Cardamom House

Location: Cardamom House sits on a quiet stretch of Kenya's southern coast, just south of Kilifi, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Tucked between tropical forest and an empty beach, the house is part of a private coastal estate near Vipingo, offering seclusion without isolation. It is a place where you wake to birdsong and the sounds of the sea, spend lazy afternoons by the beach, and enjoy uninterrupted views across the turquoise water. Easily reached from Nairobi by road or air, yet wonderfully removed from the busier beach hubs, Cardamom House is the kind of coastal escape that feels like a well-kept secret.

Rooms: Cardamom House is made up of three beautifully designed buildings - the Main house, the Pool House, and the Tower - each with their own charm and privacy. In total, the house sleeps up to 12 guests in six en-suite bedrooms. Rooms are cool and elegant, with high ceilings, carved Swahili doors, natural stone floors, and thoughtful details that reflect the coast's rich cultural heritage. Big beds, crisp linens, open-air bathrooms, and shaded terraces create a sense of barefoot luxury that is easy to settle into. Whether you are travelling as a couple, family, or group of friends, the house is spacious enough to come together or spread out as you wish.

Amenities: Designed to be lived in and love, Cardamom House has all the comforts of a private home, with the service of a well-run boutique stay. There is a large pool at the centre of the property, multiple lounging and dining areas, a breezy rooftop terrace, and beautifully tended gardens that lead down to the beach. The in-house team includes a private chef, host, and housekeeping staff, all of who go out of their way to make your stay seamless. Meals are fresh, flexible, and made to suit you - think seafood caught that day, home-baked bread, and crisp sundowners served just when you want them.

Activities: How you spend your days at Cardamom House is entirely up to you. The beach is quiet and swimmable, ideal for long walks, snorkelling, paddleboarding, or just soaking up the sun. Guests can visit local markets, explore nearby ruins, or head out on traditional dhow for sunset sailing and fishing trips. Vipingo Ridge golf course is just up the road for those keen to play a round with a view. If you are after a total relaxation, there are yoga sessions, massages, or simply the freedom to do nothing at all. It is also a wonderful place to bring children, with safe swimming and plenty of space.

Sustainability: True to Secluded Africa's ethos, Cardamom House was designed with a light footprint and a long-term view. Much of the house was built using locally sourced materials and traditional techniques, and it is powered largely by solar energy. The kitchen sources ingredients from nearby farmers and fishermen, supporting local livelihoods, while the team works to reduce waste and single-use plastics wherever possible. The house also partners with community initiatives in the area, helping support conservation and education projects that directly benefit the surrounding region. Staying here means travelling consciously, without compromising on comfort.