The Charming Lonno Lodge

“Most relaxing holiday we’ve had in years. Beautiful and exceptionally run.”

I want everyone to know how fantastic this place is, but also want to keep it a secret so it’s not booked out next time we visit! But seriously, my hubby suggested this place after checking reviews and getting the “vibe” of the place, staff and owners. Something we always do before committing to … more

I want everyone to know how fantastic this place is, but also want to keep it a secret so it’s not booked out next time we visit! But seriously, my hubby suggested this place after checking reviews and getting the “vibe” of the place, staff and owners. Something we always do before committing to a booking. Is it 5star? …. By Kenyan standards yes, but if you’re looking for a soulless Dubai bling type experience No….. however that’s all part of its charm. From the minute we booked communications were warm and professional. Sylvia reached out and let us know all about the room, the food, the location and getting about off property. She answered questions about connectivity (I had to work remotely online for 2 specific days) and went out of her way to ensure I was comfortable to do so, even offering staff to work late so I could have later meals due to time differences of my calls. The food is fantastic, well prepared and thoughtfully suggested, the owners want guests to eat exceptionally well, so they focus only on guests and not bringing in outside restaurant business. Be it breakfast, lunch or dinner you can always order off menu and they will do their utmost to provide what you want and change things around. It’s a seaside resort, so of course fish is prominent on the à la carte menu, but meat, vegetation and gluten free alternatives are an option, you only have to ask. I urge you to explore, there are lots of hidden gems on and about the property, and not just the entertaining wildlife (reptiles, birds, squirrels etc). The grounds and gardens are so relaxing, and very well taken care of. Additionally the tidal times are stressed regularly to guests who want to go down and out onto the reef. Safety is paramount to Silvia and Aldo, they don’t want guests getting caught out when the tide comes in! We enjoyed wading out and looking through the rock pools, a local lad even showed us all sorts of species and sea life we otherwise wouldn’t have noticed. There are two big beautiful dogs on property, they are pets who also assist the guards at nighttime. The owners and staff are conscious of anyone is not a dog lover, making sure the dogs leave you alone. So their presence is known but doesn’t interfere when not invited. There’s a huge amount of behind the scenes staff keeping the place immaculate. I hardly ever even saw paw/foot prints which magically seemed to get raked over before we even noticed anyone was there. All the staff are so accommodating, even the pool guy, who quietly tweaked his early morning pool cleaning time in order to fit around my early morning lengths swims. Even though I offered to work around him, it was all about me having the best stay. I enjoyed the table/seat inside the pool and most afternoons could be found sat there in a big hat reading my book. Because it’s a boutique hotel it’s quirky (in a good way) and there is always a a seat, lounger or beautifully appointed shaded bed to sit on. The rooms are as described online. All good quality, different, comfortable and well appointed. We elected for the Tower room specifically to enjoy the views knowing there was no aircon. On days with little breeze it did get a bit warmer than we would have expected, however the minute we mentioned it extra fans appeared in our room. Just another indicator of the exceptional service given here. Truly a gem of the place and I hope to go back there one day soon.

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