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Kinondo Kwetu
- Where:
- Why:Post-Safari / Remote Working
- When:January 2023
- Who:Me and Jules
"A Swahili Stunner"
AT A GLANCE: On a remote strip of Galu Beach, Kenya, under the shade of ancient Baobab trees, a family of Swedish hoteliers and their team are redefining luxury with their heart-centered approach to hospitality. At Kinondo Kwetu, which translates to “Our Home in Kinondo” in Swahili, kindness is the ultimate luxury. It is felt in every interaction with the staff, guests, and the abundant wildlife which co-exists on this pristine beachfront property. More than a luxury hotel, Kinondo Kwetu is a reminder of how to live authentically, generously, and symbiotically with the world around you. Swipe the images below to discover.
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Inspiring interiors
Mama Taa Villa
The local tribe of colobus monkeys prefer to stay high in the treetops, but every now and then they descended down to the lower brush to snack
Kenyan sunsets are something special
Sundower ritual. Dowas, cocktails and samosas
Our room. Low-key elegance, two full bathrooms, a day bed and oceanview terrace
One of two beautiful pools on the 16 acre property. All the cushions are custom made with Kenyan fabrics
Kinondo's tailor making us a custom shirt in one of the hotel's signature fabrics
A traditional dhow, one of the many locations where guests dine
The beach is long and wide. We walked it often
The stunning yoga shala. Go for a sunrise session
Organic and seasonal dishes that celebrate African coastal culinary traditions on the plate
Bush and baobabs for miles
The property is full of FIlip and Ida's collection of treasures...
...and photography. It evokes the feeling of being in their home
Whimsical cottages and ancient baobabs
Fireside stargazing
You can hear the distant chatter of local fisherman working the shallows
The property is delightfully off-grid. Wi-Fi is only available here in the main villa
...and cozy nooks for reading
Highs & Lows
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The service. Unbelievable care. Personalization. Kindness
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Sunrises and sunsets in the lookout tower
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MALAIKA, the hotelier's own brand of kikois, beachwear and linens
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Swahili architecture and design
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Dawas and samosas under the baobabs. Sunday curry. Meals and aperitifs in general. A daily highlight
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A visiting tradesman sells vintage furniture, masks, instruments, and mud cloth from West Africa and beyond. DO NOT MISS him! I think he visits once a week
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Sunrise sessions in the yoga shala
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Cheeky monkeys may rifle through your bag if you're not careful. A little reminder that you're a visitor on their land. The property has monkey watchers!
Important Bits
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Type
Beach Resort
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Vibe
Instant feeling of intangible joy, ease, and intimacy of being at home
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Location
Only 30 minutes from the airport and even closer to the shops and restaurants of Diani Beach. But energetically speaking, it is worlds away from everything
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Rooms
The 15 exquisitely appointed Swahili design rooms are a mix of cottages, rooms, and villas, with a maximum of only 50 guests at any time
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Pre-Arrival & Arrival Experience
A highly personalized booking and check-in process
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Future Forward
Altruism runs in the owner's veins, starting the Kinondo Kwetu Trust Fund and Kinondo Kwetu Hospital. In 2022, the hospital was home to 1,326 healthy births. Kinondo Kwetu is also a sponsor of the Whale Shark Trust and a member of the Colobus Trust
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Music
Downtempo, funk, afro, and laidback grooves always play from the main villa. Shazam'd often
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Year Opened
2005
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Designed By
Filip and Ida Andersson
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Health & Wellness
A yoga shala and a gym with guided sessions perched on the edge of a small cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Kinondo Kwetu has two pools, a larger one that is beloved by families and a smaller, more intimate pool. We enjoyed both
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Food
The team works with local farmers and fishermen in sourcing organic and seasonal dishes that celebrate East African coastal culinary traditions. One of the loveliest features is that you are seated in a different corner for each meal
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Bar, Events & Nightlife
We're not big drinkers, but the bar and main villa are so inviting that sundown Dawas, a Kenyan lime and honey cocktail, became a daily ritual. Beach bonfires are also arranged throughout the week, a chance to stargaze and socialize
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Minibar & Retail
The shop at Kinondo Kwetu is artfully curated by hotel owner Ida. It has a collection of ceramics, hand-made carvings, hand-tailored caftans, kikois, and jewelry
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Accessibility
While many ground-level accommodations, transiting between common areas requires walking through sand. Wheelchairs would likely struggle. The staff would do everything for visual and hearing impairments for a comfortable stay
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Pet Friendly
Pets are not welcome, but native wildlife is in abundance. Bring your binoculars
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Children
Children are very welcome and will have no shortage of activities to enjoy: horseback riding, kite surfing lessons, boat tours, safari day trips, and community visits
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Booking
Kinondo Kwetu can only be booked direct or via a travel agent
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Price
Worth every penny
- Tel.
- Website
Kinondo Kwetu
Kinondo Kwetu, Diani Beach, Kenya
Tribearth
Diani Beach Rd (between Bazaar & Kaskazi) Diani, Kenya
MarwaCodi @ the Nomad Market
Nomad Beach Bar & Restaurant, Diani Beach, Kenya
Pallet Cafe Diani
pallet cafe Diani, Diani Beach, Kenya
In the Area
Hotel Location Kinondo Kwetu, Diani Beach, Kenya
Catch an hour-long flight from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Ukunda Airstrip. A 30-minute taxi will take you through Diani Beach's main drag down the coast to Galu Beach. When the road changes from asphalt to dirt, you're close! The nearest hotel is 2 kilometers away — total privacy.
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