
Why Spectacular? A relaxed and isolated boutique hotel on a beautiful, private piece of the Kenyan coast. An authentic feel and world-class hospitality.
Accommodation Summary: Divided between five well spaced, en-suite cottages and 7 suites in the Mama Taa Villa. Two swimming pools, sauna, boathouse, stables, tennis court, dive centre. All rooms have fans.
Maximum number of guests: 38
Where: Coast (South Coast, Galu)
Price Guide: £325 p.p.p.n.
Overview: We’ve visited Kinondo Kwetu more than any other property and it seems to get better each time. It comes across as understated and natural and yet to us encapsulates a perfect beach holiday. Peace and quiet; a private, unspoilt and remote stretch of white sandy beach; a relaxed pool area with few other people around; friendly and efficient staff; no set place for dining so there’s always a nice change of atmosphere with each meal; excellent food; the choice to meet new people or be reclusive; and a long list of options for how to fill your day.
There’s a lot that makes Kindono Kwetu special so it’s hard to know where to start. Perhaps its most distinguishing feature is that it is relatively small, private and in no way homogenized. Everything from its design and decorations, to its staff uniforms and food is understated and yet sophisticated. This combined with the general attitude of ‘nothing’s too much trouble’ leaves you feeling comfortable and relaxed before you know it.
So it’s in this state of mind that you begin to discover what Kinondo Kwetu has to offer and it’s a pretty extensive list.
The primary focus is undoubtedly the beach. It is a private section of white sandy beach with a very shallow sea protected by the coral reefs. It is lined with a mix of palms and indigenous trees and is quite remote, so if even if you choose to go for gentle walks away from the private section, you are unlikely to come across anyone else.
If you tire of the sea there are two swimming pools, one of which is enormous and shaped roughly like a three-leaf clover. Comfortable seating and double bed loungers are positioned not only around them, but also in various nooks and crannies throughout the lush, shady tropical gardens. These are rarely fully occupied so you never face that sense of having to secure them. Every now and again while relaxing in one, you’ll turn your head to find one of their friendly staff smiling at you and offering a freshly squeezed juice, or taking orders for any other drink you may happen to fancy.
The reputation for excellent food here is warranted and it would be hard to argue it wasn’t the best on the Coast. What’s particularly nice however is the variety of options available for where to eat; be it in the privacy of your balcony; as a group in the shade of a tree by the beach; on the beach itself; or even at the top of a water tower overlooking the distant hills.
The accommodation itself is scattered around the grounds and built so as to be in keeping with the setting. Lots of natural wood and thatched roofs.
Every room and cottage has its own personalised character, as it is furnished and decorated with Swahili culture handicraft and antiquities, completing an overall sense of authenticity.
You’re free to do as much or as little as you like here but if it’s activities you’re after there are plenty. Amongst other things they offer snorkelling, SCUBA diving, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, kite surfing and tennis. They also have a stable with a selection of horses to suit any standard. If you tire of that perhaps the time has come for a soothing spa treatment, a number of which are available including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and believe it or not they even have a wood-burning sauna.
Despite having all the facilities of a resort it remains an intimate, charming, chic hotel with a warm and genuine atmosphere that makes you feel welcome. A pretty good combination we’re sure you’ll agree.
Sustainable Rating: 
Founded the Kinondo Kwetu Medical Clinic, sponsors for Kinondo Kwetu Primary School, and created the “Kinondo Kwetu Sponsorship Programme”. Also sponsors of the Whale Shark Trust, which operates locally.
