Condé Nast Traveller July 2007

“Dutch brothers Frederik and Filip Vanderhoeven already had one chic coastal retreat – the Villa Val des Roses on the French Riviera – under their belt when they opened Msambweni House in Kenya this year. They chose if for its ‘remote, unspoilt location’ on a cliff overlooking a deserted beach, 20 km from the Tanzanian border. The main house has three suites with private verandas and a luxury tent, all with access to a 50-metre, infinity edged pool; two additional villas open this month, with private Jacuzzis and pools. Lamu stone and intricately sculpted chalk-white plaster, driftwood doors and thatched makuti-wood roofs define the overall look. Lazy days on the beach can be interspersed with diving excursions to the famous Kisite Marine Park and safaris to Shimba Hills to spot the sable antelope that gave the house its name.”

Financial Times, How to Spend It Magazine September 2007

“In Kenya, on a deserted stretch of private beach 20 miles from Tanzania, Msambweni Beach House quietly opened earlier this year. Loaded with Lamu-style furnishings, there’s a tent with terrace, bathroom and king-size bed. Add to this three double rooms in the main house and the just-opened double-bedroom villas with private infinity pools. The entire property can be rented for a party of 12 or you can rent by the room.”

Vogue November 2007

“Winter Sun: Book a week at Msambweni Beach House, Kenya. A family-owned house that sleeps 12, it’s set high on a cliff with views out to sea 700ft of private beach along a four-miles stretch of coastline, and staff on hand to tend to your every whim.”

Food and Travel Aug/Sept 2007

“…The Lamu-style building, with its thatched roof and whitewashed walls, looks out on the Indian Ocean, from a high cliff. In the main villa, the rooms are dreamy white with exposed beams, pale linen on the beds and curtains dancing in the breeze. There are lovely sitting areas with embroidered cushions on the banquettes and lanterns on the wooden tables. Bounded by a tropical coral wall on one side and on the other by mangroves and rainforest, it also boasts a luxury tent and handful of private villas. All come with a personal cook, housekeeper and driver. Enjoy the huge infinity pool, or picnics and barbecues on the golden beach. Belgian-trained chefs will cook anything you want, including freshly caught fish. There is plenty of wildlife, from the marine turtles of Kisite Marine Park to the antelopes of Shimba Hills. Come here for peace and quiet on the Indian Ocean.”