Say hello to Africa's most beautiful new holiday home
Much of Arijiju flanks a central courtyard CREDIT: CROOKES & JACKSON
We found an article titled 'Is this Africa's most beautiful new holiday home? Inside Arijiju, Kenya's unique new exclusive-use villa' on The Telegraph that we thought would be good to share with you.
Arijiju is evidently the most beautiful holiday home in the African content, located in Kenya. It is a more private and tailored alternative to Africa’s numerous safari lodges.
Situated on the Borana Conservancy in Laikipia, very close to the equator, Arijiju is named after the hill it sits on. The beauty came to life with the visions of the architects from Johannesburg and London, and its Europe-based, Nigeria-born owner. He wanted to create a base that would allow his children to experience the freedom and simplicity he enjoyed in his youth.
The house stands in Kenya's Borana Conservancy CREDIT: CROOKES & JACKSON
The property is partly inspired by monasteries of neighbouring Ethiopia and crafted from hand-cut Meru stone. It features five bedrooms and is clad with rough-hewn rocks and capped by grass-covered flat roofs to complement the landscape. The surrounding Borana Conservancy houses a working cattle ranch, and so does not offer the unblemished vistas regular safari-goers might be used to - but it is still rife with wildlife and Arijiju’s guests can expect to see elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes and black rhinos. There are also 330 bird species in the area and when not actively seeking wildlife, guests can enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking or quad-biking.
The infinity pool, which overlooks a waterhole used by elephants and giraffes CREDIT: DOOK
The house is an attraction in itself with its interiors designed by Maira Koutsoudakis (who is known for her work in North Island in the Seychelles), with rooms featuring rustic African fixtures, earthy colours and occasional extravagant European flourishes (such as the grand chandeliers seen throughout). The building is set amongst a central courtyard, with bedrooms featuring standalone copper tubs, indoor and outdoor showers, leather desks, and an additional plaza that serves as an outdoor bedroom for those who want to sleep underneath the stars.
One of Arijiju's five bedrooms CREDIT: DOOK
There are 14 resident staffs including a butler, ranger, chefs (who can prepare delicious, healthy and light “Ottolenghi-style” cuisine), a masseuse and a beauty therapist (whose treatments are included in hire rates). Up to 10 visitors can have all their needs promptly met and have access to full use of facilities that include a games room, cinema, library and infinity pool. There is also a spa featuring a hammam and yoga deck, and for the active traveller a gym, tennis and squash courts.
One of the home's lounge areas CREDIT: DOOK
The Arijiju provides an offering unlike anything else currently available in Kenya, and promises a fantastic private gathering for family and friends.
Available only on an exclusive-use basis, rates at Arijiju start from $7,500 per night for up to six guests (with a minimum stay of three nights). Additional guests are charged at $600 per adult and $300 per child; under-7s free. Rates include board, transfers and activities. From the UK, Red Savannah can arrange packages.
To read the source article, click here.