‘Alfajiri’ means ‘dawn’ or ‘daybreak’ in Swahili, a fitting name for a place that is almost like waking up from a dream, only to find that the dream continues. Down a private road lined with tropical palm trees lies Alfajiri Garden Villa, a 4-bedroom beach house that looks out over its own giraffe-patterned infinity swimming pool and to the glittering Indian Ocean beyond.

A short drive from Ukunda Airport and central Diani Beach – which is one of the loveliest and most popular stretches on the sultry Kenyan coast – the villa has an enviable location amid glistening white sand that stretches for miles. At low tide, spend hours exploring the fascinating rock pools or arrange to go further out for kite surfing or snorkelling.

This private villa offers superb views of the Indian Ocean, thanks to its elevated position. It is set within a flourishing garden that rolls from the private pool right down to the beach. Up to 10 guests can be accommodated in four luxury bedrooms, all with uninterrupted views of the ocean. The entire villa is tastefully decorated with magnificent furniture handcrafted by local artisans and artefacts from across the world.

Mediterranean-influenced meals are prepared daily using the freshest local seafood, and garden-fresh vegetables and fruit are sourced from farms around Diani. Your dedicated butler will chat to you about what you feel like eating that day – perhaps a piping hot pizza direct from the wood-fired oven is just right to snack on with ice-cold sundowners.

Reportedly a favourite with international celebrities, the entire Alfajiri team prides itself on discreet service and can arrange everything from a round of golf at Leisure Lodge Golf Course to a daily massage in your room.

Highlights

• Exclusive-use villa with dedicated staff
• Award-winning service with dedicated butlers
• Snorkelling and diving expeditions to offshore reefs
• Fresh-off-the-boat seafood with just-picked fruit and vegetables
• Individually decorated rooms with ocean vistas

Activities

• BEACH ACTIVITIES
• BOAT EXCURSIONS
• DAY TOURS
• FISHING
• GOLF
• SNORKELLING

The Garden Villa is perfect for honeymooners, families and couples alike offering a personalised and private island holiday experience. The concept here is “as you please” so design your menu, explore the town of Diani or relax by your private infinity pool while enjoying unforgettable views of the Indian Ocean.

Rooms

Garden Villa

This private villa has four luxury rooms, all overlooking the sea and open to catch the cooling breeze. Bathrooms are en suite and spacious. There are three double rooms and one twin room, all individually decorated.

One of the double suites has a Japanese Zen theme – think dramatic furnishings – while the others are more romantic with frothy 4-poster beds, intricately carved furniture and plush bedclothes.

Facilities

Alfajiri Garden Villa features a spacious main veranda set under an impressive makuti thatched roof – a wonderful and comfortable spot from which to gaze out over the unbelievably blue ocean. Guests can cool off in the private infinity-edge pool, without losing one bit of ocean view.

There are two professional childminders available 24 hours a day, offering a multitude of games and absolute peace of mind for parents.

Avid golfers will be happy to know that there is an 18-hole championship course within chipping distance from Alfajiri, which is known as the most exciting course in East Africa.

The owners speak English, French and Italian and have laid on all the mod cons – like Wi-Fi, satellite TV and a laundry service – while preserving an effortless and laidback ‘beach house’ atmosphere.

Dining

Private dining is a la carte and served inside the villa or al fresco. Fresh seafood comes in daily from the ocean, and fruit and vegetables are supplied by local farmers in the area. Alfajiri’s menus have a Mediterranean influence, with a selection of superb wines from South Africa and Italy. The staff will chat with you in the morning about what you would like for lunch and dinner – the menu is largely up to you.