(Posted 08th September 2025)
Courtesy of Edgar Batte
There are moments in life when the body whispers, and the mind protests, that it is time to pause. Time to unplug. To remember how it feels to simply be. After days and weeks woven tightly with assignments and deadlines, with journeys through the sun-scorched plains of Napak and the choked city veins of Kampala, my spirit yearned for a place to exhale. And so, when Nairobi came calling, I didn’t hesitate.
But I was not drawn to its gleaming skyscrapers or the city’s electric heartbeat. My heart sought something more tender, more grounded. A sanctuary far from the madding crowd. A haven where I could trade hooting horns and dusty boda bodas for the rustle of leaves, the whispers of wind, and the melodic chatter of birds. That sanctuary revealed itself in Karen- a leafy suburb that breathes calm and sings of elegance, where time seems to stroll rather than run. Nestled in its verdant arms, lies Hermosa Garden Hotel & Spa, a hidden jewel that would cradle my tired spirit and gift me moments of reflection, rejuvenation, and quiet joy. Arrival in an Oasis
The journey to Hermosa began with a smooth landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where the warmth of the Kenya Airways crew still lingered like perfume in the air. On the tarmac, we met a smiling face with a placard bearing out our name- Phillip, the hotel’s cheerful chauffeur, was conversational and interesting enough to make our connection from the airport to the hotel short and engaging as he freely shared about the history of the Karen area, of the colonial-era homes now transformed into artistic masterpieces, of the allure that draws diplomats, celebrities, and discerning travellers to this neighbourhood of charm and grace.
As we approached the gates of Hermosa, a smartly dressed guard greeted us with practiced grace. The gates opened like arms of a long-lost friend, revealing a curated canvas of nature’s finest brushstrokes- multi-hued hedges, delicate blossoms, and earthy-toned cottages standing in quiet reverence to the green that surrounded them. Each corner seemed to whisper serenity; each path felt like an invitation to unwind. It was love at first sight.
A Symphony of Warmth
From the moment we stepped into the reception, it was clear that Hermosa was not merely a hotel. It was a home with a heartbeat. The air itself seemed to hum with sincerity, a rhythm shaped by the kindness of its people- receptionists with sunshine in their smiles, waiters whose service danced like poetry, and a chef whose food was a sonnet of spices. The decor was thoughtful: maroon-hued furniture, soft carpets underfoot, and dazzling chandeliers that cast a warm glow on the art-adorned walls. A painting of Lamu caught my eye, capturing the soul of Kenya’s coast with strokes of simplicity and nostalgia. You could sit in that lounge for hours, transported across the regions of Kenya without moving a muscle.
Upstairs, our rooms were sanctuaries of space and grace. My king-sized bed stood like a throne amid tasteful art- a beaming Maasai woman adorned in shukas and beads, as natural and vibrant as the land she hails from. The glass wall, rather than a mere window, opened onto a dreamscape of trees, birds, and a pool that shimmered in the sunlight like liquid sapphire. The bathroom was equally impressive, with a bathtub that beckoned for long, candle-lit soaks and a vanity stocked with an assortment of luxury products that made every routine feel indulgent. The Gentle Rhythm of Days Mornings at Hermosa did not shout. They whispered. Birds serenaded the rising sun, and playful monkeys offered mischief from the treetops. I sipped tea- bold and aromatic from Kericho’s rich soils while nibbling on roasted njugu.
My phone lay forgotten. Here, time was not measured by beeps and buzzes, but by birdsong, laughter and breath. I wandered through the garden paths, where dew still clung to the petals like shy kisses, and the scent of lavender and rosemary seemed to glow and odour. In such a setting, even silence spoke volumes. My travel companion, Jimmy Nnusu, soon wore the same contented smile I did. In fact, he was already plotting a return with his family. Who could blame him?
The little ones and adults had something to get their eyes and spirits up at the iconic Giraffe Manor, located a few minutes from the hotel. There, fed gentle giants and froze memories into photographs. There is something humbling about gazing into the eyes of a giraffe as it stoops to nibble from your hand.
In the Wild’s Embrace
Twice, we found ourselves drawn to the Nairobi National Park, Africa’s only wildlife reserve within a capital city. There, as dawn painted the sky in hues of hope, we saw lionesses stroll through the grasslands, ostriches dance with curiosity, and warthogs play like children in muddy puddles. The giraffes were poets of posture and grace. Rhinos- majestic and intent on feeding-stood against the surreal skyline of Nairobi, blending two worlds, of the wild and the urban, into one breathtaking canvas. And when the train carved its way in the distance, it looked less like machinery and more like a delivery of a fairy story as it sped on the suspended bridge.
We began those days with warm coffee and light snacks, stepping into the wild at 6 a.m., where every birdcall and rustling bush was what the doctors might soon prescribe for the stressed-out. Our guide, with wisdom etched in his eyes, seemed to know where the magic lay hidden and always revealed it just in time. By the time the sun was high, we had travelled through ecosystems, witnessed the drama of the savannah, and collected a treasure trove of sights and sounds. Every creature we saw, every track we followed, was a reminder of the delicate balance that makes Kenya’s wilderness so enchantingly raw.
Reawakening the Senses
After days filled with discovery, our bodies craved the soothing embrace of Hermosa’s Olive Spa & Gym. The sauna melted away fatigue, the steam whispered away stress, and the massage was like a lullaby sung to weary muscles.
Stephen, the gym instructor, tempted us with tales of transformation, and though our limbs ached, our hearts soared.
Evenings were an ode to leisure. By the crystal-blue pool, guests reclined. The sun dipped low, spilling gold through the trees, painting colourful reflections on the water. Playful monkeys turned the poolside into their stage, sipping water with unbothered elegance as caretakers somewhat impatiently ushered them away.
And just as the birds returned home for the night, guests found comfort in warm cups of tea, in quiet conversation, in the art of doing nothing and loving it. We laughed under a starlit sky, the kind of laughter that only surfaces when the soul feels full and the world feels right.
A Culinary Romance
Dinners at Hermosa were not meals- they could pass for sonatas of flavour. The savoury meals are lovingly spiced, and daring enough for you to surrender to their charm. I could not resist Behind the curtain of flavour stood Chef James, a culinary maestro whose 32 years in the kitchen had birthed a gospel of gastronomy that he effortlessly told as he allowed us in while he supervised and showed his team to deliver. His secret? Organic everything. From Hermosa’s backyard garden came fresh vegetables, bananas and sweet potatoes. From the coast, he sourced seafood treasures. He didn’t just cook- he composed, with passion as his key ingredient. Every dinner was a celebration of Kenyan culture with a continental touch, a narrative told through rich stews, golden plantains, crisp salads, and an array of condiments that made each bite a journey of its own.
The experience was elevated further by the staff, who described each dish like a beloved story being shared around a fire.
Departure and Dreaming
All good things, they say, must end. But as our stay came to a close, I realized Hermosa would not simply be a memory. It had become a part of my spirit- a chapter bookmarked in peace, coloured with grace, and footnoted by joy. To say goodbye was to leave behind the playful monkeys, the soulful sunrises, the musical birds, the scent of spiced food, the rustle of trees, and the smiles that greeted you like kin. But as our car rolled out of the gate, I knew I was taking something intangible yet priceless with me. That in a world of noise, there are still sanctuaries. That amidst deadlines and duties, one can find poetry. And that in a quiet suburb called Karen, wrapped in Kenya’s emerald arms, there exists a place called Hermosa Garden Hotel & Spa- where one does not merely stay, but truly lives.
