Chez Doneo in Kilifi Creek located in Kilifi Kenya

Chez Doneo, Kilifi Creek

A thrilling new getaway perched high above Kilifi Creek, Chez Doneo is one of Kenya’s most original and imaginative private homes. Serene and secluded, unusually well-equipped and with architectural surprises galore, it’s such a fun and inspiring place to stay.

Summary

A dramatic and stylish one-of-a-kind private retreat
Extensive entertaining areas and spectacular sunset views
Eco-friendly and off-grid with landscaped gardens and grounds
Central living and entertaining room with open-plan kitchen and bar
Swimming pool with shallow end, deep end and underwater window
Spacious ‘party house’ with living, dining and bar areas and pizza oven
Accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 air-conditioned ensuite double bedrooms
The sitting room can also convert to an air-conditioned enclosed bedroom for 4 more children
Stays from $600 per night for up to 6 guests ‘bed & breakfast’

Detailed information

Key features of Chez Doneo include –

Open plan living, dining and entertaining room with open-plan kitchen and bar area
Central circular atrium with greenery open to the sky
Swimming pool with shallow and deep end and underwater viewing window
Three air-conditioned bedrooms with King-size beds and ensuite bathrooms
Two bathrooms have beautiful outdoor tubs, perfect for relaxing soaks
‘Underground’ living room with air-conditioning and pool window
Expansive ‘party house’ with living, dining and bar areas and wood-fired pizza oven
Custom Sonos surround-sound system throughout the house and outdoor spaces
Giant cargo net suspended over the music room, ideal for lounging or reading
Landscaped grounds and gardens, private path down to Kilifi Creek
Large freshwater pond which supports the garden and attracts vibrant birdlife
Spacious rooftop deck for sundowners, yoga, or star-gazing, with built-in baraza sofa seats
Direct boat access for sunset cruises or coastal excursions (tide dependent)
Stays include the services of housekeeper, chef and bartender, gardeners and night security guard

Location

Kilifi is a busy small seaside town with plenty of shops and services including a well-stocked Naivas supermarket and the Express Shop on Bofa Road which stocks more gourmet food and drinks. Here there is also a branch of Nairobi’s excellent Wine Box. All kinds of water sports and activities are available – from deep-sea fishing to snorkelling, water skiing and scuba diving – Kilifi Creek is home to 3 Degrees South Watersports Centre at the Mnarani Club, AquaVentures Dive Centre, Sunset Dhow trips and more.

Kilifi attracts ocean sailors and the creek offers a fabulous deep-water yacht anchorage and is ideal for boating and windsurfing. Larger boats can be hired from the Boatyard about a mile up the creek on the south shore, where there is a bar and restaurant. Other recommended places to eat are The Twisted Fig to the south of the town and The Food Movement in Kilifi Plantation where there are also various craft and food shops. Salty’s Kite Surfing on Bofa Beach to the north of the town also has a beach bar and cafe, and Salty’s on the Creek is a new floating bar.

Mombasa, Malindi, the ancient ruins at Gedi and the Arabuko Sokoke Forest – all make interesting day trips from Kilifi and all are within about an hour’s drive of the house. There is an excellent golf course at the Vipingo Ridge development about 30 minutes away – the course has been designed and built to the exacting USGA standard and is of international class. It has a spectacular setting, at the top of the ridge overlooking the Indian Ocean.

How to get there

By Road
Kilifi is about 90 minutes’ drive from Mombasa to the south and 60 minutes or less from Malindi to the north. The inland route from/to Mombasa Airport on the C107 and C111 is uncrowded and scenic and avoids Mombasa island.

By Air
There are 2 weekly flights on Friday and Sunday on Skyward Express from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the airstrip at Vipingo Ridge which is about 25 minutes away by road https://skywardairlines.com/

Airlines flying to Malindi and/or Mombasa from Nairobi include :–

Kenya Airways (from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) www.kenya-airways.com
Safarilink (from Wilson Airport) www.flysafarilink.com
Jambo Jet (from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) www.jambojet.com
Skyward Express (from Wilson Airport) https://skywardairlines.com/

Visitor’s Book

Rates

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation Rates

Minimum stay – 2 nights
Maximum occupancy – 6 guests
Minimum stay over Easter, Christmas and New Year (20th Dec – 5th Jan) – 5 nights
IGCSE dates -9th – 20th Oct; 4th Dec – 4th Jan; 12th – 21st Feb; 24th March – 19th April; 21st May – 1st June; 2nd July – 31st Aug

Low season rental rate (1st-31st May)

$480 per night

Standard season rental rate

$600 per night

High Season (April, Aug, Dec, Public Holidays, Easter, Festive & IGCSE Holidays (see above)

$1,000 per night

Additional children – $50 per night (up to 4)

Stays are on a ‘bed & breakfast’ basis including the services of the chef and team of staff

Additional accommodation for children/teens – available on request and at additional cost

Half-board and full-board menus available – please contact us for further information

Check in from 2pm, Check out by 10am

These rates, terms and conditions are valid for stays up until 5th January 2027

The owners require all adult guests to sign an indemnity / disclaimer form on arrival

The swimming pool is unfenced and has a deep end. The property and grounds contain open roof terraces and steep slopes and drops and staircases. Children must be closely supervised around the pool and these areas by an adult guest and should never be left unattended in any part of the property at any time.

Guests can bring a nanny or a nanny can be arranged at an additional fee.

Please contact us to make a booking

Please familiarise yourself with all the terms & conditions on our website when making a booking

Bookings can only be confirmed upon receipt of payment. Until a booking is confirmed, availability is subject to change without notice.