A Private Estate on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast
Almanara sits on a 25-kilometre stretch of powder-white sand in southern Diani, where the Indian Ocean meets the forested edge of the Shimba Hills National Reserve. Privately owned and operated by the Giovando family, the property began as a vision between generations: Nico Giovando returned to his native Kenya in 2005, after time abroad, to begin developing a collection of exclusive villas on a piece of land first spotted by his daughter Alexandra during a trip to the coast. What followed was a ground-up, family-led project that opened its doors in 2007, offering guests a level of personal hospitality rarely found in luxury stays.
Each of the villas was designed to reflect the duality of its setting — blending local craftsmanship with modern architectural sensibility. The result is a private estate that feels both refined and grounded, defined not by formality, but by thoughtful detail and attentive, owner-led service.
Almanara offers three distinct stays: six Garden Villas set around a central pool and sunken bar, each with three en-suite bedrooms, open-plan living spaces and rooftop terraces; the five-room Casa Bella boutique hotel, built in marble and stone above the beach with sea-facing verandas and a sweeping entrance hall; and The Residence, a trio of beachfront villas with private plunge pools, rooftop lounges and access to an exclusive oceanfront infinity pool.
Facing directly onto the sand, Sails is Almanara’s signature restaurant, constructed from canvas and steel to create an airy, architectural canopy with uninterrupted views of the sea. Headed by Executive Chef and Assistant General Manager Anthony Huth — who trained at Prue Leith Chef Academy and worked at Jamie Oliver’s restaurant group in the UK — the kitchen offers a menu rooted in fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Seafood is caught daily, produce is gathered from the region, and weekly menus reflect both coastal Swahili flavours and international influences.
Diani Beach offers a wide range of activities, all of which can be arranged through the resort. Guests have access to diving excursions, kite surfing, golf, wildlife visits to Shimba Hills and cultural day trips to local villages and historic coastal towns. The beach itself is soft, white sand, regularly cleaned, and extends for miles in both directions. Black and white Colobus monkeys are frequent visitors to the gardens, adding a sense of natural immersion to the peaceful setting.
Whether staying in a villa or suite, guests at Almanara are invited to experience coastal Kenya through the lens of a home that was never built as a resort, but as a family’s expression of place. Every element — from its architecture to its atmosphere — reflects this origin story. The result is a rare kind of retreat: private, quietly luxurious, and deeply personal.
Almanara Luxury Boutique Hotel & Villas
At a glance
- Property: Private coastal estate with boutique hotel, luxury villas and beachfront residences
- Location: Diani Beach, Kenya’s south coast, overlooking the Indian Ocean
- Accommodation: Six three-bedroom Garden Villas, five ocean-facing rooms and suites at Casa Bella, and three beachfront Residence Villas
- Owners: Privately owned and operated by the Giovando family since 2007
- Design: Swahili-influenced architecture with Italian marble, carved hardwood, mosaic detail and handcrafted African décor
- Access: 10-minute drive from Ukunda airstrip
For Leisure & Pleasure
- Dining at Almanara centres around Sails, the estate’s architectural beachfront restaurant where open-air tables overlook the ocean. Menus change weekly and highlight the best of Kenya’s coast, with just-caught seafood, tropical produce and East African flavours. Guests may also choose to dine privately in their villas, with personal chefs creating bespoke meals to suit every preference.
- Wellness is approached with simplicity and care, from open-air massages beneath the palms to gentle stretches on a villa rooftop. Spa treatments use local ingredients and draw inspiration from coastal rituals, while the rhythm of the estate encourages stillness, quiet and deep rest.
- Adventure begins just off shore. Guests can arrange scuba diving, snorkelling, paddleboarding, and kitesurfing through trusted local partners. Inland, activities include day trips to the Shimba Hills National Reserve, tee times at the nearby golf course, and cultural visits to nearby villages.
- Exploration is personal and unscripted. Guests can seek out reef dives at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, drift through mangrove estuaries by kayak, or spend afternoons with Colobus monkeys in the treetops. For those interested in history, excursions to Mombasa’s Old Town and Fort Jesus offer insight into Kenya’s coastal heritage.
- Connection to place runs through every detail. From the Swahili-inspired design and local staffing, to the way meals, music and conversation reflect the Giovando family’s deep ties to Kenya, Almanara invites guests to feel not just welcome, but at home, in a setting where the natural world is honoured and the pace is entirely your own.
The service we received from 91ºÚÁÏÍø was second to none. Tania took the time to understand exactly what we wanted and helped us explore every option clearly and thoroughly. Her first-hand knowledge of Kenya and safaris made a real difference – she explained everything brilliantly. The thoughtful extras, like the travel wallet and documents, were such a lovely touch – especially for someone who loves to travel well-organised! Thank you so much. We’ll definitely be back for future adventures.
DISCOVER MORE INDEPENDENT REVIEWS FROM FEEFO
PLAN YOUR TRIP
"*" indicates required fields