The Segara Retreat is a private and exclusive resort where luxury, art, social relevance and simplicity flow together. The luxury safari lodge is situated in the central Laikipia Plateau in Kenya, just north of the Equator.
South African based LIFE Interiors + Architecture + Creative Direction was tasked by Wilderness to create the Segera architectural and interiors experience with a mandate to create a simple but sophisticated retreat that is comfortable yet stylish. A subtle thread of complete comfort and contextuality weaves through the private villas to the public areas and guest experiences creating a new type of hospitality. Each stilted villa has the feeling of a privately owned holiday home and the public areas are relaxed yet exude a dramatic air of a haven for like-minded individuals.
The concept of the curated collector’s objet trouvé is artfully transported into the interiors, echoing the way the significant art collection plays and interacts with the guests. It is a true reflection of the passions and goals of its founder, Jochen Zeitz, and those of the Zeitz Foundation. The principles of the 4Cs – Culture, Conservation, Community and Commerce – come alive in this magical place; the interiors personify them, the architectural spaces embody them, the ethos of the place is enlivened by its ambassadors in the guest experience.
There are only eight timber thatch villas, with five villas raised on wooden decks comprising one bedroom with en-suite bathroom andoutside deck. Beneath each villa lies an outside lounge and comfortable swing-bed.
Our favourite is Villa Segera – comprising a bedroom connected to an observation lounge and deck area by bridge, with a private lounge area downstairs and large pool with a private bathroom, outside shower and sunken hide. The villa is available on request only.
The safari lodge forms part of a migratory corridor for elephants and are home to lion, leopard, spotted hyaena, cheetah, buffalo and a wealth of plains game. increase. The area is one of Africa’s – and the world’s – most exciting safari and wildlife tourism destinations in a setting dominated by the iconic backdrop of Mount Kenya.
The fresh, home-grown gourmet food, dining under a vast, unpolluted star laden sky, fine wines and exquisite cocktails—not to mention the equally mouthwatering fresh fruit and vegetable juices, will bind you to this special place. This is bliss. You will struggle to leave.
Segera, Nanyuki, P.O. Box 180 Nanyuki Segera, Kenya, segera.com
Images courtesy of Segera Retreat, Caroline Culbert, Michael Poliza and Andrew Howard
