Review: Beachfront bliss at Wild Lamu Jahazi House
Location: It doesn’t get much more tranquil than Kizingoni Beach, the stretch of sand that forms the backdrop to Wild Lamu Jahazi House. This exclusive-use villa can be found off Kenya’s northeast coast on the southern edge of Lamu island, the oldest Swahili settlement in East Africa. Lamu is completely car-free, and the island’s few roads take the form of narrow, stone streets, so the easiest way for clients to access Jahazi House is by water. It’s about a 25-minute boat ride from Manda Airport, where guests can arrive via charter flight from the Maasai Mara or scheduled SafariLink service from Nairobi.
First impressions: Our boat putters to a stop and we clamber out into the shallows as members of the Jahazi team greet us with big grins and a tangible sense of excitement. A few steps are all it takes to bring us from the shore to the wooden archway at the front of the property, where colourful petals and shells have been arranged on the sand to spell ‘welcome’. Small touches like this have the power to make a trip that little bit more special, and this warm welcome sets the tone for the rest of our extraordinary stay at Jahazi. The villa is gorgeously designed and minimalist in style, with lots of white walls, clean edges and neutral tones that pay homage to its tranquil, laid-back setting.
The facts: Jahazi House is the newest addition to the portfolio of properties operated by conservationfocused brand Collection in the Wild, which also owns two lodges in the Maasai Mara. At the crest of Kizingoni Beach and with only a couple of other commercial properties nearby, the villa strikes the perfect balance of being quietly luxurious and unmistakably homely, with plenty of secluded corners for guests to enjoy a peaceful moment – my personal favourite is the swinging daybeds that look out across the ocean. Jahazi House’s main building is centred around a serene inner courtyard and pool, which is surrounded by four en suite bedrooms. On the floor above, guests will find two further en suite rooms and a vast open-air living space equipped with a bar, dining area and sofas, crowned by a terrace that acts as the ultimate sunset-watching spot. Elsewhere, there’s another pool, outdoor dining area, private boat house and pickleball court.
Ideal for: Families and small groups seeking an extra-special addition to their Kenya itinerary. Collection in the Wild founders Tarquin and Lippa Wood made the decision to branch out from only operating properties in the Maasai Mara to give guests the opportunity to combine the activity of the bush with the calm of the coast, and I couldn’t imagine a more idyllic setting to unwind after an epic safari holiday than Jahazi House.
Explore: The towns of Lamu and Shela are short boat rides away and offer a fascinating window into the history of this storied isle. Lamu Town is a Unesco World Heritage Site, made up of a maze of alleyways, stone buildings and colourful corners, which are best explored with a guide otherwise visitors risk getting lost in the labyrinthine lanes. Over in Shela, affluent travellers will enjoy browsing the range of high-end boutiques and visiting beloved dining and drinking spot Peponi Hotel set on the seafront. From the villa, boat trips can also be arranged for soothing rides through the mangroves or to the neighbouring sandbank for sundowners.
Wow: On our last night, no effort is spared to give us the most memorable finale to our stay, and our time in Kenya. Details for our dinner arrangements have been kept under wraps until the sun goes down and we’re ushered out onto the beach, where a series of arches woven with palm leaves and fuchsia petals lead to a beautifully laid table surrounded by flame-lit lanterns and a crackling fire. With only the sound of the waves and the gentle evening breeze, we toast to the end of a once-in-a-lifetime trip – concluded in a truly special way.
Book it: All-inclusive nightly rates start from $4,500 for up to six guests.
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