East African Coast
East Africa is entirely unique when it comes to its coastline. Many people have become accustomed to the cutting edge design and minimalism which is very much the trademark of the Maldives, much of Mauritius and some of the Seychelles establishments. Only the very best will do, in every respect, meaning that they invariably have world class spas attached to them with Philippe Starck accessories.... These are, very often, hotels in every sense of the word.
East Africa tends to be the antithesis of all of this. The norm is understated, 'barefoot' luxury and bliss, where so often the cottages (or "bandas") are made out of local materials (palm matting and thatching), with no windows and doors and the gloriously warm Indian Ocean becomes your giant swimming pool. The days are spent walking, reading on your Arab daybeds or in hammocks, searching for shells, perhaps doing a spot of fishing in the mangrove swamps (deep sea fishing for the more ambitious), kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving in a completely uncontrived environment and, often, at places where there are very few guests.
But there is nothing remotely basic here except one's tendencies to revert to nature! The food tends to be unsurpassed, always a fresh catch of the day - lobster, crab or the most magnificent fish.
No matter how deep one's pocket, one will always find the world's most "well heeled" returning to these East African hideaways simply to get away from western trappings; places where one can regain the qualities one appreciates in life. Kiwayu and Funzi Keys both reflect these qualities whilst, for those seeking a bit of Bohemian chic, Peponis is the obvious choice in Lamu. We also have some wonderful private villas in Lamu, with their own swimming pools which is perfect for famillies and friends travelling together. On the Kenyan coast, we have some wonderful new properties that have recently opened, plus the most magnificent villas in the form of Alfajiri, where olive oil, wine and cheese is flown in from Italy. In Tanzania, we find Matemwe Bungalows and Mnemba in Zanzibar offer these qualities in different styles, whilst Fundu Lagoon, on Pemba, has been cited as one of the top ten diving spots in the world. Ras Ku Tani, on the Tanzanian mainland, is a wonderful coastal oasis for a beginning to, or end of, a safari.
