Arijiju

Hewn into a rocky hillside on the sprawling Borana Reserve in Laikipia, Kenya, Arijiju is an enchanting private family home that has been designed and constructed over a painstaking ten-year period and is now available for exclusive hire for groups of up to ten adults and 4 children. The calm and contemplative space takes inspiration from the Ethiopian churches of Lalibela that lie to the North, and a 12th century monastery in France. Arijiju boasts vaulted archways, stone passageways and a central landscaped courtyard, whilst its flat roofs planted with natural grasses and rough-hewn rock see it all but disappear into the untamed landscape.

Arijiju is home to five exquisite suites, three flanking the central courtyard and a further two nestled in the olive groves that surround. Each feature the same earthy colour scheme and effortless touches characteristic of leading interior designer Maira Koutoudakis, whilst a sixth ‘constellation suite’ is available for those nights too beautiful to sleep anywhere but under the stars. Elsewhere, a cavernous dining room, games room, cinema and well-equipped library are available for cooler nights.

Arijiju is not just a safari lodge but a health and wellness retreat too. The cuisine and fresh daily smoothies lend to the healthy lifestyle Arijiju supports. There is a spa, Hammam, gym, yoga deck, tennis court and squash court all inconspicuously blending into the valley, and all spa and beauty treatments are included in the modest rate.