It took four years for me to revisit Diani after my first visit, and only seven months to go back after the second time. I never thought that a single accommodation would be the main reason for such an early return, but I was casually scrolling through Airbnb the other day and stumbled upon a gorgeous villa listed there.
My accommodation earlier in the year had been less than desirable, so I think I was subconsciously hoping for a do-over, and Furaha House by Eden Escapes was my beautiful chance to rewrite that story.
Getting to Eden Escapes’ Furaha House in Diani
I travelled to Diani the way I usually love to do – by train from Nairobi to Mombasa. Then by car through the new highway to Diani. I personally love this journey, but I can understand if it feels long and tiring for other travellers. After all, there are several direct flights to Ukunda Airstrip in Diani that cut the travel time down significantly, shaving off about six hours from the trip.
I like to think of myself as a patient traveller when it comes to rail travel, it’s my favourite means of transportation after all. A six-hour journey, especially one done in very comfortable seating with possible sightings of incredible wildlife along the way, is absolutely worth it in my book.
After a smooth journey, we arrived at Mombasa Terminus, where I transferred into a waiting taxi for my onward journey to Diani and Furaha House.
Checking in at Furaha House in Diani
Upon arrival, I was welcomed by a staff member who offered me a welcome drink and gave me a quick tour of the villa. Furaha House is a beautifully crafted one-bedroom space that feels tailor-made for travellers seeking a peaceful and romantic retreat. True to its name, which translates to “joy” in Swahili, the villa radiated a sense of calm contentment from the moment I stepped inside.
Room Details: Furaha House
Left to my own devices, I explored the rest of the property, including the bedroom and the small overhead balcony that overlooked the pool. The decor was refreshingly minimal, and it was obvious that each piece of furnishing had been carefully selected to cultivate a bohemian, romantic vibe that felt both deliberate and naturally inviting.
After settling in, I made a quick tuk-tuk run to the supermarket for some supplies. Back at the villa, I assembled a charcuterie board for a solo picnic by the pool, and it turned out rather impressively, if I do say so myself 🙂
The pool had been one of the main draws when I first spotted this property online, and it absolutely lived up to expectations. I ended up spending most of my time there, alternating between the various lounge spots.
The Pool Area
In September, the weather was perfectly pleasant, warm and sunny without being oppressive, but there’s something undeniably satisfying about having a refreshing pool just steps away whenever you fancy a dip.
Between swimming and a quick nap, the afternoon flew by, and soon it was time for dinner. I decided to try The Salty Squid, one of the spots Eden Escapes had recommended. It was just a short tuk-tuk ride from the villa and turned out to be a fantastic pick with an easygoing atmosphere, great food, and a beautiful beachside setting.
Exploring Beyond the Villa
The next morning, I had grand plans to venture out and watch the sunrise on the beach, as I like to do whenever I visit the coast. Furaha House isn’t a beachfront property, but it’s situated within easy walking distance of a public beach, so getting there wouldn’t have been difficult.
However, I ended up abandoning that plan entirely to spend the morning by the pool instead, capturing it during golden hour. My reasoning? My next stop was going to be a beachfront property anyway, so I’d have plenty of beach sunrise opportunities ahead.
It takes a lot to beat the FOMO out of me when it comes to beach sunrises, and the fact that this villa managed to do it speaks volumes about just how wonderfully beautiful and captivating it is!
And just like that, my short stay at Furaha House came to an end. This villa gave me exactly what I’d been craving – a peaceful retreat that felt intimate, thoughtfully designed, and genuinely restorative. After my less-than-ideal accommodation experience earlier in the year, Furaha House was the perfect redemption story.
The Sum Up…
As I packed my bags and prepared to head to my next destination, I found myself already planning my next visit. Some places just have that effect on you, and Furaha House is definitely one of them. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or simply a peaceful escape along the Kenyan coast, I can’t recommend this little slice of paradise enough.
This was my third visit to Diani. You can read about my first visit here and my second trip here. If you have enjoyed this post, please let me know by leaving a comment in the comment section below!
