ALFAJIRI has 3 luxury villas.
Cliff Villa.
Garden Villa.
Beach Villa.
CLIFF VILLA. (Accommodates up to 8 people, 4 rooms).
For photos of Cliff Villa see all pages to our story - we stayed there !
GARDEN VILLA (Accommodates up to 8 people, 4 rooms).
See all 4 photos in this file box for the Garden Villa.
BEACH VILLA (Accommodates 8 people, however read their web for more info).
As soon as you approach Alfajiri’s stone walled entrance, lush gardens and palm trees you cross over into their gracious, five-star world right on Diani Beach. Alfajiri’s CLIFF VILLA springs up from the coastline as if it was always meant to be there, with its Caribbean-influenced colonial architecture - the tiered verandahs with geometric patterned balconies and turret roof are so full of character.
Marika and Fabrizio Molinaro the owners of the property were there to welcome us as we walked through the gates, a personal touch that always leaves a visitor with good memories. Marika is a very warm person with typical Italian charm and grace, who has played host to an amazing array of guests like the Rolling Stones, Sir Bob Geldof, Michael Caine, Sting, regulars like Rowan Atkinson, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
I knew we had found the perfect place to chill out in our CLIFF VILLA.
Arfajiri is all about peaceful resting places - with stunning beach views. The large verandahs are dotted with huge sofas and day beds with cushions to sink back into and African artefacts to catch your eye. Chaise lounges by the pool are prepared by your butlers daily with fresh towels and lounge sheets, creating that crisp perfectionism that raises relaxation to the next, chic level.
One of the things our daughter Zoe loved most about the villa was the gorgeous pool, with its stone-paved base (“just like a giraffe” say the Molinaros). It is one of the most stunning pool settings we have experienced, with bougainvillea trailing around it, simple white fabric, hung on bamboo rails, that billows in the sea breeze and stairs that lead straight down to the beach.
There is also a large outdoor lounge & dining room with raw timber beams and ceiling fans that flows right onto the pool area.This became our rest place each day. We loved sitting on the soft, cosy sofas, reading books or watching the latest season of Entourage I had brought for myself on this trip…while Zoe and Taboo (the Molinaro’s family dog) swam and played ball in the pool.
Not so warm and fuzzy are the two Rottweiler’s chained in cages, who walk around the property with the guards at night; the security here is tight so you can completely relax and feel safe. During the day there are also guards both sides of the property to keep the beach hawkers at bay one side, and keep away any strays from walking onto the property street side.
FACT BOX:
WE VISITED ALL 3 VILLAS WHILE WE THERE (we were staying in CLIFF VILLA), ITS NOT OFTEN ONE CAN SAY…
ANYONE OF THOSE 3 VILLAS WOULD HAVE WORKED PERFECTLY FOR US. They each have their own unique style, with great ocean views, EASY ACCESS TO THE BEACH, and a personal butler(s) to look after you.
BRING IT ON…
While planning the trip I originally tried to book ALFAJIRI’S BEACH VILLA, as I loved the strong Swahili feel and direct access to the beach. This villa is also a little smaller than the other two which suited Sheira, Zoe and myself. (the villa has recently had its own swimming pool built).
BEACH VILLA was unavailable as it had a longstanding booking held.
To cut a long story short, having then booked the GARDEN VILLA, I received an email to say that the owners were upgrading us to CLIFF VILLA, as they needed the GARDEV VILLA to accommodate a group of journalists.
Welcome to THE CLIFF VILLA…
At this slight elevation right on the cliff you get 270-degree panoramic views over the Indian Ocean from the generously proportioned verandahs, master bedroom, and living areas..
The master bedroom itself is stunning, The solid but raw four-poster bed floats in a bright, light cocoon of all-white floors and ceilings, scattered rugs in earthy ochres and chocolates and an extraordinary ceiling of gathered fabric that swoops up to the centre.
This is the ultimate in chic, understated, beach luxury. Louis Quartorze style chairs are simplified and modernised with bleached out wood and white linen instead of gold leaf and tapestry.
The master bedroom is on the top level and then there are two bedrooms with ensuites on the floor below, followed by another large bedroom with 2 double four poster beds on the ground floor, so the villa sleeps 8 comfortably. Guests book the entire house, …no sharing rooms with strangers in this villa !
Sheira and I wanted to sleep on the top floor for the fabulous breeze and views, which meant Zoe (8 years old) needed company overnight as she would be one floor below us. Marika pulled out her magic wand, and problem solved…Rebecca the long time family nanny would be Zoe’s overnight companion!
Rebecca had been the Molinaro’s own children’s nanny for years, and was not only a part of Alfajari, but part of their family. Rebecca is called upon when ever guests require a nanny, there is no extra charge for this. PLEASE TIP Rebecca well… she is so kind.
There is also a male nanny called Ali for guests that have young boys, who may prefer fishing and rock climbing with boy-friendly adventures. It was such a pleasure for us to come to a luxurious environment also designed with children in mind, as this is the Molinaro family home too…
Our villa came with two dedicated butlers, Joffrey (who had been at Alfajiri for 7 years!) and newcomer Martin - they were so gracious. We preferred to call them our friends, rather than butler. Their welcoming personalities and level of service was exceptional: the minute you looked in their direction they were ready to pour you a drink or grant a request - and their naturally positive energy all helped create the unmistakable Alfajiri atmosphere.
Happy to tell you… NO to TV. They just don’t have one in any of the villas. YES to internet, although it is really quite slow!
CLIFF VILLA
GUIDELINE PRICE: $US 500 per person per day
PLEASE NOTE: Cliff Villa closed May - June; Garden and Beach Villas open year-round.
