One&Only Resorts was founded by the South African entrepreneur Solomon Kerzner in 2002. From the outset, the brand aimed to distinguish itself as a collection of ultra-luxury resorts located in some of the most beautiful destinations around the world. The name “One&Only” was chosen to emphasise exclusivity and individuality, a theme that has consistently defined its branding efforts.
The logo of One&Only Resorts has undergone a few changes since its inception in 2002. The development of its visual identity reflects the brand’s commitment to uniqueness, luxury, and authenticity. The article delves into the evolution of the One&Only Resorts logo and other details.
The Genesis of the One&Only Resorts Logo (2002 – ????) (Unavailable)
The original logo was created by Pentagram, a renowned multidisciplinary design studio. It embodied simplicity and elegance, which aligned with the brand’s ethos of providing unique, high-end experiences. This initial identity set the tone for One&Only’s positioning as a leader in luxury hospitality. However, the same is not documented anywhere.
(???? – Present)
The present logotype exhibits minimalism and shows the brand name in both black and grey using a sans-serif typeface. Appearing aesthetically rich and sophisticated, the logo highlights understated elegance.
The Elements of the One&Only Resorts Logo
Font
The wordmark used to depict the visual identifier of One&Only is written using a stylish sans-serif typeface in italics. The thin letters with small serifs and the stylish “and” in the middle look aesthetically rich and sophisticated.
Colour
Grey is the signature colour for the One&Only logo to denote understated elegance, versatility, and balance. Besides, grey fits into the aesthetics defined by modernism, minimalism, and curated spaces.
The History of One&Only Resorts
One&Only Resorts is a luxury hospitality brand founded in 2002 by a South African entrepreneur, Solomon Kerzner. He is renowned for his work with Sun City and the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. The brand’s inception marked a significant milestone in the luxury travel sector, as it aimed to create a few ultra-luxury resorts in some of the world’s most breathtaking locations.
In its early years, One&Only Resorts focused on establishing itself as a benchmark of excellence in the luxury hospitality industry. The brand’s first properties included resorts in the Bahamas, Mexico, Mauritius, the Maldives, South Africa, and Dubai. One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius, for example, was rebranded from a property that Solomon Kerzner had opened in 1975. By the early 2010s, One&Only Resorts had gained international recognition for its commitment to luxury and exclusivity. The brand’s properties were consistently awarded for their exceptional service and amenities.
In recent years, One&Only Resorts has continued to expand its portfolio with new developments in strategic locations. The brand has entered the European market with the opening of One&Only Aesthesis in Greece to mark a key milestone in its global expansion. Additionally, One&Only has been developing urban and nature resorts to move beyond its traditional focus on beach destinations. One&Only Resorts is part of Kerzner International, which also manages other notable brands like Atlantis Resorts. In 2014, Kerzner International was acquired by the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD).
One&Only Resorts is built on a philosophy of providing unique, one-of-a-kind experiences for its guests. Each resort is designed to reflect its local culture and environment and offer a distinctive style and personality that sets it apart in the luxury hospitality sector.
Interesting Facts About One&Only Resorts
- One&Only was created in 2002 by Kerzner International, with the goal of crafting a brand where every resort is one of a kind. Also, each resort is supposed to reflect the culture and spirit of its location.
- The brand’s first property, One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius, became an instant legend. It helped set the tone for what One&Only would become: a blend of exotic location, ultra-personalised service, and barefoot glamour.
- Stars like Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, and the Beckhams are known to frequent One&Only resorts. Privacy, discretion, and ultra-exclusive settings make them a favourite among A-listers.
- One&Only doesn’t just build resorts; it blends them into jaw-dropping natural environments. These could be nestled in the mountains (like One&Only Gorilla’s Nest in Rwanda) or float above the water in the Maldives.
- At One&Only Gorilla’s Nest in Rwanda, one can trek to see wild mountain gorillas — a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s one of the only luxury resorts in the world offering such a rare wildlife encounter.
- One&Only collaborates with Michelin-starred chefs like Yannick Alléno and Nobu Matsuhisa to create restaurant experiences that are destination highlights in themselves.
- While it started with tropical paradises, One&Only is expanding into urban luxury (like One&Only One Za’abeel in Dubai) and mountain retreats. However, every time it is sticking to the same ultra-luxurious DNA.
- At One&Only each guest is treated like royalty. Staff members remember the guest’s preferences — favourite wine, room scent, even the beach lounger. This is done to personalise every stay at almost psychic levels.
- One&Only invests heavily in conservation and community support: from marine life protection in the Maldives to local community initiatives in Rwanda and Mexico.
- Some resorts under the One&Only brand umbrella offer private yachts to ferry guests to their rooms or separate villas. This is done to create a sense of privacy and exclusivity that’s hard to match.
Finally
The One&Only Resorts logo shows the growth of the brand from a single concept into an iconic name in luxury hospitality. Through thoughtful design updates and strategic collaborations with leading agencies like Pentagram and Inaria Design, One&Only has successfully maintained its identity as a symbol of exclusivity and unparalleled experiences.