By Alfrique Mwana
Elegant Cottages Embody Charm and Sophistication
The little-known town of Mbiuni in Machakos County is gaining popularity and attracting more visitors than ever before. The rolling hills and escarpment have captivated both local and international tourists for years. From the shrubby hills, a charming panorama unfolds as the landscape gracefully descends into a picturesque escarpment lined with rough cliffs and vegetation.
The natural magnificence and beauty are truly remarkable. Standing tall above the escarpment, overlooking the breathtaking scenery below, is Kitonga Garden Resort – a hidden gem in Mbiuni. Adding vibrancy and beauty to the hills, this resort offers a perfect blend of natural attractiveness, modernity, and hospitality, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking relaxation.
Building this resort required extensive digging and blasting through the rocky terrain. The stonework blends seamlessly with the surroundings, while curved stones fortify the buildings and paths, enhancing strength and beauty. The reception and restaurant overlook cliffs and swimming pools carved into the rocks. Zigzag paths ease uphill walks. Uniquely, each unit’s roof features a peaked top resembling praying hands, giving thanks. Higher elevations mean cooler breezes and temperatures, providing respite from intense heat below through crosswinds. The journey unveils lush, green surroundings with beautiful homes. Cool, fresh air envelops you. The resort nestles amidst expansive leafy gardens, vibrant flowers, and palm trees – a peaceful oasis soothing the senses and rejuvenating the soul.
The accommodations at Kitonga Garden Resort are ‘A’ shaped in design and each unit has three to four floors; each room decorated to provide guests with utmost comfort and luxury. The elegant cottages embody charm and sophistication, offering modern amenities and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Each cottage is named after a patriarch or matriarch of faith in the Holy Bible and is furnished with luxurious furniture to ensure a relaxing stay. KGR cottages range from standard to presidential family suite all installed with a balcony that over loos the Yatta plateau giving you different range of view depending on which floor and on which position on the hill. The windows are humongous to allow in more natural light but importantly to allow for the picturesque view. Curtains and the shears neatly roll down the windows to touch the fall. The curtains are made from heavy fabric that keeps out light even during the day to allow you catch a good sleep.
The economical yet lovely basic rooms, hidden amid picturesque cottages, provide a quiet getaway for up to two adults and one child. The room has a quiet ambiance with a wonderful view of a huge plateau. A huge king-size bed sits in the center of the room, providing relaxation and serving as a focal point. The bed is dressed in fresh, clean linens, inviting guests to unwind and get a good night’s sleep. To provide a family-friendly stay, an extra bed for the youngster is deliberately placed in a quiet area, providing a private space for leisure. The interior design is skillfully executed, resulting in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The room’s large windows provide natural light and allow for a marvel at the external sceneries.
Deluxe room is one of a kind; with a large balcony and an extra outdoor bathroom under the sun, offering a breathtaking view of the majestic Yatta plateau. At a cost of 20,000 Kenya shillings, you can relish the room’s king-size bed and two twin beds that can be joined to accommodate 3 people comfortably. The furnishing is exquisite; a king-size bed or twin beds are strategically placed right at the center of the room, adorned with linen as white as snow, clean and infused with a delightful fragrance. A cozy coffee table with a basket of fresh, seasonal fruits is tucked away in a corner, while a study desk with complimentary stationery and high-speed Wi-Fi caters to the needs of business travelers. A flat-screen TV with cable channels and a mini-fridge stocked with refreshments add to the room’s amenities. A door leads you to the expansive balcony and the outdoor shower, where you can bask in the stunning views of the Yatta plateau, creating an unforgettable experience. The room also features plush bathrobes, slippers, and luxurious toiletries, ensuring a truly indulgent stay.
The upcoming penthouses, Royal Presidential Suite and Presidential Family Suite, at the KGR Resort will offer the highest standard of luxury accommodation compared to non in Kenya. Perched atop an amazing A-frame structure, will be one-of-a-kind Arctic apartments providing an immersive experience in the breathtaking surrounding. The angular form, with its soaring peaks and walls of windows, harmoniously integrates modern architecture with the natural beauty of the plateau. As soon as step inside, you will be struck by the breathtaking high vaulted ceilings and panoramic views that extend out in every direction. The room will have king size bed, cozy fur-lined sofas around a coffee table, making it an ideal environment to unwind and enjoy the breathtaking views.
The Presidential Family Suite will be spacious. It will be a lavish suite with a large balcony that offers beautiful views of the surroundings. The suite will have a comfortable living room, a fully-equipped kitchen, two bedrooms and luxurious bathrooms with showers, plus an outdoor shower in each bedroom. Guests will choose between large king and queen-size beds, as well as double beds for added flexibility. As part of the all-inclusive package, guests will receive a complimentary fruit basket and wine. This suite is designed to provide an exceptional experience for families, combining comfort and luxury.
The Royal Presidential Suite will take extravagance to the next level, offering a grand experience. This suite will have the largest balcony with plenty of seats, inviting guests to relax and enjoy the stunning views. Inside, there will be well-appointed study and closet, adding to the suite’s functionality and elegance. Each bedroom will have a bathroom fitted with a bathtub for a kind bathing experience. Guests will have a choice between a luxurious king-size (5 by 6) bed or two queen size (6 by 6) beds, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
Here, wellness is not merely a concept but a way of life that permeates every aspect of your stay. It begins with a rejuvenating nature walk along scenic trails, where you can immerse yourself in the serene beauty of your surroundings. For the more adventurous souls, the resort offers exhilarating nature treks through rugged paths that wind through the hills, allowing you to challenge yourself physically and reconnect with the great outdoors. Those seeking an adrenaline rush can opt for the thrilling zipline experience, soaring above the breathtaking landscape. KGR also provides an opportunity to explore the region’s cultural treasures, with excursions to the Machakos People’s Park and the majestic Masinga Dam. These cultural explorations offer a unique chance to meet and interact with local community members, gaining insight into their rich traditions and way of life.
For avid bird watchers, the mornings are filled with excitement as they quietly venture into the lush thickets, observing the vibrant feathered creatures hovering over their nests, singing joyous melodies as they prepare for the day ahead. If you seek a more leisurely pace, you can indulge in the resort’s majestic pool, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking countryside views. The moderate high temperatures make the waters inviting and therapeutic, offering a refreshing respite from the day’s activities. For those seeking profound relaxation and rejuvenation, the tranquil spa at KGR is tranquil. Expert therapists offer a range of therapeutic treatments and holistic therapies, each meticulously designed to restore balance, vitality, and overall well-being. Whether you choose a full-body soothing massage, a rejuvenating facial, a pampering mani-pedi, or an invigorating body scrub, each experience is a journey leaving you feeling revitalized and refreshed. Nights in these Gardens are incredible. From the plateau KGR lights like the proverbial guiding star that led men from the east to see Jesus. The garden lighting illuminates the compound as the orange-colored lights illume the paths creating a romantic feeling. The nights are dead quite except for the chirping crickets and bats flying in search of food. Patrons at the bar enjoy cool and nostalgic and popular music.
The beauty of dawn is truly captivating. Birds chant joyous melodies, and cocks crow as the sun rises above the horizon, its radiant rays bathe the earth, bringing the restaurant’s stained-glass windows to life in a mesmerizing display of colors. The air is filled with tantalizing aromas as the chefs in the bustling kitchen meticulously craft a symphony of flavors. They take pride in offering a diverse menu that showcases both traditional Kenyan delicacies, honoring our rich cultural heritage, and international cuisines that take you on a culinary journey around the world. Every dish is a masterpiece, created with love using locally sourced ingredients and authentic recipes that have been passed down through generations. You have the freedom to choose where you wish to indulge in your delightful breakfast experience – whether it’s amidst the lush gardens, or overlooking the picturesque plateau, or in the comfort and privacy of your room. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and embark on a journey of discovery and relaxation.
“Whether you seek adventure, romance, or simply a moment of tranquility amidst nature’s embrace, Kitonga Garden Resort offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you refreshed, inspired, and longing to return,” KGR.
Alfrique Mwana is a communication professional
