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Kenya Coast holiday villa "Topi Villa" at the Galu Beach, Diani

Affordable luxury on Kenya's southern coast

1 of 74 at the Kenya Coast
Kenya Coast villa rental - House and pool
 
  • Kenya Coast villa rental - House and pool
    Kenya Coast villa rental - Poolside bar
    Kenya Coast villa rental - The veranda's living area
    Kenya Coast villa rental - Galu beach, 10 minutes' walk away
    Kenya Coast villa rental - Master Bedroom with en suite bathroom
    Kenya Coast villa rental - Second bedroom; bathroom not visible
    Kenya Coast villa rental - Lounge and 2 single beds in the upper gallery
    Kenya Coast villa rental - Double bed in the upper gallery
 
  • Bedrooms3
  • Sleeps8
  • 3 Bathrooms, 1 Separate WC
Rates (GBP)
per property (GBP)
  • per night £50 - £250
Description Villa, 280 m²

Bernard Rivers and Karen Rothmyer Rivers

Speaks: English

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Photos and Description of this Kenya Coast holiday villa
2 double bedrooms w/ en-suite bathrooms plus 1 double and 2 single beds upstairs

Topi Villa is just a ten-minute stroll from 12 kilometres of stunning Indian Ocean beach. The house stands in a secure gated compound. It has a half acre of mature tropical garden with a private swimming pool, a poolside bar, and a large shady veranda with sofas, armchairs, a dining area and an overhead fan. The accommodation downstairs comprises two main bedrooms (each with a double bed and its own bathroom), plus large modern kitchen, hallway and guest bathroom. One bedroom has air conditioning, and the other has a floor fan and a day bed suitable for a child. Upstairs, there is a very large gallery with a double bed, two single beds, a lounge/TV area and a bathroom. Thus, the villa will sleep 3 couples plus two children, with a day bed for a third child. All the rooms remain relatively cool in the hottest weather due to the thatched roof and the sea breezes. Topi Villa offers quiet secure privacy, yet it is within easy reach of the shops, restaurants and hotels of Diani beach.

Kenya Coast villa rental - House and pool

House and pool
Kenya Coast villa rental - Poolside bar

Poolside bar
Kenya Coast villa rental - The veranda's living area

The veranda's living area
Kenya Coast villa rental - Galu beach, 10 minutes' walk away

Galu beach, 10 minutes' walk away
Kenya Coast villa rental - Master Bedroom with en suite bathroom

Master Bedroom with en suite bathroom
Kenya Coast villa rental - Second bedroom; bathroom not visible

Second bedroom; bathroom not visible
Kenya Coast villa rental - Lounge and 2 single beds in the upper gallery

Lounge and 2 single beds in the upper gallery
Kenya Coast villa rental - Double bed in the upper gallery

Double bed in the upper gallery
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Location: Kenya Coast at the Kenya

Nearest Airport : Moi International Airport, Mombasa, at 48 Kilometres
Nearest Train : Mombasa at 35 Kilometres
Nearest Beach : Galu Beach (a continuation of Diani Beach) at 600 Metres
Nearest Golf : Diani Leisure Lodge at 10 Kilometres
Car: not necessary

Topi Villa is located 35kms south of Mombasa, approximately one and half hours by taxi from Mombasa airport (including ferry time) and ten minutes from Diani (Ukunda) Airfield. Taxi from either can be arranged. Galu Beach is a leisurely 10 minutes' walk away - a stunning white coral sand beach with a live coral reef 400m offshore. Galu Beach is a continuation south of Diani Beach, the main tourist destination on the coast south of Mombasa. The Galu and Diani beach tourist areas have a good choice of restaurants and beach bars and many of the major hotels welcome non-resident diners. The National Parks of Tsavo East and West are a 3 hour drive away, and the Shimba Hills park and elephant sanctuary are a 1 hour drive away. Mombasa 'old town' (a heritage site) is 45 minutes by car. Note: For a great satellite view of house and beach, see http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=-4.35471,39.55975&q=-4.35442,39.55608+(Topi+Villa.+House+and+pool+are+below+pointer.)&iwloc=A&t=k&z=17

Zoom Level: Street
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Availability for this holiday villa rental at the Kenya Coast, Kenya

Updated:
Jan 31, 2012
Changeover Day: flexible
Available
  
Unavailable
Special Offer
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Rental rates for this holiday villa at the Kenya Coast, Kenya

Rental Basis:
per property
Rental rates quoted in:
British Pound
Convert Currency
Rental Rates
Dates Rates
Name of Period Begins Ends Weekly Week
Night		 Weekend Weekend
Night		 Extra
Night		 Monthly Event Rate Minimum Stay
15 Jan 2012 2 Apr 2012 - £95 - £95 - - - 3 Nights
3 Apr 2012 22 Apr 2012 - £175 - £175 - - - 3 Nights
23 Apr 2012 30 Apr 2012 - £95 - £95 - - - 3 Nights
1 May 2012 30 Jun 2012 - £50 - £50 - - - 3 Nights
1 Jul 2012 14 Jul 2012 - £95 - £95 - - - 3 Nights
15 Jul 2012 31 Aug 2012 - £150 - £150 - - - 1 Week
1 Sep 2012 14 Dec 2012 - £95 - £95 - - - 3 Nights
15 Dec 2012 21 Dec 2012 - £150 - £150 - - - 1 Week
22 Dec 2012 4 Jan 2013 - £250 - £250 - - - 1 Week
5 Jan 2013 18 Jan 2013 - £150 - £150 - - - 1 Week
19 Jan 2013 23 Mar 2013 - £95 - £95 - - - 3 Nights
24 Mar 2013 7 Apr 2013 - £175 - £175 - - - 3 Nights
8 Apr 2013 1 May 2013 - £95 - £95 - - - 3 Nights

Please Note: The owner of this property accepts payment in the original currency specified (British Pound), before use of conversion tool. The conversion tool is provided for your convenience only. The owner may accept other currencies if specifically agreed in advance.

Additional information about rental rates

  • Rates quoted cover the cost of renting the entire house and pool, including staff, for up to 6 people; add £10 per night per person for one or two extra people. A deposit is payable at the time of signing a simple contract. The balance must be received by one month prior to arrival. No limitation regarding which day of week the rental starts. Payment can be made by bank transfer in UK pounds, US dollars, Euros or Kenya shillings. Kenya citizens/residents are eligible for a 15% discount, as are visitors who have previously stayed at least three weeks. No other discounts are offered. IMPORTANT NOTE: In mid-2011 we made extensive improvements to the house: We doubled the size of the kitchen and completely modernised it (including installing a large fridge/freezer and a 5-ring double-oven cooker); we provided an upstairs toilet and washbasin; and we added satellite TV, DVD player, mobile phone, internet access (via plug-in pre-paid modem), and mosquito netting for the TV-viewing area.
  • Free advice is available on local services and travel options, either by email before arrival from the owner, or in person after arrival from our very friendly local agent, Anke Wulff, who speaks English and German. Upon request, Anke can do a supermarket run to buy food and drink for you before you arrive, and can arrange a taxi to meet you at Mombasa airport or Diani (Ukunda) airfield. Please request either of these services by a few days before arrival. The cost will be added to your account. Anke will also visit you at the house when you arrive or shortly afterwards, and will happily show you the neighbourhood and answer your questions at any time.
  • Matano, our excellent cook and housekeeper, works from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 1pm on Saturday. He speaks fluent English, and both adult and children guests always find him very friendly. (See the reviews below. One client, upon booking their second visit, emailed to say 'The villa and surroundings are stunning, but it was Matano and the way he looked after us all so well that made our holiday so special.') If you would like Matano to stay on to cook an evening meal or to work extra on a Saturday or Sunday, discuss this with him and pay him overtime of KSh300 (about £2.40) per hour. A washing machine is provided, and Matano will do your laundry.
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Accommodation and facilities for this holiday villa at the Kenya Coast, Kenya

Property Type:
  • villa (detached)
Accommodation Type:
  • self-catering
  • catered
Floor Area:
  • 280 m²
Location Type:
  • near the sea
Theme:
  • away from it all
  • family
General:
  • laundry soap
  • safe
  • local activities guide
  • private chef
  • filtered water
  • toilet paper
  • towels provided
  • linen provided
  • hair dryer
  • air-conditioning
  • soap
  • ceiling fans
  • water cooler
  • sunbed
  • paper towels
  • security system
  • local maps
  • staff
Kitchen:
  • fridge
  • freezer
  • washing machine
  • microwave
  • blender
  • coffee grinder
  • oven
  • coffee maker
  • cooking utensils
  • toaster
  • iron & board
  • 4 ring stove
Dining:
  • dining area
  • seating for 8 people
Bathrooms:
  • 3 Bathrooms, 1 Separate WC
  • Bathroom 1 - Toilet, Shower Enclosure, en suite.
    Bathroom 2 - Toilet, Shower Enclosure, en suite.
    Bathroom 3 - Toilet, upstairs, for use by those sleeping in upper gallery.
    Bathroom 4 - Toilet, Shower Enclosure, located downstairs for use by guests
  • The bathroom for Bedroom 1 is particularly spacious.
Bedrooms:
  • 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8
  • Bedroom 1 - 1 Extra Lg. Double Bed, A/C, en suite bathroom.
    Bedroom 2 - 1 Large Double Bed, 1 Sofa bed/Futon, fan, en suite bathroom.
    Bedroom 3 - 1 Extra Lg. Double Bed, 2 Single Bed, in upper gallery. En suite bathroom.
  • All beds and the TV area upstairs have their own fitted mosquito nets, and fans are provided in each room. Air conditioning is provided in Bedroom 1, but the entire house is relatively cool thanks to the thatched roof and the coastal breezes that maintain inside temperature between 25 and 29 degrees centigrade at the hottest time of the year. The sofa in Bedroom 2 could serve as a bed for a young child.
Entertainment:
  • games - all ages
  • TV
  • stereo system
  • radio
  • satellite or cable
  • DVD
  • books - fiction/non-fiction
  • CD
Internet Access:
  • internet access
Communication / Internet:
  • mobile phone
Outside:
  • balcony
  • terrace
  • parking off street
  • veranda
  • garage
  • garden
  • 8 garden chairs
Swimming Pools:
  • outdoor pool
  • private pool
Suitability:
  • suitable for elderly or infirm
  • pets not allowed
  • children welcome
  • wheelchair accessible
Onsite Services:
  • housekeeper included
Onsite Equipment:
  • cooler large
  • binoculars
  • cooler small
  • beach towels
Attractions:
  • restaurants
Leisure Activities:
  • beachcombing
  • bird watching
  • walking
  • sight seeing
  • scenic drives
Notes: Life in the tropics is centred around the veranda and pool. The veranda has dining and lounge areas. The poolside has sunbeds and the pool, which has gentle steps in rather than a ladder, is easily large enough for swimming. Both veranda and pool are assured of privacy as the garden is not overlooked from neighbouring properties. Included in the price are three staff: Matano, our cook/housekeeper; Wyclifu, who looks after the pool and garden; and a night-time security guard. Matano will cook your breakfast and lunch using food that you buy. He is also happy to cook an occasional (and excellent) evening meal if this is arranged the day before and you accept the responsibility to pay overtime. Fresh seafood is available, delivered to the house.

Further details for this holiday villa rental at the Kenya Coast, Kenya

Things to do: Topi Villa offers three main forms of holiday activity. First, leisurely poolside living, perfect for the youngest child to the oldest adult. (Some guests don't leave the property for days!) Second, walking, jogging, swimming, sunbathing, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, kitesurfing, dhow trips, and of course eating and drinking on and next to Galu Beach and the adjoining Diani beach, which between them provide 12 kilometers of continuous and stunning white coral sand and palm trees. And third, 'safari' visits of one to four days to Kenya's national parks for game viewing. Shimba Hills national park and elephant sanctuary are a one-hour drive away; Tsavo East and Tsavo West national parks are a 3-hours drive; and Masai Mara national park is served daily by a 2 hour flight by light aircraft. Leisure Lodge Club (an 18 hole, par 72 golf course) is just 10 minutes away by car, and visitors are welcomed. See www.golfinginkenya.com/primary/introduction.htm.

How to get there: Many airlines fly from Europe to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). At least two fly from JKIA to Mombasa. (See www.kenya-airways.com and www.fly540.com.) And two fly from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Diani (Ukunda) Airfield. (See www.flysafarilink.com and www.airkenya.com.) In addition, nonstop charter flights are available from Europe to Mombasa. The owner is happy to provide further advice on flights, but guests must make their own flight reservations.

Taxi to Topi Villa from Mombasa Airport or Diani Airfield can be arranged on confirmation of booking.

A car is not necessary since taxis are easily available, but you can if you wish arrange a rental car. For a Mombasa rental, go to www.budget.com and specify the pick-up location as 'MBA' (Mombasa Airport). For a Galu/Diani rental, contact the owner. Either will cost from about $25 per day.

Contacting the owners: The owners are Bernard Rivers (UK citizen) and Karen Rothmyer Rivers (US citizen). We live in Nairobi, Kenya, and plan to retire to Topi Villa in a few years. Until then, please make us jealous by staying at the villa while we're working hard in Nairobi! The best way to reach us is by emailing Bernard at bernard.rivers@gmail.com. If you prefer to phone, call Bernard's Kenya mobile at +254-736-280702. If there's no reply, it might mean Bernard is out of the country, in which case you can leave voice mail for him at the following US number: +1-212-662-6800; the voice mail message will be automatically forwarded to Bernard by email, and he will reply promptly from wherever he is at the time. Note: To see this web page again, just go to www.topivilla.com, and you will automatically be taken here.

Other Activities:

Use Topi Villa as a base at the coast from which to head off for safaris into the Shimba hills and the National Parks of Tsavo East and West.

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Reviews for this holiday villa rental at the Kenya Coast, Kenya

Affordable luxury on Kenya's southern coast
average rating of 5.0 based on 4 reviews
business
Affordable luxury on Kenya's southern coast
http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p65447
Kenya Coast Kenya
Orla
UK
5

Topi Villa is just supreme!

Review Submitted: June 18, 2011 Date of Stay: March 2011
My boyfriend Oisin and I stayed at Topi Villa for the first week in April 2011. We were looking for somewhere by Diani Beach that would give us some wind-down relaxation, before heading off on safari in week two.

Having never been to Kenya before, we were looking for four main things from our week at the beach.

1. Be close to beach.
2. Live in beautiful surroundings to completely unwind.
3. Opportunity for exploration!
4. Feel safe.

Topi Villa was our perfect choice on ALL counts.

The booking was very straightforward. Bernard quickly turned around contracts, sent us some really useful information (directions, house info, things to do) and made sure we had transport from the airport.

Driving ourselves from the airport with a google map and Bernards instructions had us there in 40 mins without a single wrong turn!

What followed was a week of amazing evenings of playing in our pool, drinking champagne with gold flakes, watching movies, exploring the towns south of Diani, enjoying the cheapest fillet steak and langoustines in town and chilling out on the paradise beaches....

The staff were wonderful – Matano is an amazing cook and his always-cheerful manner and warm, open conversations were endlessly entertaining. We enjoyed delicious eggs in the mornings, steak, salads and langoustines in the afternoons, and in the evenings we enjoyed champagne by candle-light out by the pool, chatting and laughing all night long.

The three bedrooms are all very authentically African rooms, with heavy dark wood finishings and wooden crafts – really beautiful.

And the people of Diani are all so friendly! I was amazed and delighted by their warmth, chattiness and welcomes everywhere we went.

This is a wonderful place. Our week went far too quickly and I would absolutely love to be going back. AND if I was going back I would definitely stay in Topi Villa again – it’s a perfect place to be.

Huge thank you to Matano, Wicky and Bernard!
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Rating
5 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No
business
Affordable luxury on Kenya's southern coast
http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p65447
Kenya Coast Kenya
Vic
Nairobi, Kenya
5

Simply magnificent!!

Review Submitted: March 29, 2011 Date of Stay: November 2010
My wife and I spent our honeymoon at Topi Villa last October and we were really treated to the best in every sense. The villa is fantastic- nice and private though a slight walk from the beach but that was okay because we also enjoyed the walks. The in-house chef (Matano), I must say, made every meal an experience to remember and he was very very friendly to us. We felt very welcomed and at home. The rooms are fantastic and comfortable. The whole package was simply a great deal.
Recommended for:  Girls Getaway, Romantic Getaway
Rating
5 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No
business
Affordable luxury on Kenya's southern coast
http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p65447
Kenya Coast Kenya
Meg in Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya
5

A lovely holiday

Review Submitted: April 18, 2010 Date of Stay: April 2010
We have just spent the most relaxing week at Topi Villa. It is decorated to a very high standard yet at the same time feels unique and welcoming. There is plenty of indoor space and beautifully maintained garden and swimming pool. Two of the bedrooms are on the ground floor and one of the bathrooms is very spacious. The swimming pool has steps in, rather than a ladder, there are only two steps into the house so I am sure a ramp could be improvised for wheelchair users. Matano, the housekeeper is friendly, welcoming and helpful. He is there everyday except Sundays and helps with everything, so we had more time to realx with our children. There are interesting things to do nearby. We drove to shimba hills reserve and saw elephants, giraffe and buffalo to name but few. We had a few trips to the beach and loved the soft white sand and the warm sea, although our children much prefered the swimming pool. The rooms have fans and mosquito nets. One of the rooms has air-conditioning which was much appreciated by our children. it was nice to have a washing machine as many properties in Kenya don't have them and next time I won't bring half as many clothes as machine washed items dry much more quickly. We bought delicious crab and prawns from the local fisherman and Matano cooked them perfectly. We would recommend this place to anyone and we hope to return soon.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, People with Disabilities, Romantic Getaway
Rating
5 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 6/6
business
Affordable luxury on Kenya's southern coast
http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p65447
Kenya Coast Kenya
in love with kenya
Dumfriesshire
5

the perfect villa

Review Submitted: February 3, 2009 Date of Stay: January 2009
The villa is beautifully decorated, clean and well maintained. It was a real pleasure to spend our week there. The location is peaceful and the beach is just a 10 minute walk away. Didn't really sample the nightlife but did notice disco's and bars. You can easily get to larger towns by taxi or matutu if you want to sample some local transport! There are quite a few restaurants to eat out in the evenings but the house steward is such a good cook we preferred to pay him overtime to do our evening meal a few nights - he should be in a michelin restaurant. He is an absolute treasure and looks after you so well.
Day visits can be easily arranged to Tsavo, Shimba, Shimoni, Mombasa. The owners are really helpful in supplying information and making arrangements for your arrival in the way of an initial food shop/taxi's etc. The services they offer are excellent and you couldn't ask for better.
We will definitley go again and we would also recommend this beautiful villa to friends.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Tourists without a Car, Sightseeing, Families with Young Children, People with Disabilities, Romantic Getaway
Rating
5 out of 5
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 18/18
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