Arijiju Retreat
Arijiju lies low on the land. The building behaves as though it has always been on that warm Kenyan hillside with living grassed roofs that move with the air and connect it into the earth and forest. It is there but not there. Partly sculpted into the rock-bed, its subtle entrance opens into a fragrant, greened space with generous Swahili curves and an air of monastic calm. Walls of stone built on stone create vaulted walkways that lure you into cool shade and lead you along earth paths towards a simply luxurious gym, spa and hammam, dappled suntraps and Lamu daybeds. Alongside a gnarled African olive tree, a slice of pool hangs over the untamed wild of the Sieku valley in the Borana Conservancy – a thriving piece of the game-rich Kenyan Highlands and a sanctuary for adventure.
An elegant spa and hammam, a gym, a clay tennis and squash court and glorious, health-focused menus make wellness and fitness feel effortless. A sanctuary for adventure, explore 97 000 acres dedicated to conservation as well as helicopter flips, quad bike safaris, rapelling, horse-riding and Big Five game drives.
Why we like it here
Arijiju Retreat has been coined as the most beautiful house in Africa.
Inspired by Ethiopian monasteries, this exceptional private house is steeped into the landscape and leaves a very subtle footprint on the view to Mount Kenya.
Things to be aware of
Arijiju can only be booked exclusively and the rates are fully inclusive.