CHESTER Zoo’s pioneering new accommodation The Reserve has been shortlisted for a national award.
The unique wildlife area which features 51 luxury lodges, overlooking a private savannah-inspired landscape beside the zoo’s Heart of Africa habitat, has been recognised in the Responsible UK Hotel or Resort category in the 2027 Future Icons Awards by Country & Town House magazine.
The recognition is a fitting way to mark the end of an exceptional first year for The Reserve, which opened its doors to guests in August 2025 and has quickly established itself as an exceptional, luxury UK stay.
The Future Icons Awards celebrate organisations and individuals leading the way in responsible and forward-thinking hospitality, with The Reserve’s shortlisting recognising its distinctive approach to luxury tourism with conservation at its heart.
The winners will be announced on November 16, 2026.
The Reserve offers a range of experience-led packages designed to connect guests with nature and wildlife.
Uniquely, every stay at The Reserve helps fund Chester Zoo's vital conservation work and wildlife regeneration projects, both at the zoo and around the world.
Since opening, it has welcomed more than 31,000 guests from 36 countries, with strong guest feedback and growing recognition.
The Reserve’s Future Icons shortlisting follows hot on the heels of another accolade for the team, with Front of House Manager Danielle Lorne also being named a finalist in the AA Rising Star Award category at the 2026 AA Hospitality Awards.
Danielle is one of three finalists, and the winner will be announced at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House on Park Lane in London on September 21, 2026.
Ruth Duckworth, general manager at The Reserve at Chester Zoo, commented: “We are delighted to receive this recognition from such prestigious brands such as Country & Town House magazine and the AA, every member of the team involved – from the conception to the experience guests receive today - have worked so hard to achieve these results.
“We are all keeping our fingers crossed that we might be named overall winners.”
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