Retreats with Swimming Pools
Ekorian’s Mugie Camp, Mugie Conservancy, Laikipia
Ekorian's Mugie Camp provides our favourite kind of safari experience - small-scale, authentic, uncrowded and family-friendly. The only camp in the 22,000-acre Mugie Conservancy, it offers a warm and personal welcome, attractive accommodation, excellent guiding and a wide range of fun and adventurous activities.
Mdoroni, Kilifi – Behewa House
Airy and atmospheric Behewa House is built around a cooling central courtyard and looks out to sea across the mouth of Kilifi Creek. Usually combined with neighbouring Pehoni House, with which it shares colourful gardens with ancient baobabs, lovely swimming pool and private beach access, the two houses together are perfect for larger family groups.
Mdoroni, Kilifi – Pehoni House
An elegant, comfortable and calm four bedroom house in an enviable position overlooking the mouth of Kilifi Creek. Usually combined with neighbouring Behewa House, with which it shares colourful gardens with ancient baobabs, a lovely swimming pool and private beach access, the two houses together are perfect for larger family groups.
The Dhow House, Kilifi
A really attractive and spacious clifftop home, peacefully situated within Kilifi Plantation between Kilifi and Takaungu, the Dhow House is a lovely private place to stay, relax and recharge. Enjoy cooling ocean breezes, a stunning infinity pool and a private tunnel down to your own deserted beach.
Olerai House, North Lake, Naivasha
One of Naivasha and Kenya’s best kept secrets – an intimate, welcoming and characterful boutique lodge set within the magical Olerai Sanctuary – 300 beautiful rewilded lakeside acres teeming with wildlife. It’s hard to imagine a more relaxing or authentic near-to-Nairobi retreat.
Nderit House, Kilifi
An elegant, sophisticated and imposing family home, recently extended, refurbished and redecorated to the highest standards, Nderit House sits in a breezy clifftop position overlooking the entrance to Kilifi Creek – it is the perfect place for a luxurious and relaxing break at the coast.
The Oaseas, Shale Bay, Malindi
A lovely, unique and imaginatively-designed private home, The Oaseas sits beside 5 miles of unspoilt sandy beach on beautiful Shale Bay. Peace, seclusion and relaxation are guaranteed here - with all the attractions of Malindi less than 30 minutes away.
Villa Ballu, Kilifi
A really inviting and deservedly popular beach house, Villa Ballu combines smart, spacious and airy accommodation with attractive tropical gardens, a lovely swimming pool and direct private access to the uncrowded white sands of Kilifi’s Bofa Beach.
Marula Cottage, Galu Beach, Diani
A stylish and well-equipped contemporary beach bungalow with plunge pool and air-conditioned bedrooms just steps away from beautiful and quiet Galu Beach, Marula Cottage is the perfect laid-back beach retreat for one or two couples or a small family.
Marula House, Galu Beach, Diani
A lovely bright and stylish new house with swimming pool set back from the uncrowded white sands of Galu Beach, Marula House has air-conditioned bedrooms, spacious and flexible accommodation and makes the ideal beach retreat for families with children.
Olmaroroi House, Rift Valley, Ngong
A magnificent new private retreat looking out across the Rift Valley, Olmaroroi House makes the perfect near-to-Nairobi getaway for anyone longing for space, peace and luxury. Relax and enjoy dramatic landscapes, panoramic views, stylish and expansive accommodation and a spectacular swimming pool.
The Olerai Studio, North Lake, Naivasha
A delightful, colourful and spacious 2-bedroom cottage set within the beautiful 300-acre Olerai Sanctuary on the northern shore of Lake Naivasha, this former artist's studio is surrounded by nature and wildlife and makes the perfect private escape from the city for a couple or family.
The Olerai Dairy, North Lake, Naivasha
A bright, welcoming and very roomy 3-bedroom home-from-home recently and lovingly converted from the original dairy on the beautiful lakeside Olerai Sanctuary. The Dairy is filled with hospitality, comfort and charm and the extensive grounds are home to a huge wealth and variety of animal and birdlife.
Beach House, Shela Village, Lamu
This magnificent 5-bedroom private home sits in a commanding position above Shela beach, enjoys wonderful ocean views from its beautiful gardens, roof terraces and dramatic infinity pool and makes the perfect luxurious holiday retreat for 12-14 guests.
Kilamawingu House, Shela Village, Lamu
An exceptionally charming, spacious and beautifully-furnished family house with swimming pool, set in lovely gardens close to the seafront in Shela village, Kilamawingu is one of the most characterful, luxurious and well-appointed places to stay on the island.
The Little River Camp at El Karama Lodge, Laikipia
A luxurious and intimate new addition to Laikipia's acclaimed El Karama Lodge, the Little River Camp consists of two spacious riverside cottages with their own private living and dining room. It makes a perfect bush retreat for one or two couples or a small family.
House in the Wild, Maasai Mara
An intimate and welcoming boutique lodge tucked away within the 1000-acre private Naretoi Estate on the edge of the Maasai Mara Reserve, House in the Wild sits on the banks of the Mara River within the award-winning Enonkishu Conservancy, which provides excellent game viewing and an abundance of safari and community activities.
The Moon Houses, Shela Village, Lamu
A delightful collection of neighbouring and interconnecting houses set close to the seafront in Shela Village. All are historic and charming, furnished with local antiques and built in traditional Swahili style. Each can be rented individually – or together with one or more of the adjoining properties.
Coral House, Kilifi
Coral House features five air-conditioned bedrooms, a courtyard pool, spectacular ocean views and direct access to Kilifi’s lovely and deserted Bofa Beach. Ideal for a pleasurable and relaxing break at the coast, Coral House can be rented together with neighbouring Toriana House to accommodate up to 30 guests in carefree comfort.
Toriana, Kilifi
One of the largest and most luxurious private houses on the Kenya coast, Toriana is built in grand Swahili Arabic style and set in four acres of lovely oceanfront grounds overlooking Kilifi’s beautiful and unspoilt Bofa Beach. Toriana is the perfect coastal escape for large families, groups of friends or professional retreats.
Kuni Jogoo House, Kizingoni Beach, Lamu
A really stylish, spacious and secluded retreat overlooking the beautiful deserted sands of Lamu’s Kizingoni Beach, Kuni Jogoo is the perfect place for a luxurious and carefree getaway with family and friends. Enjoy the 9-metre pool, lovely ocean views and the use of speedboat with captain.
Lucita Farm Cottage 2, Lake Naivasha
The larger of two lovely new guest cottages set in beautiful shady gardens on the southern shore of Lake Naivasha which come complete with swimming pool and floodlit tennis court. Comfortable, private, furnished with taste and style and perfect for a self-contained and relaxing escape from Nairobi.
Susie’s Camp, Naivasha
A spacious, intimate and luxurious new private camp set between Lake Naivasha and Mount Longonot. The huge and beautifully-appointed safari tents and lovely swimming pool at Kianga Private Camp make a welcoming and memorable bush retreat for one or two couples or a small family.
Azhari Beach Suite, Diani
A unique and luxurious cottage for two set in lovely tropical gardens just steps from the Indian ocean and one of Africa’s most beautiful beaches, Azhari is the ideal private romantic retreat for couples and honeymooners. Relax and enjoy stunning sea views, a private plunge pool and refreshing jungle shower.
Watamu Treehouse, Watamu
A haven of hospitality and healthy living and the perfect place for a happy and harmonious break at the beach, Watamu’s unique and celebrated Treehouse sits amid ancient coastal forest and enjoys direct access to the beautiful empty sands and warm waters of Turtle Bay and the Marine Park.
Inshalla House, Diani Beach
A luxurious and superbly-equipped family home on Diani’s gorgeous white-sand beach, Inshalla House is filled with history, charm and style. Delicious full-board accommodation plus excellent management and staff make a stay here a totally pleasurable, carefree and relaxing experience.
Koros Camp, South Horr, Marsabit
A rustic and luxurious private camp in a genuinely remote and unspoilt location, Koros Camp is the perfect off-the-beaten-track retreat for the intrepid traveller, and the ideal base from which to explore Lake Turkana, the Chalbi Desert and the wilds of Northern Kenya.
Matalai Cottage, Watamu
A stylish and unusually well-equipped new beach house with three air-conditioned double bedrooms, a plunge pool upstairs and a swimming pool downstairs, Matalai Cottage sits above Turtle Bay and Watamu Marine Park and enjoys gorgeous Indian Ocean views.
Mundui House, Lake Oloiden, Naivasha
One of East Africa’s most historic private homes which once played host to visitors such as Ernest Hemingway and Winston Churchill, Mundui House sits on the shores of Naivasha’s Lake Oloiden within its own private 2000-acre wildlife conservancy.
Ahana Villa, Galu Beach, Diani
A palatial new home which sits in a commanding position overlooking beautiful Galu Beach, Ahana Villa blends Swahili, Indian and Arabian architecture to incredible effect. The house is beautifully finished and luxuriously equipped and boasts a spectacular 25-metre swimming pool.
Banana Farmhouse, Tigoni
A charming, traditional and welcoming family home situated less than 20 kilometres from central Nairobi; Banana Farmhouse sits in 25 acres of beautiful and unspoilt green countryside, complete with expansive views, Jersey cows and a lovely large swimming pool.
El Karama Lodge, Laikipia
The hidden gem of Laikipia – El Karama is an award-winning, intimate, family-friendly wildlife lodge with exceptional game viewing and swimming pool. Guests have access to 14,000 acres of private bush land with a huge variety and quantity of birds, mammals, trees and plants.
Acacia House and Mara House, Maasai Mara
Two luxurious private houses with swimming pool in the heart of the bush, Acacia House and Mara House offer a very exclusive safari experience well away from the crowds. Generous all-inclusive rates include game drives with vehicle and qualified guide and all kinds of other safari activities.
Ibambe House, Watamu
A stunning new beachfront villa with five spacious bedrooms and lovely large freeform pool set in tropical gardens above Turtle Bay and the Watamu Marine Park. Ibambe House is luxurious, welcoming, well-appointed and the perfect place for a carefree family break at the coast.
Diani House, Diani Beach
A highly-recommended boutique guest house on one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the whole of Africa. Attentive hosts, excellent staff, delicious cooking and charming colonial-style accommodation make Diani House a memorable and relaxing home-from-home at the coast.
Samawati House, Msambweni
A traditional Arabesque house with swimming pool in a stunning and secluded beachfront setting, Samawati House sits on a part of Kenya’s southern coast largely untouched by tourism – and makes a the perfect, peaceful, away-from-it-all family retreat.
Lucita Farm Cottage 1, Lake Naivasha
The smaller of two lovely new guest cottages set in beautiful shady gardens on the southern shore of Lake Naivasha which come complete with swimming pool and floodlit tennis court. Comfortable, private, furnished with taste and style and perfect for a self-contained and relaxing escape from Nairobi.
Kamili Cottage, Kilifi
A delightful, very private and peaceful holiday home ideal for couples or small families, Kamili Cottage sits in 1.5 acres of lush tropical gardens to the south of Kilifi Creek. Enjoy the inviting swimming pool, air-conditioned bedrooms and direct access to a secluded sandy beach cove.
The Cabanas at Kizingoni Beach, Lamu
Remote, romantic and highly relaxing – a collection of new 1 and 2 bedroom beach cottages with pool specially designed for couples and honeymooners, the Cabanas share the same exceptional standards of comfort and hospitality as the Kizingoni Beach houses.
Shwari House, Watamu
One of the loveliest and most luxurious private homes on the Kenyan coast, Shwari House sits in a commanding position above Turtle Bay Beach with wonderful Indian Ocean views. A really spacious, sophisticated and relaxing house, there are few better places for a blissful and carefree break at the beach.
The Private House at Takaungu, Kilifi
A special, characterful and affordable house in one of the quietest and most unspoilt spots on the Kenyan coast with a freshwater pool and direct access to a near-private beach. Wonderful ocean views, delightful staff, peace and seclusion make this a really memorable coastal retreat.
Tomuru Villa, Watamu
A highly-recommended beachfront house with direct access to beautiful Turtle Bay and Watamu Marine Park, Tomuru Villa has four double bedrooms, a lovely swimming pool and makes the perfect seaside retreat for one or two families or a group of friends.
The Old Boma, Mikindani, Tanzania
One of Tanzania’s best kept secrets, and one of the most unusual and charming places to stay on the entire East African coast. The Old Boma, a magnificent German fort dating from 1895, has been handsomely restored to create a smart 9-bedroom hotel in a remote, fascinating and little-visited location.
Betty’s Suite, Shela Village, Lamu
Betty’s Suite is a perfect and highly romantic 1-bedroom retreat for couples and honeymooners. Just steps away from Shela’s seafront and beach, it enjoys lovely views across the Lamu channel from its own private roof terrace and elevated infinity pool.
Neem House, Malindi
A huge Swahili mansion in a breezy elevated position close to the ocean, Neem House is packed with history, character and charm. It sits in shady gardens with swimming pool just 350 metres from Malindi’s beautiful sandy beaches and is the perfect coastal getaway for large family groups.
Ol Popongi Camp, Kedong, Naivasha
A beautiful and well-equipped private tented camp with swimming pool, Ol Popongi is a lovely and highly relaxing destination in itself - as well as the ideal base from which to explore and enjoy all the attractions of Lake Naivasha, Mount Longonot and Hell’s Gate National Park.
Mukima House, Nanyuki, Laikipia
A beautifully-restored 75-year old mansion in its own 360-acre private conservancy, magnificent Mukima House is the perfect setting for a house party or wedding, the ideal base from which to experience some of Kenya’s most spectacular scenery and wildlife, and a wonderfully luxurious and relaxing destination in its own right.
Forodhani House, Shela Village, Lamu
A spectacular 5-bedroom house in one of the best positions on the island, Forodhani sits close to Peponi Hotel at the very start of the island’s wonderful 8-mile beach. Stylish, sought-after and with wonderful sea views, it is one of the loveliest places to stay on the Kenyan coast.
Kamili House, Kilifi
Quite simply one of the most gorgeous and welcoming private homes in the whole of East Africa, beautiful Kamili House sits in two acres of landscaped tropical gardens on the cliffs to the south of Kilifi Creek - complete with ancient baobabs, expansive ocean views, an irresistible infinity pool and direct access to a private sandy beach.
