14 July, 2017
Originally
the owners’ private home which they converted in
2004, House of Waine is a family-run
boutique hotel which exudes a spirit of conviviality and homely
hospitality. In-keeping with this close-knit atmosphere, the décor
is inspired by the matriarch’s timeless elegance and uses fantastic
local textiles to make it both chic and inviting. Set within 2.5
private acres, the luscious palm tree-dotted estate offers ideal
seclusion for chilled-out poolside smoothies while being located
right in the middle of Nairobi‘s
upmarket suburb, Karen. Spend the afternoon getting lost in the
tropical gardens before cooling off with a homemade mango juice
under an umbrella on the villa’s terrace, lined with ivy-strewn
balustrades.
Exclusivity is the name of the game here. With only 11 bedrooms,
the hotel ensures that it caters to guests’ individual needs
through ultra-attentive service and unique designs in each room.
Each has a different theme to conjure up the atmosphere of a
safari, a lakeside retreat or even a Victorian home complete
with a four-poster bed, fireplace and claw-foot bathtub.
The malaika suite – designed by the mother of the house and also
known as the “grand dame – is the most impressive, with a canopy
bed, expansive sitting area, dressing room and private terrace. The
rooms are also revamped annually, showcasing the importance given
to TLC here. You’ll never feel too far from nature in these
boudoirs either; bright sunshine spills through massive windows,
fresh flowers are regularly brought in and all of the toiletries
are
eco-friendly.
Breakfast is served in the elegant dining room, but if you’d
prefer to enjoy your fruit parfait amid palm fronds with a cool
breeze, we suggest heading to the terrace or
pool.
Both are available in the residents-only dining room as well as
on the terrace, with daily menu rotations of super fresh selections
such as red snapper.
Yes, but we prefer to snag our glass of
South African Riesling here and head out to the gorgeous gazebo
by the pool – sundowner heaven.
The swimming pool and grounds are serious highlights, as are the
thoughtful staff. As for the rooms, we could spend hours on end in
the deep bathtubs set in marble. But our absolute favourite detail
has got to be the daily dose of milk and cookies delivered straight
to your room.
While Karen and Lang’ata, the surrounding suburbs, are quite
safe during the day, avoid walking around at night.
Nairobi’s giraffe centre, created to protect endangered
Rothschild’s giraffes, is just 3km away from the hotel (although we
recommend taking a taxi to get there). Wilson Airport is also
nearby and is a main departure and arrival point for small planes
headed for safari camps.
Rooms from £300 per person a night on a bed and breakfast
basis. For more information on visiting Kenya, go to
www.magicalkenya.com.
