The place
It would be hard to imagine a more perfect location for a luxury Kenyan beach lodge than the site of Alfajiri Cliff Villa. It’s high enough above Diani Beach to afford us superb views out over the Indian Ocean, but close enough that we can hear every whisper of the waves.
Graceful palm trees – as tall as the villa itself – sway in the maritime breeze, while an endless ribbon of white sand stretches away in each direction, as far as the eye can see.
Gazing in the direction of the sunrise, the next landfall would be the scattered islands of the Seychelles; if we missed those, it would be Indonesia. Inland of our seaside hideaway, Shimba Hills National Reserve provides sanctuary to elephant and other wildlife, while passing schools of dolphin draw our eyes out to sea. Thanks to the long, low coral reef, the warm water in front of our villa is smooth, glassy and very inviting.
The room
My partner and I have the turret suite, with its wraparound windows giving us a phenomenal 270° view of the ocean. Below us – ‘like layers in a family trifle’, as my son delightedly exclaims – are two double bedrooms on the first floor, occupied by my parents and my sister and her partner. The ground floor twin room has been a hubbub of activity since we arrived, as it does its best to contain two energetic, not-quite-10-year-old cousins.
I love our suite best at dawn, when the first sunbeams of the day pour into it, and palm shadows are splayed across the canopy-style ceiling. Each room in Alfajiri Cliff Villa is different, but the decor themes unite them just as this trip is bringing us even closer together as a family.
Hand-carved furniture made by local carpenters sits harmoniously side-by-side with lamps and fabrics sourced from India and Morocco – a reminder of the trading links that the Swahili Coast has long enjoyed with far-off lands. A knock at the antique Lamu door announces our butler, letting us know that our al fresco seafood barbeque is ready.
Having exclusive use of the Alfajiri Cliff Villa gives your family members the opportunity to enjoy the Kenyan coast at their own pace and in their own way. No matter the difference in ages or interests, attentive staff ensure that every generation is catered to, and, in the case of younger travellers, kept amused.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Alfajiri Villas
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THIS PAGE: Every meal at Alfajiri Cliff Villa comes with a side of sea view.
OPPOSITE: Alfajiri Cliff Villa is right on the water's edge.
by Nick Galpine