It’s the first time ever that Nairobi has popped up on our radar, and it’s for a good reason as the newly opened Céline & Lolo ticks all of our boxes, while showing a cool side of the booming Kenyan capital we didn’t even know existed. Situated in the leafy Lavington area of town, the boutique hotel occupies a Brutalist-style, split-level villa, designed in 1976 by Norwegian architect Karl Henrik Nøstvik (1925-1992) who also co-designed Kenyatta International Conference Centre, an iconic city landmark. The property sits on a lush, steep slope, its flat roofs, deep canopies, and suspension bridge give it a bold architectural identity. Later additions in the 1990s introduced a more domestic layer, including sloped roofs and staff quarters.

The 24-room boutique hotel is a collaborative effort of Dutch transplants and serial entrepreneurs Céline van Asbeck and husband Joost Boeles, and another Nairobi-based entrepreneurial couple from the Low Countries, Lodewijk Hissink and Saskia van der Mast. Interestingly, all four didn’t have any prior experience in hospitality, but brazenly took on this project out of sheer passion. The owners tapped Dutch architecture practice Powerhouse Company to redesign the premises, and create fitting settings for today’s savvy traveller. The terraced section has been used to create 18 varied room types and new balconies, while six new guest rooms have been added in the garden. Taking ample cues from seaside resorts, the design intentionally softens the building’s Brutalist character, while infusing the premises with a laid-back and insouciant holiday feel that’s reminiscent of the 1960s and 1970s. Enlarged openings bring more daylight inside, while new finishes, lighting, joinery, and bathrooms tie in the building’s multiple eras style, creating a cool new identity.

The latter is a blend of Mediterranean materials and hues, but with distinct Kenyan artisanal touches, all embedded in a lush garden setting with pool. The rooms aren’t just easy on the eye, but they’re also homey, and come with all the modern comfort you need. Oh, and curated artworks add a personalised touch. On top of that, all-day bistro Lolo further adds to the fun of staying here. Concepted as a neighbourhood eatery, the light-filled dining space is straddled along the pool, featuring a cozy setting with cushioned benches paired with tables and chairs, stone walls and a fireplace, while terrazzo flooring and a coffered ceiling tie in all sections. The bistro comes with an outdoor terrace, and offers a menu of simple tasty fare, including all your breakfast faves, Wagyu steak and fries, roasted chicken and a variety of salads, and all paired with various juices, coffee concoctions, house cocktails and other beverages. © superfuture