Nina Flohr, Princess of Greece and Denmark, has built a reputation that stretches far beyond royal titles. The Swiss businesswoman, entrepreneur and philanthropist has emerged as one of the most influential figures in luxury hospitality, using her wealth, business experience and global profile to place Mozambique firmly on the map of high-end tourism while championing environmental conservation.
Born Nina Nastassja Flohr on January 22, 1987, she is the daughter of Thomas Flohr, founder of the private aviation company VistaJet, and Katharina Flohr, a former founding editor of Russian Vogue and creative director of Fabergé. Raised between cultures and continents, Nina inherited a strong appreciation for design, travel and entrepreneurship from an early age.
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Before stepping into the hospitality industry, she played a key role in shaping the image of VistaJet as its creative director. There, she helped redefine luxury private aviation, overseeing everything from cabin interiors and premium services to exclusive customer experiences.
Her life entered the global spotlight in 2018 when she began appearing alongside Prince Philippos of Greece and Denmark, the youngest son of Constantine II, the last king of Greece, and Anne Marie of Denmark. The couple became engaged in 2020 and married in a civil ceremony later that year, with larger celebrations delayed by the Covid 19 pandemic.
Yet it is on a remote island off the coast of Mozambique that Nina has made perhaps her most significant mark.
In 2017, she founded Kisawa Sanctuary on Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, a destination that has since become one of Africa’s most celebrated luxury resorts. Spread across 300 hectares of pristine coastal landscape, the sanctuary was designed to blend seamlessly into its surroundings rather than dominate them.
“Kisawa means unbreakable,” Nina has explained, describing the project’s mission as creating a lasting connection between people and place.
The resort combines exclusivity with environmental responsibility. Guests stay in private residences featuring beachfront access, infinity pools, open-air living spaces and personalised services. Organic produce sourced from local farmers forms the backbone of its culinary programme, while a strict zero waste philosophy guides daily operations.
What distinguishes Kisawa from many luxury destinations, however, is its commitment to innovation. The resort is among the first in Africa to incorporate advanced 3D printing technology using a mortar made from sand and seawater, reducing environmental disruption while preserving the island’s natural beauty.For Nina, sustainability is not a marketing slogan but a guiding principle.
“Sustainability is an approach, rather than an underscore,” she told Vogue in 2022.
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That philosophy extends beyond hospitality. Alongside Kisawa, she established the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, a marine research institution dedicated to protecting the rich ecosystems of the Indian Ocean. Located within the Bazaruto Archipelago National Marine Park, the centre supports research on coral reefs, marine biodiversity, sharks and other vulnerable species.
The partnership between the sanctuary and the research centre creates a model rarely seen in luxury tourism. Visitors can participate in conservation projects, marine monitoring programmes and scientific initiatives, transforming tourism into a vehicle for environmental awareness and protection.
The approach reflects a broader shift in Africa’s tourism sector, where investors are increasingly seeking to combine economic development with sustainability and community engagement. By linking luxury hospitality with scientific research, Princess Nina has created a model that delivers both commercial success and environmental impact.
Her investment also highlights Mozambique’s growing appeal as a premium travel destination. Long overshadowed by more established African tourism markets, the country is attracting attention for its untouched beaches, marine biodiversity and potential for sustainable development.
In many ways, Princess Nina represents a new generation of global entrepreneurs. While her royal connections and family wealth have attracted public interest, her achievements in Mozambique demonstrate a commitment to building something lasting. Through Kisawa Sanctuary and the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, she is helping to redefine what luxury tourism can look like in Africa.
At a time when travellers increasingly seek experiences that combine comfort with purpose, Princess Nina’s vision offers a glimpse into the future of high end travel, one where conservation, innovation and local engagement are as important as exclusivity.
For Mozambique and for Africa’s evolving tourism industry, that vision is proving to be both influential and transformative.
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