Perched on the edge of Mount Kenya National Park, the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy offers a glimpse of life as it has been lived for centuries. For the past six decades, visitors to the region have found luxurious lodgings at Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, which has marked its 60-year anniversary with a series of celebrations and upgrades.
The diamond anniversary began with the opening of Colobus Grill in February, a new fine dining experience in the club’s former members’ room. Named after the local Colobus monkeys, the restaurant uses produce sourced from communities in nearby Nanyuki and features a unique Martini pairing cocktail selection.
Summer sees the opening of two new standalone villas named after two great Maasai leaders, offering seriously sumptuous surroundings for families and groups seeking privacy and space. Two-bedroom Batian Villa is spread out across 240 sqm, with separate living and dining rooms, private lawns, maid’s room and kitchen, private butler service and an in-house chef on request. Nestled in a private corner of the hotel’s 100-acre estate, this exclusive abode offers spectacular views of Mount Kenya.
The slightly larger three-bedroom Sendeo Villa is set within its own private courtyard and tropical gardens. Guests of both villas enjoy a raft of additional perks, including airport transfers, access to the animal orphanage and nine-hole golf course, 30-minute massage session for two people per stay and free use of hotel mountain bikes, plus 20 per cent discount on hotel activities.
The end of the year will see the opening of the new Riuki Spa and Wellness Centre, a 550-sqm haven with three treatment rooms, spa, steam and sauna, and outdoor areas for scenic yoga sessions set to the backdrop of Mount Kenya. Inspired by the natural forces of the nearby mountain, treatments at Riuki will use natural and organic ingredients made to high ethical standards, keeping guests rooted to this ancient and powerful land.
www.fairmont.com