Courtney Scott

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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Kinondo Kwetu Inspiring interiors

Inspiring interiors

Kinondo Kwetu Mama Taa Villa

Mama Taa Villa

Kinondo Kwetu 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

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

Kinondo Kwetu Kenyan sunsets are something special

Kenyan sunsets are something special

Kinondo Kwetu Sundower ritual. Dowas, cocktails and samosas

Sundower ritual. Dowas, cocktails and samosas

Kinondo Kwetu Our room. Low-key elegance, two full bathrooms, a day bed and oceanview terrace

Our room. Low-key elegance, two full bathrooms, a day bed and oceanview terrace

Kinondo Kwetu One of two beautiful pools on the 16 acre property. All the cushions are custom made with Kenyan fabrics

One of two beautiful pools on the 16 acre property. All the cushions are custom made with Kenyan fabrics

Kinondo Kwetu Kinondo's tailor making us a custom shirt in one of the hotel's signature fabrics

Kinondo's tailor making us a custom shirt in one of the hotel's signature fabrics

Kinondo Kwetu A traditional dhow, one of the many locations where guests dine

A traditional dhow, one of the many locations where guests dine

Kinondo Kwetu The beach is long and wide. We walked it often

The beach is long and wide. We walked it often

Kinondo Kwetu The stunning yoga shala. Go for a sunrise session

The stunning yoga shala. Go for a sunrise session

Kinondo Kwetu Organic and seasonal dishes that celebrate African coastal culinary traditions on the plate

Organic and seasonal dishes that celebrate African coastal culinary traditions on the plate

Kinondo Kwetu Bush and baobabs for miles

Bush and baobabs for miles

Kinondo Kwetu The property is full of FIlip and Ida's collection of treasures...

The property is full of FIlip and Ida's collection of treasures...

Kinondo Kwetu ...and photography. It evokes the feeling of being in their home

...and photography. It evokes the feeling of being in their home

Kinondo Kwetu Whimsical cottages and ancient baobabs

Whimsical cottages and ancient baobabs

Kinondo Kwetu Fireside stargazing

Fireside stargazing

Kinondo Kwetu You can hear the distant chatter of local fisherman working the shallows

You can hear the distant chatter of local fisherman working the shallows

Kinondo Kwetu The property is delightfully off-grid. Wi-Fi is only available here in the main villa

The property is delightfully off-grid. Wi-Fi is only available here in the main villa

Kinondo Kwetu ...and cozy nooks for reading

...and cozy nooks for reading

Highs & Lows

  • The service. Unbelievable care. Personalization. Kindness

  • Sunrises and sunsets in the lookout tower

  • MALAIKA, the hotelier's own brand of kikois, beachwear and linens

  • Swahili architecture and design

  • Dawas and samosas under the baobabs. Sunday curry. Meals and aperitifs in general. A daily highlight

  • 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

  • Sunrise sessions in the yoga shala

  • 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!

Kinondo Kwetu Our room. Low-key elegance, two full bathrooms, a day bed and oceanview terrace

The Barometer

  • Design
  • Location
  • Future Forward
  • Night's Sleep
  • Service
  • Amenities
  • Takeable Treats
  • Refer a Friend
  • Overall Value
  • Life Changing
Total: 50/50
Kinondo Kwetu You can hear the distant chatter of local fisherman working the shallows

Important Bits

  • Type

    Beach Resort

  • Vibe

    Instant feeling of intangible joy, ease, and intimacy of being at home

  • 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

  • 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

  • Pre-Arrival & Arrival Experience

    A highly personalized booking and check-in process

  • 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

  • Music

    Downtempo, funk, afro, and laidback grooves always play from the main villa. Shazam'd often

  • Year Opened

    2005

  • Designed By

    Filip and Ida Andersson

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Pet Friendly

    Pets are not welcome, but native wildlife is in abundance. Bring your binoculars

  • 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

  • Booking

    Kinondo Kwetu can only be booked direct or via a travel agent

  • Price

    Worth every penny

  • Tel.

    +254 710 898 030

  • Website

    Visit website

Kinondo Kwetu

Kinondo Kwetu

Kinondo Kwetu, Diani Beach, Kenya

Tribearth

Tribearth

Diani Beach Rd (between Bazaar & Kaskazi) Diani, Kenya

MarwaCodi @ the Nomad Market

MarwaCodi @ the Nomad Market

Nomad Beach Bar & Restaurant, Diani Beach, Kenya

Pallet Cafe Diani

Pallet Cafe Diani

pallet cafe Diani, Diani Beach, Kenya

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