[dropcap]A[/dropcap] drive along Ring Road in Westands would most probably lead you to The Oval or, if you are of Indian descent, to the Oshwal Centre. However, this time it leads us to Mwanzi Road, opposite the Ukay Centre. This is where we find one of the latest hospitality facilities in town, the Kingfisher Nest.
The facility is named after one of the most attractive, adventurous yet rarely seen birds, the Kingfisher. At the entrance, an artistic painting is drawn, creating a scenery of adventure. Once the gate opens, an open field with a number of trees creates another picture, that of serenity. The polite security officers will lead you to a vast basement parking, where your car is assured of safety.
Our first stop is the 11th floor, where the hotel’s bar is located at the warm poolside. Wycliffe Ozumba, the Head of Marketing, leads the tour and informs us that the bar is named the Wingbar. The indoor-outdoor experience is breathtaking with the establishment crafting an artistic rooftop swimming pool, surrounded by a state-of-the-art gymnasium that offers patrons an outdoor feel without leaving the building.
This creates a chic, stylish and serene setting with arguably the best view of the lush Westlands and its environs. The adage ‘green city under the sun’ is actualised as you have a view of the city’s Central Business District, Parklands and Westlands. A view of the setting sun at the yonder, the crawling traffic jam and the closing shops as the city goes to slumber (or rather night life) will give you more reasons to sit by the poolside as you sip your drink, every evening.
Here we take a taste of its cuisine. The restaurant serves delicious continental cuisines and an array of snacks. For the lovers of whisky and wines, the attendants will give you the best blends and cocktails. Here, we take some top class cocktail of whisky blended with high-class soft drinks. A new wine cocktail is available, dubbed Kamba Lolo and a whisky cocktail dubbed King’s Thunder, among others.
The facility boasts of 45 units of two bed-roomed apartments. In every living room of the apartments, a painting of the Kingfisher stands out complemented by the beautiful interior décor and top of the range furniture.
The warmth of the apartments creates the illusion of home away from home with living rooms equipped with an entertainment system and a lovely slide door balcony overlooking the city.
READ: ‘RAFIKI’ MAKER WANURI KAHIU ON CLOUD NINE
The main bedroom swanks of an entertainment system and a walkout balcony offering beautiful views especially at sunrise and sunset.
Developed by Sato Properties, the facility’s spacious and comfortable rooms with fully furnished kitchens, refreshing decor coupled with its convenient location makes Kingfisher Nest the ideal escape for guests seeking short-term and long-term stay.
Moreover, the fast Internet speeds at the Kingfisher and family friendly services, offer guests a new kind of experience.
With an opening offer of USD 100 (approximately Ksh10,000) a single stay for bed and breakfast, and USD 120 (approximately Ksh12,000) for couples, the Kingfisher Nest is set to revolutionise the up market furnished apartments space as well as the city’s hospitality industry.
The apartments have opened their doors for business and already 50% are occupied.
As we get back to the rooftop bar for more refreshments, the night has set in and the night view of the city is at its best. If you have your lover, this is the best time to step out and have a drink as you watch the city at night, or even count the stars and bond more. With soft music playing in the background, it creates the best atmosphere for love. You can even propose to your spouse at this moment, s/he won’t say No! If you are alone, it is the best place to meditate, build castles in the air and even bring them down.
As we awe on the magnificence of the city at night, the mastermind of the facility joins us. Mr Vishal Shah, Director, Sato Properties and Managing Director, Kingfisher Nest, joins our chitchat. For more than three years, he has overseen the development of the facility from scratch, contributing even to the artistic drawing to see everything come to perfection.
READ: WHY NMG WILL HAVE TO WAIT LONGER FOR NEW CEO
Kingfisher Nest offers the ultimate urban experience with the exceptional facilities and pristine service that gives you a feel of home away from home.
“Our aim is to be the best not only in Kenya but also in Africa. We intend to set standards for this industry for local and international tourists,” says Shah, as the tour ends and we retire to our beds, waiting to wake up and experience the view of the sunset in the city.
