Forest Resort is a perfect holiday spot at the Kenyan coast

 

Human beings are their own worst enemies. The need for comfort is more often than not accompanied by an ironic sacrificing of the environment. The best getaway destinations sadly are mostly guilty of “harassing” the environment.

The ruthless clearing of flora to create space for lifeless structures to house guests, followed by unbearable weight of traffic chokes the environment, leaving it gasping for air through the thick muck. Needless to write, it endures its suffering silently.

Diani on Kenya’s South Coast is arguably one of the most popular holiday destinations, what with its innumerable accommodation facilities.

However, very few first time visitors from different countries who flock there for a taste of paradise notice the lurking curse of the environment groaning under the weight of continuous battering.

A glimmer of hope, as I would find out, is that not all establishments have ignored the suffering environment.

Working with the environment rather than against it while still running a business is a possibility as one establishment has proved.

Forest Dream Resort on Diani Beach Road, as its name suggests, has successfully managed to co-exist with nature — giving back more than it takes.

A ferry sail from mainland Mombasa over to Likoni, followed by a thirty-minute drive led me to Ukunda Post Office from where I would be transferred to Forest Dream Resort.

A few minutes later, one Tim van Velzen picked me up for a ten-minute drive that gave more than I had bargained for.

Through Tim’s eyes, mine were opened to the danger human influence poses to the environment.

A pale shadow is what remains of Diani Beach Road which was at one time a plush boulevard.

Developers keen to capitalise on the imminent tourist gains Diani offers cut down the indigenous forest without batting an eye lid.

As we engaged in a discussion on the threats posed by wanton cutting of trees, we drove past a signboard depicting a monkey which I was informed is the resort’s trademark.

We then branched off onto a dirt road with heavy bush.

After a short stretch, a protective wall with the characteristic monkey imprint ushered us into Forest Dream Resort and as the manned gates closed behind us, a friendly yet fierce looking Rottweiler welcomed us. As we stepped into the lobby, Nicoline Banvick, the resort’s marketing manager took over from Tim.

We walked, holding our drinks, to the adjoining restaurant which is close to a giant pool complete with a bar and a water slide.

My appetite was ravenous, probably triggered by the fact that it was way past lunch time. I could not be restrained any longer and I opted to have a meal before the tour.

An extremely courteous waitstaff added to the delight that was the Pasta Sugo that she served.

As we ate, Nicoline shared what Tim’s modest nature did not allow him to share.

Forest Dream, a family-run enterprise was a dream gradually actualised by Kees van Velzen (Tim’s father) over twenty years.

After falling in love with Kenya, the nature-loving Dutch purchased a twenty-acre piece of bare shrub land.

With a hotel and forest in mind, Kees embarked on an ambitious project to create the two, which he achieved with all the help he could get as he deliberately introduced the indigenous vegetation to a section of the land and left some part for the hotel.

Soon enough, wildlife escaping persecution from their natural habitats found sanctuary at the hotel. Dik dik, the elusive bush baby as well as different species of birds and monkeys now call the forest their dream home.

Accommodation at Forest Dream Resort is an experience worth trying out considering that there is an impressive variety to choose from.

All the suites, cottages and villas are designed to embrace natural shapes, tones and textures of the surroundings — and these enhance the forest feel.

All the structures are made of eco-friendly materials, and appliances are all solar-powered.

Makuti is the roofing material of choice and recycled glass adds a glossy finish to the walls.

Three structures really grabbed my attention. Closest to the common pool, is a lounge christened Leopard.

Handcrafted wooden fittings that include carved support beams, winding steps, low hanging lampshades and assorted furniture give the lounge an ambience that makes it ideal for meditation.

The other was the Fish Eagle cottage which is a true embodiment of Swahili style, what with its open shower in one of the attic rooms where nature enthusiasts can enjoy a close view of the forest and its residents.

If uttermost privacy is your concern, then a North African-influenced villa would most likely be good for you. Fashioned to mimic a sultan’s palace, the swanky villa also includes a private pool and a guest house among other features that would, without a doubt, give one a taste of royalty.

Astoundingly, the rates for the Sultan villa are the same as any other accommodation facility with the same number of rooms.

Unlike most hotels that do not display their charges on their websites, Forest Dream does that to deter unscrupulous agents from ripping off guests.

To shield the guests from the eyesores that are multi-storey buildings under construction, the management planted more trees on the hotel’s boundary.

The resort’s green dream extends to the dining table as all meals are whipped from fruits and vegetables obtained from the hotel’s own eco-farm and the fisherfolk ensure that only the freshest catch is delivered.