For

For
Out of
Africa elegance with an extra helping of luxury, Hemingway’s will make all your
linen-shirt-wearing, rum-swilling dreams come true. Named after
Ernest Hemingway’s account of his romp across the Serengeti, Green
Hills of Africa, this hotel is one of the chicest stays in Nairobi
and scores top points when it comes to catering to your every whim.
With a bespoke butler service, expect to be spoilt rotten as they
serve you tailor-made afternoon tea and even pack your suitcase for
you upon departure.

This palace – sorry, hotel – also forms the perfect bridge
between urban
retreat and
savannah hideaway. It’s only 15 minutes from the city centre,
but is also just 20km away from Nairobi National Park. When not out
on safari, explore nearby
neighbourhoods before chilling out by the
pool with a stack of magazines or indulging in a personalised
spa treatment – we’re suckers for
the coconut, cinnamon and coffee body scrubs – followed by a bouncy
blow dry. Then it’s straight to the terrace to take in the fiery
African sunset (mango chilli mojito in hand to match, of
course).

Rooms

The hotel is made up of 45 suites with sky-high, wood-beamed
ceilings. Canopy beds and terraces overlooking the Ngong Hills will
make you feel as though you are staying at your own private game
lodge, while the massive en-suite
bathrooms feel exquisitely civilised. The brightly coloured studded
travel trunks and panelled walk-in closets also add colonial
sophistication to each room, with the overall result of making you
feel like you’re on a 1920s Goyard-sponsored safari.

What’s for breakfast?

Served at the hotel’s Brasserie
restaurant, free-range goodies locally sourced from Kenyan
farms are on offer both à la carte and buffet-style. Seasonal fruit
and eggs Florentine are served alongside freshly squeezed juices
and homemade pastries, while the house promises that “nothing is
too much trouble to prepare” if you can’t find what you’re looking
for on the menu. Go wild.

How about lunch and dinner?

Also served at the Brasserie, lunch and dinner can be taken in
the striking dining room or out on the terrace overlooking the
hills. Burgers, hearty salads and sandwiches are perfect for
refuelling after a gruelling morning at the spa, while the
extensive dinnertime options range from homemade gnocchi and lamb
kofta to Watamu prawn masala and ginger crab.

For groups of up to eight, the winecellar
can also be reserved for private dining with a tasting menu. And
when we say everything is on offer, we really mean it – there’s
even the option of vegan afternoon tea on the terrace. Your wish is
their command.

Is there a bar?

Absolutely. Hemingway’s Bar is one of the central sparkling
jewels in this hotel’s crown. The elegant marble room dotted with
leather couches and a fireplace spills out onto a stunning columned
balcony overlooking the hills, and both are ideal for sipping on a
martini while swapping the day’s safari sightings.

Amenities

This hotel’s anthem truly seems to be “Hakuna Matata”, so throw
your worries straight out of the window and allow your butler, spa
therapist and personal trainers to take care of everything from the
minute you set foot on the estate. Enjoy the swimming pool, spa,
fully-equipped gym and bar in total serenity.

Things you should know

While Karen, the suburb the hotel is located in, is one of the
most affluent in town, it’s wise to leave your urban explorations
to daylight hours.

Within a short walk you can find…

The Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the Danish author of
Out of Africa, as well as multiple destinations for animal
enthusiasts such as the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the
Giraffe Centre. Looking to enjoy the sunshine? Head to the Karen
Country Club, just five minutes away and located on Karen Blixen’s
old coffee estate. Make sure to check out Karen’s local shops for
traditional Kenyan crafts and gorgeous jewellery as well.

Rooms from £580 per night including breakfast and
personalised butler service. For more information on
visiting Kenya, go to www.magicalkenya.com.