Kinondo Kwetu: the Swahili-style boutique beach resort

Come to Kinondo Kwetu for barefoot luxury set among sacred Kaya forest on the Swahili Coast. All the resort’s villas and cottages are dotted around the grounds and cooled by a natural sea breeze. It’s a bit Robinson Crusoe with thatched roofs and wooden ladders, all set among the trees. There’s no TV or Wifi in the rooms so it’s a real digital detox, yet you’ll enjoy five-star features like a yoga deck, spa, tennis courts and two pools. I was just blown away by the property.

What’s really special about Kinondo Kwetu is its location. It’s set between the white sands of Galu Beach and ancient Kaya forest land which is filled with birdlife and monkeys. The local Kinondo people believe their ancestors live among the trees – you may even see them holding ceremonies and rituals in the forest. You’re spoilt with views of the Indian Ocean and since the cove is cut off by a headland, it’s like you’re on a private beach. Turtles even come here to lay their eggs at certain times of the year.

The boutique beach retreat is owned by a Swedish family related to Baron Blixen, who was the husband of Out of Africa author Karen Blixen. However, it’s designed in Swahili style, with lots of African art, hand-carved furniture and paintings. Every room is unique and each night, you’ll dine in a different, secluded location; it could be on the beach, in the forest or in your villa, with plenty of fresh seafood on offer.

One of my favourite things about Kinondo Kwetu is the personal service. Concierge can arrange all of your activities, whether you want to snorkel in the Marine National Park, go on a game drive in the nearby Shimba Hills National Park or take a whale-watching trip. There are stables too, so you can go horse riding on the beach and there’s also an on-site dive centre. The water is amazingly clear and the sand is sugar-white – it’s just a fantastic place to relax at the end of a Kenyan safari.