Its always a pleasure to go to Hemingways Nairobi. More so since we decided to get away for some prevalentine RnR as work schedules will not allow us time during the actual date.
Tucked away in the quiet suburbs of Karen, the boutique hotel offers complete relaxation from the moment you drive in.
The check-in is quick and smooth as I had made a prior booking. All it took was Felistus making a copy of my national ID.
A butler is assigned to us and we make our way to the room in the cute golf carts. Once we step into the suite, the breathtaking view from the balcony is the first thing I notice.
The expansive Ngong Hills can be clearly seen and the beautiful lawns is mesmerizing. Yes, it is exactly as I’ve described it.
The butler ensures we are well settled and says they are available 24hours a day to assist with any specific requirements.
She leaves us to enjoy the TV that pops up on command from a chestbox.
Tres cool! After a leisurely lunch of grilled pork chops, pearl barley, broccoli and apple sauce, we prepare to start enjoying the Valentine packages the hotel has put together.
In addition to the special discount on accommodation, couples can enjoy a unique package at the spa for the whole month.
Themed ‘Unwind and Unite’, it involves a Zanzi body buff using coconut and oil scrub, followed by a Swedish massage and a pedicure.
The two and a half hour session left us relaxed, renewed and sleepy. Hahahaha. All this is done in one room so the couple can bond. Under the stewardship of manager Katy Whitfield, the spa is one of the best in the country.
With over 28 years of experience in massage and beauty therapy, Katy has personally trained all the masseurs and masseuses ensuring she constantly does so to maintain the high standards.
You know, after such a session, the best next thing is a nap. I did not resist and woke up fresh, energized and ready for dinner. We had been hearing of the lamb at Hemingways and couldn’t wait.
To recreate the valentine mood, a table for two complete with candles, a jiko and fresh flowers had been set up. After an appetizer of baby lobster cocktail with mango, melon, tomato and marie rose dressing, we were served the light cream of slow roasted tomatoes.
It smelt divine and was flavoured with fresh basil. One spoonful of the soup warmed us right through. Be careful though. It is absolutely delish, you might end up having too much and getting full rather quickly before the main meal.
I ordered the pan roasted noisettes of ‘karoo’ lamb that came highly recommended from friends. It is the main specialty during the valentine promotion.
Mine came served with braised red cabbage, petit pois mint jus and potato mousseline aka mashed potatoes. Lol.
My partner had the Hemingways Rib Eye, another favourite dish with patrons but that is a review for another day. The lamb was unlike anything I’ve ever eaten.
Soft, succulent, cooked to almost perfection. I couldn’t get enough. And when I was full, I still managed to stuff in some more mouthfuls.
The cabbage was abit too sweet for my liking so I did not have much of that. The mash was very good but the tomato soup had done us in.
We capped off a romantic and intimate dinner with a shared dessert of the Brasserie Tiramisu. Who ever says no to chocolate? I’m quite envious of couples that will get to enjoy the three day Valentine special culminating in the Valentines Jazz Brunch on the 14, a first for the hotel.
Accommodation Cost Feb 12-14: Sh26,000 per couple per night
Couples spa package: Sh21,000 Jazz Brunch Feb 14: Sh 4,500 pp
Valentines Dinner Feb 12-14: Sh4,500
Star rating: ***** (5 stars)