiting access for domestic patrons. ASANA’s success may hinge on its ability to attract a mix of clientele while maintaining exclusivity a tightrope walk in a market where disposable incomes remain uneven.
As Ghana’s hospitality sector evolves, Kempinski’s latest offering underscores the strategic role of culinary innovation in retaining relevance. Whether ASANA becomes a staple for Accra’s elite or a tourist-centric showcase, its launch signals confidence in the city’s potential as a West African luxury hub.
