Weekend Away

We have suggestions for places to go on a weekend out of town so find one that suits you.

PHOTOGRAPH: BRIAN SIAMBI

MEDINA PALMS, Watamu

With its distinct North African and Mediterranean flair which followed through to the dishes served, this hotel became a fast favourite. We checked into a chic allwhite apartment-style villa with two ensuite rooms, a kitchen, private lounge and balcony overlooking the pool, an upstairs living room complete with a rooftop plunge pool on the terrace. Families and honeymooners lazed away the day by the main pool which stretched across the length of the hotel, culminating in an infinity pool overlooking the sea. Choose from 50 units ranging from cozy one-bedroom apartments to palatial fivebedroom villas. Meals can be enjoyed at Amandina Restaurant, or under the moon by the pool, beach or garden. There’s a fitness centre as well as the rooftop, open-air Sakina Ocean spa offering full-body massages using rose quartz crystals, shea and water jets, as well as a range of deep facials.

www.medinapalms.com

CHUI LODGE , Lake Naivasha

The Zwager family originally built Chui as guest accommodation for Oserian flower farm, naming it after the area’s healthy leopard population. There are eight, well-spaced luxurious cottages each with its own veranda and views of the Rift Valley escarpment and the Sanctuary. The bedrooms have magnificent four poster king size olive wood beds, roaring log fires, ensuite bathrooms and unique décor. On site is a large swimming pool overlooking the waterhole, and four course candle-lit dinners under the stars are highly recommended.

www.oserengoniwildlife.com

KOBE SUITE RESORT , Watamu

The exclusive collection of suites here are designed with both an Italian elegance and authentic Swahili flair. Garden View suites are tucked in the luscious gardens and overlook the main swimming pool of the property, while the highly-sought after sea topclass suites are sea facing. There are two swimming pools and a popular bar and restaurant which also face the sea and a wellness spa to help you relax. It’s a great base from which to explore the marine pack and enjoy an array of family-friendly activities around town.

www.kobesuiteresort.com.

ENTIM SIDAI, Nairobi

This is a serene wellness sanctuary in the heart of Karen, with a clear view of Ngong Hills. Accommodation ranges from a junior suite to a honeymoon suite and luxury villas. One of the attractions here is the spa which is surrounded by a wonderful natural forest and lush greenery, with a skylight to view the birds as they fly past. Some of their packages this month include a romantic picnic for two at Ksh 8,600, and couple’s massage plus dinner for two at Ksh 19,500.

www.entimsidai.com

OLEPANGI FARM, Timau

It has five cottages including the impressive Round House with a bedroom on its upper floor and an outdoor bathtub. The farm does all of its own water harvesting and rooms are solar powered. Each morning, step out onto the wooden floorboards on the front porch of your cottage to take in the sheer beauty of the Lolldaigas. Food is organically grown in their own garden. The decor was curated over the years by the owners on their travels, and a favourite spot is the grass thatched Party House where bohemian maximalism is at play. Horse riding is available. Resident rates from Ksh 13,500 on full board.

www.olepangifarm.com

SASAAB LODGE, Samburu

It is a place of rich natural diversity with an astounding number of animals including the ‘Samburu Special Five’. The architecture of Sasaab follows strong Moroccan design principles, in which African heat is of primary consideration. Each of the nine rooms is over 100m² with an enormous open-air bathroom and private plunge pool. From the veranda, guests can take in the remarkable views across the Laikipia Plateau toward the jagged peak of Mount Kenya. Its position on the river naturally facilitates watching the herds of elephants that come to bathe.

www.thesafaricollection.com

DIAMONDS DREAM OF AFRICA, Malindi

Thanks to their all inclusive formula, you will be able to enjoy your holiday being pampered by the professional staff at their luxury beachfront property. Here, the enchanting force of nature blends with the exotic IndoArabic architecture accented by Balinese armchairs to create a hypnotic charm. Reach out via their website for their exclusive Month of Love package which includes a 30 minute couple’s massage, one day use of the thalassotherapy salt water pools, room service breakfast, romantic room set up during turn down a romantic dinner under the stars and more.

www.dreamofafrica.diamondsresorts.com