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Kinondo Kwetu is the home of Ida and Filip Andersson, located about 15 minutes from Diani. The beach is private and peaceful, surrounded by holy forest where the baobab trees are sacred to the local population. Each room in the lodge is different, though all keep the Swahili feel of the East African coast.

There are five cottages in the grounds, and two villas: Mama Taa and Mama Tina. There are also two new additional suites, the Andersson Room which is designed specifically for honeymooners, and the Borelius Room which is a family suite.

The Mama Taa Villa has six suites, three upstairs and three downstairs, all with en suite bathrooms and a second room which can be used as a sitting room or second bedroom. Mama Tina, the original house on the plot has three further bedrooms — an en suite double room and two twin rooms with shared bathrooms. Finally of the five cottages, three are en suite double cottages, one has a double and single room sharing a bathroom, and the last has a double en suite room, and a further double and single sharing a bathroom. The rooms have cool, whitewashed walls, sweeping mosquito nets, and carved Swahili furniture.

The Andersson Room is a spacious suite with an en suite bedroom and stylish lounge, with air conditioning and balconies overlooking the stunning beach and ocean. And finally the new family accommodation, the Borelius Room which consists of two large en suite bedrooms with a spacious veranda overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Food at Kinondo Kwetu is usually eaten outdoors, with fresh local seafood, fruit and vegetables featuring prominently on the menu. There are two swimming pools and a spa at the lodge, and numerous activities can be organised locally.

Responsible Tourism: The lodge is helping to support the rebuilding of the school in Kinondo village as well as founding the Kinondo Kwetu Medical Clinic for the community. They also help to sponsor the Whale Shark Trust and are members of the Colobus Trust.

OUR RATING: First Class