Kinondo Kwetu, south of Galu Beach
Upmarket boutique resort on a quiet stretch of beach on Kenya’s south coast – great for those looking for downtime or an active holiday
Layout
Kinondo Kwetu is a large, sprawling property with a range of small sea-facing cottages, private rooms in the main villa, as well as the Alex house, the owners’ holiday home that is rented out when they are not in situ. The property is unique in having its own horses for hacks, and has a large swimming pool, as well as a smaller, honeymooner pool for those seeking quiet time. The hotel sits on a smallish, quiet stretch of beach next door to Galu beach.
Rooms
Rooms are tastefully furnished with traditional Swahili furniture – Lamu-style beds, and tea estate-esque loungers. Even in the main villa, the rooms are pretty private. There are five cottages (three doubles, and two family cottages), the Mama Tina villa (3 bedrooms), Alex House (a private house with four bedrooms) and the main villa with eight rooms, including a honeymoon suite, all sold separately. All rooms have A/C.
A central lounge area is furnished with antiques and local knick knacks.
Dining
Food is one of the high points at Kinondo – the chef whips up a gourmet set meals every day, including fish, lobster, or fillet steak, and guests can enjoy delicious bitings with their drinks. On Sundays, they hold a curry lunch. Guests are moved around to different locations for dinner during their stay.
Activities
The array of activities on offer is very appealing and includes boat trips to the islands of Wasini and Funzi, a shorter trip on a traditional trimaran (great fun for kids, who can get towed along by the boat rigging), sea kayaking, waterskiing, not to mention regular yoga sessions. Experienced horse riders can go for a 90-minute ride along Galu beach or they also offer shorter walks up the beach for beginners and small children. There are two horses available for guests currently, with a third for the guide. If the heat doesn’t put you off, you can have a game of tennis on their floodlit court (racquets and balls provided), or try some of their games, such as boules. The large swimming pool is also a big focal point, and they have shaded day beds dotted around the edge. They also offer the customary spa treatments, such as massage and mani/pedicures.
Upsides
Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s a cost they can fully justify with the unique offerings of a well-run resort with bags of privacy and style to boot. Without a doubt, one of the loveliest hotels on the south coast.
Downsides
The Alex House (bedroom pictured above), while lovely, has a different feel to the rest of the lodge - it is more modern, less classical, in style, perhaps with a nod to its Swedish owners. Not a downside, per se, but worth knowing if you're looking for more of a Swahili vibe.
Location
The lodge is on a small stretch of beach south of Galu. It is about 15 minutes from the Diani shops, and 10 minutes from the waterspouts centre at Kenyaways.
Pricing
FB rates vary from 20,500 pp per night for the cottages to 52,500 pp per night for a larger cottage or superior room. The Alex House costs Ksh 44,000 per night with a mandatory full-board supplement of Ksh 6,500 per adult and Ksh 4,500 per child.
www.kinondo-kwetu.com
info@kinondo-kwetu.com
Tel: 0710 898 030
Layout
Kinondo Kwetu is a large, sprawling property with a range of small sea-facing cottages, private rooms in the main villa, as well as the Alex house, the owners’ holiday home that is rented out when they are not in situ. The property is unique in having its own horses for hacks, and has a large swimming pool, as well as a smaller, honeymooner pool for those seeking quiet time. The hotel sits on a smallish, quiet stretch of beach next door to Galu beach.
Rooms
Rooms are tastefully furnished with traditional Swahili furniture – Lamu-style beds, and tea estate-esque loungers. Even in the main villa, the rooms are pretty private. There are five cottages (three doubles, and two family cottages), the Mama Tina villa (3 bedrooms), Alex House (a private house with four bedrooms) and the main villa with eight rooms, including a honeymoon suite, all sold separately. All rooms have A/C.
A central lounge area is furnished with antiques and local knick knacks.
Dining
Food is one of the high points at Kinondo – the chef whips up a gourmet set meals every day, including fish, lobster, or fillet steak, and guests can enjoy delicious bitings with their drinks. On Sundays, they hold a curry lunch. Guests are moved around to different locations for dinner during their stay.
Activities
The array of activities on offer is very appealing and includes boat trips to the islands of Wasini and Funzi, a shorter trip on a traditional trimaran (great fun for kids, who can get towed along by the boat rigging), sea kayaking, waterskiing, not to mention regular yoga sessions. Experienced horse riders can go for a 90-minute ride along Galu beach or they also offer shorter walks up the beach for beginners and small children. There are two horses available for guests currently, with a third for the guide. If the heat doesn’t put you off, you can have a game of tennis on their floodlit court (racquets and balls provided), or try some of their games, such as boules. The large swimming pool is also a big focal point, and they have shaded day beds dotted around the edge. They also offer the customary spa treatments, such as massage and mani/pedicures.
Upsides
Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s a cost they can fully justify with the unique offerings of a well-run resort with bags of privacy and style to boot. Without a doubt, one of the loveliest hotels on the south coast.
Downsides
The Alex House (bedroom pictured above), while lovely, has a different feel to the rest of the lodge - it is more modern, less classical, in style, perhaps with a nod to its Swedish owners. Not a downside, per se, but worth knowing if you're looking for more of a Swahili vibe.
Location
The lodge is on a small stretch of beach south of Galu. It is about 15 minutes from the Diani shops, and 10 minutes from the waterspouts centre at Kenyaways.
Pricing
FB rates vary from 20,500 pp per night for the cottages to 52,500 pp per night for a larger cottage or superior room. The Alex House costs Ksh 44,000 per night with a mandatory full-board supplement of Ksh 6,500 per adult and Ksh 4,500 per child.
www.kinondo-kwetu.com
info@kinondo-kwetu.com
Tel: 0710 898 030
Proudly powered by Weebly