Asha Cottage in Kenya

On a trip to Kenya, my travel buddy and I found all-inclusive luxury at Asha Cottage that didn't break our bank accounts. The guesthouse, which is run by owners Dominique and John, is located off the main road in Diani and has a small private beach that looks out on the public beach and out across the Indian Ocean.

There are five rooms which are all centred around the swimming pool. They're furnished to a high standard and decorated with souvenirs the owners gathered on their travels around the world. Guests can choose between half board and full board, but the food here is so good that full board is the only way to go.

After a restful night, we head over to the main veranda for breakfast where a table full of cereals, exotic fruits, warm bread rolls awaits us. There's also a choice of freshly-squeezed juices, coffee and teas. Not only is the food fantastic, the staff caters to our every whim. Especially Stanley is amazing.

The rest of our morning is spent on a comfy beach chair watching the beach boys walk by, selling their key chains or sarongs. Fishermen are beating their freshly caught octopus on the white sand to make them more subtle to eat, and a caravan of camels slowly moves along the shore line.

Lunch is taken either around the cosy pool area or the beach area and there's a choice of freshly made sandwiches and crispy salads. In the afternoon we're booked in for a soothing, full body massage with the on-site masseuse after which we blissfully head back to our beach chairs.

At around 3pm I see Stanley the waiter coming towards me who wants to see what we would like to have for dinner. There's a choice of two dishes which consist of delicious, fresh local ingredients. Even fish that has been caught minutes before ending up on the grill. At dinner time we head back to the veranda where we find our candlelit table elegantly decked out.  Needless to say that the food tastes heavenly.

We end the evening with a cup of tea and a book in the library, where John tells us about his travels and antics in Afghanistan.

The next day all of the above is repeated again. It's a shame we were only able to stay here for two days, because an all-inclusive holiday at Asha Cottage in Diani Beach is just what the holiday doctor ordered.

Find more info on Asha Cottages at:
http://www.ashacottages.com/