As a travel enthusiast, you’re probably planning ahead and thinking of a few romantic getaway ideas for Valentine’s Day.
Whether you want to travel to the beach or the bush, we’ve got you covered. You can make these ideas come to life and treat yourself and your partner to beautiful views, luxurious interiors and just a wonderful experience at these incredible and romantic hideaways.
Betty’s Suite is a perfect and highly romantic self-catered 1-bedroom retreat for couples and honeymooners. It can be tricky finding a small house in Lamu. Sometimes all you want is a romantic bolthole without compromising on views and luxury, and Betty’s Suite certainly offers all that. Just steps away from Shela’s seafront and beach, it enjoys lovely views across the Lamu channel from its own private roof terrace and elevated infinity pool. Particularly appealing is its famous bathtub which also overlooks the sea. Now there’s a view.
Cardamom House, located in the marine conservation area of Kuruwitu, is an elegant Swahili-influenced gem perched on a coral outcrop that overlooks its private beach cove hidden in-between coconut palms and preserved coastal wilderness.
Cardamom House has direct access to the white sandy beach and the kaleidoscope of blue and green waters below. As you head to the beach, follow the original 1960’s galana steps down to the wild green lawns of the house, scattered with coconut palms, fragrant frangipani, and wild jasmine. Cardamom House is made up of multiple villas that can be rented separately or together; on a romantic getaway be sure to snag Villa Lulu. This ensuite villa has a single level bedroom that can be a twin or double bedroom.
Looking out over a remote and pristine beach, lapped by azure blue waters, the beautiful, boutique Msambweni Beach House and Private Villas is an intimate slice of paradise on Kenya’s coast, ideal for a ‘getaway’ experience. Soft tones, natural materials and attentive service epitomise Msambweni, set in unspoilt seclusion, cliff top amongst 28 acres of grounds and on 700 feet of beach. Enjoy sumptuous meals of fresh seafood, Swahili, Belgian and French cuisine. If you need a more intimate location, dining can be arranged by the pool or, for lunch, out on the sandbank (tide permitting).
The award-winning Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp has its own 7608-acre private conservancy and is situated one kilometre from the famous ‘seventh’ natural wonder of the world, the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Tanzania Serengeti game reserve. The camp has nine tents in total (two honeymoon suites, four double tents and three family suites), all with en suite bathrooms. The camp has two main mess tent areas for fine dining, drinking, reading and relaxing, and an amazing pool and spa where guests can relax after a game drive. Guests can also enjoy a safari bath or safari shower, a unique and romantic way of bathing specifically set up in the savannah.
Longonot Loft is an eco-friendly self-catering ‘loft house’ built on the foothills of Mt. Longonot volcano, Lake Naivasha. It is a 10 minute drive off the main Moi South Lake rd on a privately owned 200 acre estate called Impala. The house is beautifully furnished, has 2 big bedrooms, bathrooms and a swimming pool right off the verandah! The house is 100% solar powered and boasts spectacular views of Mt. Longonot. You can rent this holiday home as a couple for ultimate privacy an easy drive from Nairobi.
Located on 360 acres, Boat House offers a lake side cottage with a view of Mt. Kenya. Take your private bridge to this homey little nook for a perfect peaceful, romantic escape on the foothills of Mt Kenya. The house is a close drive from 5 famous wildlife conservancies for games drives and day trips, and a 15 minute drive from Nanyuki town for restaurants, shops and cafes. Boat House is a self-catering home with hundreds of acres to explore offering walks, row boats, wildlife and birds right from your doorstep.
Adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the Mara Naboisho Conservancy is a groundbreaking tourism initiative that benefits both conservation and community. In the heart of it all is Naboisho, a stylish haven with nine elegant tents, offering a level of safari solitude almost unheard of so close to the Maasai Mara.
Fully catered: 3 delicious meals and all refreshments included. Morning and afternoon game drives, picnics and house drinks are included. Each spacious canvas safari tent has its own en suite bathroom and private veranda – plus outdoor safari bucket showers!
Olepangi House is a fabulous 5 bedroomed house (all en-suite), large living & dining room with large fire place, verandahs, private garden, fire pit & kitchen (sold on a 3 bedroom or 5 bedroom basis) with panoramic views north to the Lolldaigas and south to Mt Kenya. Tastefully decorated with antiques from the owner’s far-reaching travels, this is the perfect place to reconnect with friends and family.
Markham Cottage
Markham Cottage has 1x king sized (7ft) bed and shower en suite. It is 200ft in size with private verandah. It is the most remote cottage. It has a maximum capacity of 2 adults.
Thesiger Cottage
Thesiger cottage is a one-bedroomed cottage with 2x queen sized (5ft) beds and shower en suite. It is 200ft in size with private verandah and fits 2 adults.
Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is set along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river within the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in south Laikipia. Low-key East African authenticity is the hallmark of the camp and the 7 tented suites are comfortable and full of character. All tents come complete with warm blankets for the winter mornings, re-chargeable solar lights and en suite bathroom with safari bucket showers and flushing toilets. The private veranda with safari chairs offers the perfect place to while away an afternoon. Enjoy fully catered 3 delicious daily meals and all refreshements included. Transfers to and from the airstrip, morning and evening game drives, and picnics are all included. Each safari tent comes with it’s own en suite bathroom, hot shower and private veranda.