By Alfrique Mwana
A refreshing breeze from Lake Victoria, combined with the essence of aquatic wonders, sweeps through the windows of Villa Del Sol. This delightful sanctuary embodies a distinctive blend of city charm and village tranquillity.
Located 30-35 minutes from the bustling Kisumu Central Business District and 20-25 minutes from the airport, this lakeside gem treats guests to breathtaking panorama of both dawn and dusk. Upon arriving at the villa, you’ll be enveloped by the splendour of nature, with chances for bird-watching and serene boat excursions across the vast lake.
The picturesque grounds and private jetty create a romantic backdrop for cherished moments, from heartfelt proposals to enchanting weddings and blissful honeymoons. As you wander the grounds, you’ll stumble upon two cosy gazebos, a charming souvenir shop to capture memories from your stay, and a lakeside restaurant and bar where you can delight in local delicacies and thirst-quenching beverages. While the accommodations are designed for self-catering, a talented chef is available for hire should you wish to unwind and savour expertly crafted culinary delights. During your visit, the amiable and attentive staff at Villa Del Sol are ever-present, dedicated to ensuring your comfort and fulfilling your needs.
Villa Del Sol offers one-of-a-kind accommodation; it has 10 villas that are well decorated and fitted to ensure your comfort and value for money. The villas are self-contained, and each villa is furnished based on available space and installed with utilities like internet, air-conditioner, washing machine, fan, and cable TV.
Villa one, which is a self-contained bedsitter, has a queen-sized bed, a fully furnished kitchenette, and a study table. A night at this facility costs 33 USD, which translates to approximately 4500 Kenyan shillings. Villa two is a charming 1-bedroom, 1.5-bath villa with expansive sitting and dining spaces and a fully equipped kitchen. It boasts a patio that offers an unobstructed view of the shimmering lake and the meticulously manicured garden for 67 USD, translating to about 8600 Kenyan shillings. Villa three is a 1-bed, 1-bath villa adorned with a plush queen-size bed, a cosy living area, and a fully equipped kitchen. The patio is a delightful dining space showcasing a direct view of the tranquil lake and the beautifully tended garden. This villa is available for 53 USD, approximately 7000 Kenyan shillings.
Villas four and five are splendid 2-bedroom ensuite Villas, one located on the ground floor and the other perched above. Each features a main bedroom with a queen-sized bed and a second bedroom boasting a double bed and a single bed. They offer an open-concept living and dining area, complemented by a fully equipped kitchen featuring an induction cooker. These villas have expansive terraces that overlook the lake, accessible from both the bedrooms and living area. While the terraces present a direct view of the lake and the lush garden for the ground villa, the upstairs villa treats you to a stunning panorama of the lake and Kisumu town. These villas cost 87 USD (11,200 Kes) and 100 USD (13,000 Kes) respectively.
Villa six is a magnificent 4-bedroom ensuite house. It has two master bedrooms, each with a queen bed, and two additional bedrooms, each furnished with a double bed and a single bed. There are two well-appointed kitchens, each equipped with an induction cooker. The design features an open-plan layout with two living rooms and two dining areas. The upper section of the Villa offers an even more breathtaking view of the lake and Kisumu town. This villa is ideal for a group or family and costs 167 USD, translating to 21,500 Kenyan shillings per night.
Additionally, Villa Del Sol boasts three stunning, fully furnished studio apartments. Each studio has a modern kitchen and an induction cooker, complete with a patio that showcases a perfect view of the lake and Kisumu town. Each studio apartment costs 53 USD (7000 Kes) per night. The last studio apartment is a fully equipped haven featuring a queen-sized bed, a cosy sofa bed, a well-appointed kitchen, a fan, cable TV, and a patio, all for just 40 USD (5200 Kes).
Staycation at Villa Del Sol is exciting; there are various activities to indulge in, the most favourite being boat rides on different boats, from the humongous cruise boat to the well-decorated fibre-made canoe. MV Keziah stands as a magnificent catamaran, the quintessence of opulent cruising. With its serene and steady journey, this majestic vessel welcomes up to 40 guests for vibrant gatherings or celebrations. The hourly fare begins at Ksh 15,000 for 15 passengers, ascending rates as more guests join. If you seek a leisurely escape, why not enjoy a delightful picnic cruise at half the standard rate?
MV Orie is a swift luxury yacht perfectly crafted for epic voyages. Accommodating 12 passengers, it provides a plush and effective means of travel. The starting fare is Ksh 6,000 per round trip, with adaptable pricing for those adventurous longer journeys. MV Apollo is an open-air speedboat tailor-made for exhilarating escapades. With space for up to 8 passengers, this “chopper” guarantees an electrifying experience at Ksh 4,000 per round trip fare. MV James Bond is a sleek and dashing catamaran speedboat crafted for thrill-seekers. With room for four passengers, it promises a heart-pounding ride at the price of Ksh 3,000 per round trip. MV Nya Ngere is a lavish vessel catering to groups of up to 15 guests. Departing from Villa Del Sol, this boat offers picturesque round trips to sought-after spots. Prices fluctuate based on the destination, with excursions to Maboko, Kisumu, and Rusinga priced at Ksh 20,000, Ksh 40,000, and Ksh 140,000, respectively.
That’s not all; you can choose to laze around the lush gardens, relishing the view of the lake, or walk to the jetty at the beachfront and plunge yourself into the fresh waters of the lake. You can also walk in the surrounding villages to meet and greet locals or walk along the beach to meet the fishermen and women trading in fish of different kinds. Adventure lovers can tour Impala Park, Hippo Point, Dunga Beach, CBD excursions or the jetty at the Luanda Kotieno to experience how people travel from Siaya County to Homabay County, or you can go to Kit Mikai.
Villa Del Sol Garden is well-manicured and dotted with palm trees that offer excellent shade under which to lie. It is a vast, beautiful garden that allows for outdoor activities. Weddings, team building sessions, camping, parties or picnics are permitted at a fee. The grounds and the jetty are perfect for memorable photo shoots, especially at sunset or sunrise. The sunsets and sunrises at Villa Del Sol are genuinely breathtaking. The dawn breaks at 6:30 am over the lake, casting its golden rays that dance upon the surface, creating a spectacle of shimmering light. The water glistens in hues of blue, crystal clear and inviting as if calling for a refreshing swim. Gentle waves caress the shoreline while fishermen navigate their boats back to shore, returning from their night’s bounty. The earth glistens with morning dew, a cool breeze whispers through the air, and cheerful birds sing melodiously as they flit above the lake. This tranquil morning is perfect for bird enthusiasts to admire the vibrant avian life. Ornithologists meander through the lush underbrush in search of diverse bird species. Get ready to encounter charming critters like squirrels, rabbits, and even the occasional rat.
A day at Villa Del Sol slips away swiftly, and before long, the sun starts its descent at 6:30 pm, painting the horizon with its fading light. The rays lose their intensity yet remain a feast for the eyes. The waters become murky as the winds whip across the lake, sending forth thundering waves that crash against the black sandy shore. Fishing vessels begin to dot the lake as fishermen prepare their traps and nets for the nocturnal catch. Darkness soon envelops the landscape. Security lights elegantly illuminate the garden, guiding pathways to the villas, while the main lounge, a hub for reception and dining, glows invitingly. The nights bring a chill in the air, accompanied by the soothing sounds of waves lapping at the beach and the rhythmic chirping of crickets.
Unlike typical eateries found in hotels and lodges, the dining area at Villa Del Sol doesn’t bustle with morning commotion. Many guests delight in crafting their breakfast in the comfort of their villas, while a select few dine at the restaurant. The tables are elegantly arranged, and the enticing scents of mouthwatering local and international cuisine waft from the kitchen. Villa Del Sol’s menu is a treasure trove of culinary delights, from African, particularly Luo dishes, to Mexican, English, and Indian fare.
For a tranquil retreat or a picturesque locale for a momentous occasion that fits your budget, Villa Del Sol is a home away from home. It harmoniously combines natural splendour with modern conveniences, where the beauty of the waters of Lake Victoria meets comfort and luxury.
Alfrique Otieno Mwana is a Communication Expert
