Hilda's Homestay

I found Hilda’s Homestay restful, quiet, and very clean, with a pool of my own to enjoy. Hilda was reassuringly available and incredibly helpful, sorting out taxis, restaurant bookings, and train travel through WhatsApp. The house is opposite the beach and Eleven Pearl, a boutique hotel where you can rent sunbeds for 1200 ksh, with 1000 redeemable on food and drinks. Tuk tuks pass by all the time. The ones driving past are better value, as those parked outside tend to inflate their prices. Chandarana, with a supermarket, bank, and a couple of restaurants, is a 10-minute ride away for 100 ksh. You can get what you need there, including fresh banana bread and samosas. Carrefour and another bank are a little further along. Several good restaurants are nearby by tuk tuk: Ali Barbour, Anchor, Leonardos, Cassimah, and Nomad. I wouldn’t recommend Salty Squid. Eleven Pearl’s food is actually very good, as are its mango milkshakes. Mombasa is about 45 minutes away, and Hilda has useful contacts for reliable taxi staff. Uber is another option. The villa is four storeys, on Diani Beach Road, behind two sets of heavy black metal gates. There’s a buzzer entry system and a night security guard, and the keys you’re given on arrival are labelled for easy access. Hilda and Guilda use the lower two floors, with CCTV operating. The flat is on the top floor, with a bedroom, shower room, and large living room. The living area has a comfortable sofa, dining table, fridge, microwave, and water dispenser. Two ceiling fans and a pretty balcony with seating for two overlook the pool and garden. There’s also a TV with Netflix, Amazon, and more. I didn’t choose breakfast, but Hilda offers pastries or pancakes with fresh coffee and juice. The bedroom has a large queen bed, dresser, two ottomans, and a wardrobe with a lockable drawer for your valuables. There’s a small balcony and another water dispenser. Artwork is displayed throughout, including stained glass made by Hilda and Guildo in the bathroom. Everything is labelled and smart operated, and the sockets are UK-friendly three-pin, so no travel adapters are needed. The shower room is spacious, and towels, shower gel, and a beach towel are provided. Pauline cleans the rooms and bathroom daily. She’s a charming, very friendly housekeeper, so remember to tip her! The pool is really well placed, with exceptionally clean, fresh, warm water. There’s a gazebo with sunbeds and a fan right above them, a clever touch. Hilda and Guildo seem to have thought of just about everything for comfort. It’s a great fit for different kinds of travellers, but not for someone looking to party or entertain. This is their home, so guests need to be mindful of that. Hilda takes pride in keeping the place clean and tidy. You may bring visitors back by request, but it’s discouraged, which I understand.

Hilda and Guido are extremely friendly, and the staff are just as kind. The breakfast was delicious. The villa is stunning, with tasteful decor and beautiful art, and it’s one of the best places we’ve stayed. What you see is what you get, and more. If you’re in Diani, it’s a lovely spot to unwind.

We had a whole floor to ourselves, along with the garden and pool, so there was plenty of privacy. The rooms were all modern, with a spacious bedroom and bathroom and a large living room leading to a terrace. We loved this little paradise and the short walk to the beach. Hilda was kind and helpful with everything, and made us breakfast each morning. Her pancakes were delicious, and there was lots of fresh fruit every morning. I think we’ll come back in the future. Thank you, Hilda.

The hosts were wonderful. We felt their warmth right from arrival, and Hilda and Guido welcomed us with kindness throughout our stay. The homestay is a paradise, beautifully arranged and full of thoughtful touches, and every room reflects the care they’ve put into their home. Our room was enormous and had everything we needed, plus more. The linens, towels, mattresses, and pillows were all top quality. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the beach, on the quieter, prettier side. Breakfast was a real delight, even better than the reviews led us to expect. The garden and pool are gorgeous and meticulously looked after. We had a warm, pleasant time in Kenya and would absolutely recommend it to anyone staying in Diani.