The nauseating smell of fuel and the stop and go of traffic seemed unending as we crawled through the streets of Nairobi. We had been traveling in Rwanda and Kenya for 10 days and the relentless traffic was the last thing my husband and I wanted to deal with before hopping on yet another flight the following morning.
Thankfully the road opened up 15 minutes into our drive as we headed towards the House of Waine, our home in Karen for the evening, and again upon our return from our trip to the Masai Mara. The previous week had been spent working in Kigali, one of our favorite cities, but we were craving a green sanctuary, where we could clearly hear the songs of birds at dawn and soak in the scent of trees as they swayed in the sunlight.
Thankfully, the property was just what we’d hoped for – quiet, green, cozy and the staff, friendly and accommodating. Upon check-in we were informed that we had been upgraded to their Malaika suite. Each of House of Waine’s rooms has a different theme and I learned later that the owner’s mother designed our suite – black was her favorite color and it was beautifully present in the design and furnishings of Malaika.
It was already past 6 p.m., so we opted to eat dinner right away. A healthy meal of tomato, basil cucumber salad and green Thai curry with noodles for our entrée did the trick before heading back to the room to read and relax.
The suite was exceptionally spacious and opened to a balcony that overlooked the back area of the property, which was primarily landscaped with trees and flower bushes. The marble bathroom featured both a rain shower and tub and dual sinks. The king size bed offered more than enough space for hubby and I to stretch out; we felt completely spoiled, but so grateful for a night of luxurious rest.
The property’s 11 unique rooms are situated on 2.5 acres of land coated in foliage. Guests can relax in the heated kidney-shaped pool with the option to laze in the sun or take shade in the covered cabana.
House of Waine was originally the family home of the owners whose initials make up the word “Waine”. The boutique property is a reflection of a generation’s “long dream” to welcome visitors to Kenya in the warmest and most comfortable way.
Upon our return to Nairobi from the Masai Mara we again stayed at the House of Waine, this time in Victoria. This room was not as grand or as spacious as Malaika, but it was just as appealing and comfortable. I was particularly in love with the working fireplace, which we requested to be lit upon our return from dinner. In July, nights in Nairobi are chilly, so feeling the fire’s warmth as we curled up in bed was the absolute perfect way to end our time in Africa.
*Our stay was provided by House of Waine, however our opinions are our own.
