Kinondo Kwetu

Where:
Diani Beach, Kenya
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.

Inspiring interiors

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

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

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!

The Barometer

Design
Location
Future Forward
Night's Sleep
Service

Amenities
Takeable Treats
Refer a Friend
Overall Value
Life Changing

Total: 50/50

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, 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.

Kinondo Kwetu