My recent trip to Maiyan Resort and Villas in Nanyuki was an experience I will never forget.
Travel has been my passion for over 28 years and more importantly, I have loved sharing my experience with my readers and followers, guiding them on where to travel both old and new exploration through Go Places. Laikipia is a premier destination and one of my favourite, especially if one needs to unwind and rejuvenate and be one with nature. Maiyan Resort and Villas is my favourite resort and whenever I get an opportunity I never hesitate in planning my family trip to this place of God’s blessing. Yes, that’s the meaning of Maiyan!
For Bookings Call: +254708 183328 | sales@maiyan.co.ke
The journey began on Friday heading towards Thika via the Thika Super Highway following A2. The pleasant and picturesque drive took us through Sagana, Karatina and the rolling hills of Muranga county and Nyeri. The journey to the resort took almost four hours due to the ongoing road works and a few stopovers to let Snowy (my dog) stretch out. The road is quite straightforward to Nanyuki and Maiyan is pinned well on Google Maps.
What a pleasure to see the Maiyan team on our arrival all waiting to welcome us and we were just in time for the afternoon tea and meet up with my dear friend, Mr Omar Ikram the Group CEO of Maiyan Resort and Villas. As usual, all health and safety protocols are strictly followed at this five-star resort.
Upon arrival, you notice the well-manicured gardens and the massive heated pool that is so pleasing to the eyes, you get this feeling of being in paradise and want to quickly check in and head straight to the poolside.
Soon after check-in, we were driven to pick our luggage with the Golf Cart. The resort has several of these parked at the reception and is used to pick and drop guests from the Villas to the main area which houses the Restaurant, Bar Lounge, Swimming Pool, Gift Shop, Conference Room and Wellness Spa.
We were booked in Villa 2 upper floor which comprises of two bedrooms, a Master Executive Bedroom and an Executive Suite. The Villa has all the amenities one can think of in a five-star resort. Each room has a 48-inch smart television, tea/coffee makers, fridge, weighing scale and room safes. The bathrooms have his and hers sinks, shower, hairdryer & shaving unit. The Master bedroom has an additional walk-in closet and tub in the bathroom. There is a Living room area with a five-seater sofa and a fireplace, 48-inch Smart Television, Dining area for six, Kitchenette fitted with cooker, microwave and fridge, Dorman’s capsule machine, in-room snacks and minibar. Both bedrooms, as well as the living room, open up to their balcony with outdoor furniture. The Villa has a shared Plunge Pool and Jacuzzi at the rooftop with amazing sceneries including views of Mt. Kenya. This is a perfect getaway for individuals, couples and families with larger groups having the opportunity to book out the entire Villa exclusively.
After over nine months of being confined between the home and office, it was high time we needed to be in touch with nature and breathe the fresh country air. This is what God had planned for me and I am truly thankful and blessed to unwind and enjoy the three things I love most, my family, snowy and travel. Our trip was blessed with the most beautiful weather as finally after months in the cold in Nairobi the sun had come out.
With numerous activities available at Maiyan, each day as a family we planned to participate in as many activities as time would allow. Each morning we started with a Meditation session on the balcony and a quick shower, after which we would set off for Breakfast from the widespread of Juices, Fruits, Cereals, Pastries, Freshly baked bread, Hot dishes and eggs cooked to one’s preference.
Each day after breakfast we would take a long walk to the Birds Sanctuary or Stables, then get ready for either a game of Tennis, Basketball or a workout session at the Outdoor Gym and then settle in either the outdoor heated Swimming Pool or Plunge Pool at the rooftop of the Villa to relax and soak in some sun. Since I was young I have always been fond and felt a special connection with horses and have always been mesmerized by their sheer beauty and elegance hence one of my most enjoyable activities at Maiyan was Horse Riding. Other activities that can be enjoyed at Maiyan include Volley Ball, Football, Boat Riding, Cycling and Fishing. Maiyan is also a great destination for holding events, team building and meetings as well as the state of the art conferencing facility with panoramic views of the estate.
As I enjoy family time, I also enjoy “Me Time” and no trip is complete without being pampered with a visit to the Spa. The resort spa has various treatments and I chose my favourite, Aroma Therapy with a Hot Stone Massage. I was pampered and felt like a Queen.
Being a family of foodies we were delighted to enjoy a wonderful delectable culinary experience at Maiyan from both the A La Carte and Buffet Options. Maiyan’s culinary team is well trained and experienced to meet and satisfy every guest expectations. The Clubhouse has a newly built bar and lounge where we spent several hours in the evening sipping signature cocktails and watching football on the large screen. Yes, I do watch football and I am a ManU Fan. On all of the evenings including Sunday afternoon, we were entertained by Maiyan’s in house resident musician with wonderful melodies and both old and new classics while we enjoyed our meals.
Meeting new people and making friends is what I enjoy most and during this trip, we were honoured to meet with Mr Seed and Nimo renowned celebrity musicians and singers who are soon to release their new album.
Our trip was also combined with celebrating my sons birthday and we were pleasantly surprised by the duo singers who sang a melodious Happy Birthday for him as he cut his birthday cake. This was the highlight of our trip. Thanks to Mr. Omar Ikram who made our trip so special and comfortable. There was not even one moment where we felt something was amiss. It was a perfect holiday.
Follow my journey with #ExperiencewithNev and #RediscoverKenya
Nev Jiwani
Group MD and founder – Go Places
World Luxury Awards Global Winner 2020 – Best Luxury Villa Resort
For Bookings Call: +254708 183328 | sales@maiyan.co.ke