Kinondo Kwetu, Galu Beach, Diani
Hidden gem and home-away-from-home, Kinondo Kwetu is a sophisticated and welcoming Swedish-owned and managed boutique lodge tucked away on the secluded southern sands of Galu Beach. Utterly relaxing and sybaritic, it offers water sports and activities galore for more energetic guests.
“We have totally fallen in love with Kinondo Kwetu. We love its understated elegance, its attention to detail and its ability to offer total relaxation. The staff are the best and the food is wonderful. We will be back.”
Lucy and Ben, UK
“We found heaven on earth and spent a week in total transcendence with the sea, the soft breeze and the loveliest staff – we couldn’t have been more relaxed and happy. Our family created fantastic memories thanks to Kinondo. We will never forget this and really hope to come back.”
Josephie, Norway
“We came back to Kinondo Kwetu for our wedding anniversary and had a wonderful time. We stayed in Cottage 5 with a spectacular view of the sunrise over the ocean from our bed and wonderful sea breezes in a very comfortable and beautifully-decorated bedroom. The resort looks as beautiful as ever, with a laid-back luxury feel. All staff were very friendly and attentive but not at all overbearing. The resort is large and well laid-out so we never felt too close to other guests. The food was delicious – very fresh and with creative use of the local ingredients and flavours. We had a romantic walk along the deserted beach to look for shells at sunset, enjoyed massages by the sea cliff, an evening sauna and a beautiful morning lounging in the shade by the pool. It’s such a special place and, while we’ve enjoyed it with our kids in the past, it was also very nice to just be there as a couple. I highly recommend a visit to Kinondo Kwetu for families, couples or singles. There are a range of options for activities or for relaxing and you will feel pampered in just the right way. It’s a unique place which manages to feel highly luxurious and casual at the same time.”
Amanda, Nairobi
“We have spent most unbelievable few days in what can only be described as paradise. Kinondo Kwetu is the ultimate place to unwind and forget about the pace of real life – in fact I’m not sure we’ll ever be able to get back to speed! The team are exceptional – nothing is ever too much trouble and their friendly, professional and caring natures are a huge part of what makes this place so very special. I really hope in the future we can come back and do it all over again – this has been the best ever start to married life.”
Charlie and Francesca, UK
“I’ve been to Kinondo Kwetu twice now – once with my husband and young son, and then again with our family and my mother and sister. It is sublime – the property is stunning and decorated with tremendous taste – striking the perfect balance between considered, artful, luxurious and relaxed, warm and delightful. All the rooms our family stayed in were wonderful, each unique, full of charm and beautifully appointed. The meals are incredible! The freshest, most interesting menus, including options for any allergies and children, accompanied by great wines or inventive cocktails. For lunches and dinners, different locations are set each day which gives you a terrific experience of the entire property. The owners and the staff couldn’t be kinder or more accessible and professional. They offer a great array of activities and the boutique onsite is fantastic. I adore Kinondo Kwetu and will literally return every chance I get!”
Hilary, Nairobi
Summary
- Intimate, hospitable, atmospheric, authentic, unpackaged
- Designed and decorated in classic and characterful Swahili style
- Delicious fresh inventive cuisine and excellent service
- Two swimming pools, pool house and bar, 16 acres of uncrowded grounds
- Horse riding, tennis, yoga, sauna, gym, massage & beauty treatments
- Water sports include sailing, SUP, diving, kayaking, water-skiing, wake-boarding, fishing
- Accommodates up to 34 guests in a variety of air-conditioned bedrooms and cottages
- Rates from US$175 per resident adult ‘full board’ and US$220 ‘all inclusive’
Detailed information
Accommodation
- Reception area
- Bar, airy lounge area, breakfast terraces
- Library, boutique, guest office
Cottages (5)
- 3 double bedroom cottages
- 1 cottage with 1 double bedroom and 1 single bedroom.
- 1 family cottage with 2 double bedrooms (1 upstairs and 1 downstairs) and 1 single bedroom (downstairs)
- All cottages are ocean-facing and ocean view
- All cottages have ensuite bathrooms and private verandas
- All cottage bedrooms are air-conditioned.
Mama Taa Villa
- Flexible accommodation suitable for couples or families alike
- Lofty central living room and dining terraces
- 1 honeymoon suite
- 1 family suite
- 4 family inter-connecting bedrooms
- 2 double bedrooms
- All have ensuite bathrooms, veranda or balcony
- All bedrooms are air-conditioned
- All rooms are independent and available separately.
Mama Tina Villa
- Slightly lower-budget accommodation – ideal for teenagers sharing
- 1 double bedroom – air-conditioned with ensuite bathroom
- 2 bedrooms with interconnecting bathroom and ceiling fans
Facilities and Activities
Please contact us to confirm which facilities and activities are included in your stay, which are available at additional cost, and which are on-site or off-site
Location
Kinondo Kwetu sits in a secluded and shady 16-acre plot on the quiet southern portion of Galu Beach, around 12 kilometres south of central Diani and the Diani/Ukunda airstrip and 40 kilometres south of Mombasa Island. The property has no immediate neighbours and enjoys direct access to 250 metres of virtually private beach as well as endless adjoining sandy beaches stretching northwards and southwards, all protected by the extensive offshore reef. Kinondo Kwetu is classified as a ‘Kaya’ area (protected by the National Museums of Kenya) due to its surrounding holy forests and sacred land.
How to get there
By Air
Kinondo Kwetu is just 25 minutes’ drive from Diani/Ukunda Airstrip which has several scheduled flights each day to and from Nairobi. Airlines serving Diani/Ukunda and Nairobi include: –
- Safarilink (from Wilson Airport) www.flysafarilink.com
- Fly 540 (from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) www.fly540.com
- Jambo Jet (from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) www.jambojet.com
- Skyward Express (from Wilson Airport) www.skywardexpress.co.ke
- East African (from Wilson Airport) www.eastafrican.com
By Road
Driving time from Mombasa Island via the Likoni Ferry is around 1.5 hours and from Moi International Airport, Mombasa around 2 hours. From Nairobi the drive takes 8-9 hours.
Visitor’s Book
“We have totally fallen in love with Kinondo Kwetu. We love its understated elegance, its attention to detail and its ability to offer total relaxation. The staff are the best and the food is wonderful. We will be back.”
Lucy and Ben, UK
“We found heaven on earth and spent a week in total transcendence with the sea, the soft breeze and the loveliest staff – we couldn’t have been more relaxed and happy. Our family created fantastic memories thanks to Kinondo. We will never forget this and really hope to come back.”
Josephie, Norway
“We came back to Kinondo Kwetu for our wedding anniversary and had a wonderful time. We stayed in Cottage 5 with a spectacular view of the sunrise over the ocean from our bed and wonderful sea breezes in a very comfortable and beautifully-decorated bedroom. The resort looks as beautiful as ever, with a laid-back luxury feel. All staff were very friendly and attentive but not at all overbearing. The resort is large and well laid-out so we never felt too close to other guests. The food was delicious – very fresh and with creative use of the local ingredients and flavours. We had a romantic walk along the deserted beach to look for shells at sunset, enjoyed massages by the sea cliff, an evening sauna and a beautiful morning lounging in the shade by the pool. It’s such a special place and, while we’ve enjoyed it with our kids in the past, it was also very nice to just be there as a couple. I highly recommend a visit to Kinondo Kwetu for families, couples or singles. There are a range of options for activities or for relaxing and you will feel pampered in just the right way. It’s a unique place which manages to feel highly luxurious and casual at the same time.”
Amanda, Nairobi
“We have spent most unbelievable few days in what can only be described as paradise. Kinondo Kwetu is the ultimate place to unwind and forget about the pace of real life – in fact I’m not sure we’ll ever be able to get back to speed! The team are exceptional – nothing is ever too much trouble and their friendly, professional and caring natures are a huge part of what makes this place so very special. I really hope in the future we can come back and do it all over again – this has been the best ever start to married life.”
Charlie and Francesca, UK
“I’ve been to Kinondo Kwetu twice now – once with my husband and young son, and then again with our family and my mother and sister. It is sublime – the property is stunning and decorated with tremendous taste – striking the perfect balance between considered, artful, luxurious and relaxed, warm and delightful. All the rooms our family stayed in were wonderful, each unique, full of charm and beautifully appointed. The meals are incredible! The freshest, most interesting menus, including options for any allergies and children, accompanied by great wines or inventive cocktails. For lunches and dinners, different locations are set each day which gives you a terrific experience of the entire property. The owners and the staff couldn’t be kinder or more accessible and professional. They offer a great array of activities and the boutique onsite is fantastic. I adore Kinondo Kwetu and will literally return every chance I get!”
Hilary, Nairobi
Rates
MID SEASON: Mar 9th – July 31st & 1 Sept – Oct 16th & Nov 8th – Dec 20th Minimum 2 nights required |
Mama Tina Villa Garden Room | Cottages & Mama Taa Villa | Cottage 5, Andersson Suite & Borelius room | |||||||||
Full Board | All inclusive | Full Board | All inclusive | Full Board | All inclusive | |||||||
Price/ person sharing | $175 | $220 | $205 | $250 | $475 | $520 | ||||||
Children 3-11 years sharing with adult | $75 | $95 | $75 | $95 | $100 | $120 | ||||||
Single room occupancy | $215 | $260 | $255 | $300 | N/A | N/A | ||||||
HIGH SEASON: Jan 11th – Feb 21st, Aug & Oct 17th – Nov 7th Minimum 2 nights required |
Mama Tina Villa Garden Room | Cottages & Mama Taa Villa | Cottage 5, Andersson Suite & Borelius room | |||||||||
Full Board | All inclusive | Full Board | All inclusive | Full Board | All inclusive | |||||||
Price/ person sharing | $195 | $240 | $255 | $290 | $530 | $575 | ||||||
Children 3-11 years sharing with adult | $75 | $95 | $75 | $95 | $100 | $120 | ||||||
Single room occupancy | $215 | $290 | $315 | $360 | N/A | N/A | ||||||
CHRISTMAS & PEAK SEASON: Dec 21st – Jan 10th & 22nd Feb – Mar 8th Minimum 4 nights required |
Mama Tina Villa Garden Room | Cottages & Mama Taa Villa | Cottage 5, Andersson Suite & Borelius room | |||||||||
Full Board | All inclusive | Full Board | All inclusive | Full Board | All inclusive | |||||||
Price/ person sharing | N/A | $290 | N/A | $595 | N/A | $620 | ||||||
Children 3-11 years sharing with adult | N/A | $95 | N/A | $420 | N/A | $390 | ||||||
Single room occupancy | N/A | $365 | N/A | $790 | N/A | N/A |
- High Season and Mid Season – minimum length of stay 2 nights
- Christmas, New Year and Peak season – minimum length of stay 4 nights
- Closed season (rainy season) – from 30th April to 25th June
- Cottage 5 and Borelius Room have minimum occupancy of 2 adults and 2 children
- Full board rates include full Breakfast, Three Course Lunch & Dinner, 2 x bottled water (0,5 l) per person per day, placed in the room.
- All inclusive rates include full Breakfast, Three Course Lunch & Dinner, all drinks, beverages & house wines included. Finer wines, spirits and Champagne not included.
- Wine and Champagne corkage fee: Ksh.1,000 per bottle.
- Not included activities – air and road transfer t/f Mombasa & Ukunda , PADI center activities, kiteboard and windsurf courses, deep sea fishing, excursions with motor boats, safari to Shimba Hills Safari park, horseback riding, yoga, massage and beauty treatments – please contact us for rates for these activities.
- Check-in from 12.00pm Check-out before 10.00 am
- Early check-in and late check-out upon request – please contact us for the rates
- These rates, terms & conditions are for resident guests and valid for stays up until 10th January 2024 – please contact us for non-resident rates and for further information
- The owners require all adult guests to sign an indemnity form on arrival
- Please contact us to make a booking
- Please familiarise yourself with all our terms & conditions when making a booking
There are various different accommodation options at Kinondo Kwetu. Please contact us for availabilities.