“I came to this place a young man green and lonely.
Well quit of the world, I framed a house of moss and timber,
called it a home, and sat in the warm evenings singing to myself as a man sings
when he knows there is no one to hear.”
This excerpt from John Haines’ Poem of the Forgotten best describes the lonesome but healing experience that Woodmere Apartments has to offer. Located in Kilimani, the spot is the ideal place to escape the hectic pace of Nairobi city for a more laid back, calm and relaxing atmosphere.
Our three-day sojourn at Woodmere Apartments was in the second week of June. They say that a season of loneliness and isolation is when the caterpillar gets its wings. Like the caterpillar, we headed out to Kilimani for a touch of the somber ambience and hopefully grow our wings. Sometimes, you just need a break in a beautiful place to relax and sort things out. You know a home away from home. And thats exactly how it felt when we arrived. The lovely host Max not only gave us a hearty welcome but topped it up with two bottles of luxury wine. How sweet?
The rental options at Woodmere Apartments include a standard studio, a super four-bedroom, a super one-bedroom, and a standard two-bedroom. All the apartments have essential amenities with housekeeping services included. The apartment we got to stay in features a lovely coastal architectural design. The rooms have a distinctive and interesting arrangement, with each room leading in and out the other. For instance, when in the master bedroom, you can still walk directly into the kitchen, and then into the dining room. With a variety of spaces to pick from, you can bring your kids for a much-needed family time or gather a group of friends for a nice birthday celebration. You can also enjoy your own wistful experience with a spouse or even by your lonesome self.
The apartment has a unique, Swahili-inspired deco, evident on the wall paintings and gorgeous furniture. The woody architecture adds to the rustic vibe of the place, making you feel truly isolated from the world. There are magnificent views overlooking a large pool and a lush green garden outside, so all you have to do is let the calming energy sooth you.
The completing touch to our lovely stay at Woodmere were the delectable meals that we also got to enjoy. The first evening, we got a little taste of Italian cuisine with a dinner basket of ricotta pasta courtesy of Boun Italia. There were vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, while the pesto added to the ricotta made the dish absolutely divine. This, topped with a glass of prosecco wine made for a perfect Italian themed evening.
The following day was a foodie haven, as we got to have a scrumptious brunch from Sisi Kitchen. We got to enjoy an extensive menu that consisted of Pasta Napoletana, fish and sisi potatoes, vegan shawarma, fried beef, roast chicken in smoked paprika, chicken sausages and some wine to wash it all down. After the feast worthy meal, we finished off with a yummy dessert that included an assortment of cakes. There was a chocolate mousse square with healthy grain bites, salted caramel cake and oreo cheesecake square. Hearty and delicious, Sisi Kitchen gave us a meal fit for royalty.
For dinner, The Dinner Box sent over their signature meal kits that come with fresh ingredients and easy recipes to prepare a nice meal. We choose the “Taco Seasoned Grilled Chicken over Roasted Salad” which was a divine selection. It really put our cooking skills to the test as we had to prepare the meals from scratch but the end result was just how we hoped; scrumptious.
After our three day stay, we definitely left Woodmere recharged and ready to soldier on with our hectic lives. Rustic, wistful, and absolute relaxation, this is what Woodmere has to offer. Even with travel restricted, you can still get to enjoy a pleasant vacation within the city. With a dash of elegance and nostalgia, Woodmere Apartments is where you need to go for an authentic rustic experience.
— Written by Mary Njehia
