91������

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.

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.