The Fashionable Frequent Flyers

After fulling launching the Hotel Ratings component of our site, I thought it prudent to re-visit some of the hotels/resorts/lodges that Linda and I have visited and provide y’all with some additional insight into what our stays were like to help you as you evaluate whether the hotels we review are the right fit for you. We already have three existing blog posts on The Segera Retreat, including a general overview of the lodge, a post about their cuisine, a post about their unique approach to eco-tourism, which all provide great insight into this incredible lodge. This post is designed to put many of those facets into context and provide a more tangible rating that’ll help you evaluate your options for your trip to Kenya. I’m going to focus on four key metrics: aesthetics, service, experiences, and privacy.

First, Aesthetics. Segera is undoubtedly the most beautiful lodge I’ve stayed at to date. The above bird’s eye view photos are but a glimpse into this gorgeous property. Not only are the grounds stunning, but the villa interiors are exquisite, and the view to the Laikipia terrain surrounding the lodge is unmatched. Even the common spaces are so elegantly styled, giving you that safari chic vibe that only a luxury lodge can provide. This is an easy 5* rating.

Second, Service. I literally cannot say enough about this. The spiel from the overview post put it best: ” To put it simply, Segera pays attention to EVERY SINGLE DETAIL. Throughout your stay at Segera, you will be assigned a guide for your party, a server, and a villa attendant, each of whom pays attention to your needs and provide you with what you need. Our guide, Ngimat, server, Dominic, and villa attendant, Dixon, took very good care of us during our stay. Your meals are prepared by various chefs on-site and their creations are immaculate. On every return to your villa, be it from a safari outing or visiting the local communities, a handwritten note on a little blackboard welcomes you back “home.” Indeed, Segera favors personalized hand-written notes to pass messages to its guests, be it an invite to stay at the Bird’s Nest (blog post on that coming soon!) or a note with your breakfast in the wild. It’s a personal touch not seen at many vacation properties. And, of course, Segera boasts fantastic spa services. Roxana is a miracle worker and had us both feeling 5 years younger from our treatments.” Again, 5* all the way.

Third, Experiences. One thing I really loved about my Segera experience is that it was both relaxing and luxurious, but also educational. The game drives were really fun (and if y’all know me well by now, you know there’s nothing I love more on this planet)! We got to experience a night under the stars at the Bird’s Nest, which is probably the most unique experience I’ve ever had–sleeping in the middle of the wild, atop an incredible bird’s nest, sleeping to the sound of leopard roars. Even with the cuisine, not only were our stomachs incredibly happy after dining, but so too were our minds after learning about the different organic gardens they have on-site to grow the food we eat. Everything was sustainable. Learning about their energy sources and their other community initiatives too was also remarkable. The food alone makes this an easy 5*, but the experiences atop make it even easier.

Fourth, Privacy! This lodge is the epitome of a quiet and secluded vacation. As an initial matter, the lodge has a very low capacity, and the property is very vast. Therefore, you already get the feel like you and your travel companion(s) are enjoying all the amenities and experiences by yourself. But, it’s more than that, the staff generally plans the itineraries to limit interaction with other guests (except for some set group activities). You therefore can really maximize on connecting with nature and your travel companion. I’d definitely plug this as an incredible honeymoon location. If privacy and seclusion is what you’re looking for, this is an easy 5*. If not, you should re-evaluate.

In all, This is the easiest 5 Star Rating I’ll ever give!