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Summary of reviewsDistant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers is a beloved destination offering a serene retreat amidst lush greenery and picturesque surroundings. Situated in Kilifi, guests can easily access a nearby stunning creek beach for swimming or peaceful walks. Despite the typical road conditions in Kenya, motorbike taxis make traveling convenient, enhancing the lodge's reputation as a haven for eco-conscious travelers and digital nomads alike. The ecolodge stands out with its sustainable approach, featuring beautifully designed common areas, a magnificent baobab tree, and impeccable natural settings that invite relaxation and connectivity with nature.
The lodge's dining options receive widespread acclaim, offering delicious and varied meals with fresh juices and cocktails that enhance the experience. While some note the food and drink prices are on the higher side, the excellent flavors and vibrant atmosphere justify the cost for many. The kitchen's willingness to accommodate guest preferences adds to the overall positive dining experiences shared by visitors.
Accommodation at Distant Relatives combines eco-friendliness with comfort, boasting rooms crafted from sustainable hardwoods that blend seamlessly with the environment. Spacious dorm rooms and enormous beds contribute to restful stays, further complemented by clean, well-maintained communal facilities. Despite occasional feedback regarding tent size and the need for improved amenities, the lodge impresses with its overall design, cozy ambiance, and cleanliness, fostering a sense of relaxed luxury.
The staff at Distant Relatives are frequently praised for their friendliness and dedication, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Their willingness to assist guests and organize activities ensures an enjoyable stay, although minor organizational issues have been noted. Overall, the staff contribute significantly to the appeal of the ecolodge.
Though Wi-Fi connectivity can be spotty, especially in tent areas, the service generally supports efficient communication, with ongoing efforts to enhance this amenity. The pool, open 24/7, is a standout feature, renowned for its cleanliness and inviting atmosphere, offering a relaxing retreat with convenient access to a nearby bar and stunning views from the restaurant terrace. While occasional local access can affect its exclusiveness, the pool remains a highly regarded aspect of the lodge.
Beds at the ecolodge receive high praise for their remarkable comfort and size, adding to the restful experience. Despite a rare mention of discomfort, the overall consensus is positive, with spacious rooms and numerous activities ensuring a harmonious blend of comfort and entertainment. Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers offers a tranquil, eco-friendly, and fulfilling stay, making it a favored destination for nature lovers and those seeking quality amenities in a peaceful setting. Show more
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Lodge Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
This ecolodge is designed as an experimental model of environmentally and socially conscious living, aiming to inspire more sustainable approaches. It incorporates permaculture and sustainability practices, and offers community-based tourism activities. The accommodations and spaces are designed to minimize environmental footprint.
Dog Friendly Lodge
This lodge welcomes pets, making it a suitable choice for travelers with dogs. Its eco-friendly nature may appeal to dog owners who value sustainability.
Dogs Stay Free
Lodge with Parking
This ecolodge offers free private parking on site with plenty of spaces available for various vehicle sizes. This provides ample and secure parking for all guests.
Accessible Lodge
This ecolodge offers accessible rooms. It provides a unique experience with onsite massages and recreation amenities such as karaoke.
Small Lodge
This eco-lodge offers a unique and intimate experience with a focus on sustainability and community. It's known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly environment, ideal for travelers seeking a more personal and engaging stay.
Lodge for Yoga
This eco-lodge in Kilifi features a yoga room and offers yoga sessions. It has also hosted specific yoga events, indicating a commitment to providing yoga experiences.
3-Star Lodge
Located near Kilifi Creek and surrounded by a community forest, this eco-lodge features a secluded beach area, a restaurant, and an outdoor pool. It offers a range of accommodation options and custom-made furniture.
Lodge with Outdoor Pool
Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers features an outdoor pool and a secluded beach area. The property is located at Kilifi Creek and offers lounge spaces by the pool.
Lodge where Dogs Stay Free
This ecolodge and backpackers is a pet-friendly establishment where dogs can stay at no cost. It appeals to budget-conscious travelers and backpackers who have dogs.
Lodge with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Room Types
Family RoomOffering a private courtyard with shower and toilet, this rooms features custom made shelves and furniture.
TentEach tent is waterproof, carpeted and fitted with mosquito net, bed-side table and solar light at night. There is a shared bathroom and toilet.
Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThis is a single bed in a spacious 8-bed mixed dormitory room with shared bathroom.
Budget Double RoomThis room features an en suite shower, a fan and custom made shelves. It has a shared toilet.
Guest Reviews
8.5
Very Good
Location
Nestled amidst lush greenery and flowering trees, Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The ecolodge is situated in a beautifully forested area, with picturesque surroundings that captivate guests from around the world. Just a short walk from the hostel brings you to a stunning creek beach, perfect for leisurely strolls, swimming, or simply soaking up the serene atmosphere. The vibrant locale, combined with the positive vibes, makes it an ideal spot for travelers looking to connect with nature and each other.
Despite the less-than-perfect road conditions typical in parts of Kenya, the location remains a favorite among many, with easy access to motorbike taxis for convenient travel to nearby Kilifi town and beaches. The unique ecolodge concept emphasizes sustainability, evident in the thoughtfully arranged common areas and charming nooks that encourage relaxation and socialization among guests. Additionally, the hostel is a suitable haven for digital nomads, offering ample space to work while staying connected to nature.
A beautiful baobab tree enhances the enchanting grounds, complementing the lovely atmosphere with a pool and spaces conducive to both leisure and productivity. Though situated a bit distant from other restaurants, the experience of staying here, with its lovely pool and excellent food, is well worth the occasional excursion into town. Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers stands out as a preferred destination, combining ecological awareness with breathtaking scenery and access to a quiet, idyllic beach where guests can wander extensively during low tide.
Dinner
Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers impresses guests with its consistently high-quality culinary offerings. The food receives widespread praise for its deliciousness, with fresh juices and cocktails enhancing the dining experience. The menu is extensive, catering to varied tastes and providing great dishes to enjoy throughout the day. Guests frequently commend the friendly and attentive staff, contributing to the overall positive vibes of the venue. While the food is undoubtedly great, it's important to note that some guests find the meals and drinks to be on the pricier side. Despite this, many are satisfied given the enjoyable tastes and the vibrant atmosphere of the lodge. Meals are not only tasty but also healthy and varied, offering something for everyone. Though some find the pricing expensive, the kitchen remains eager to cater to guest preferences, ensuring a satisfactory dining experience for visitors.
Rooms
Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers offers guests a unique stay with its sustainably made rooms crafted from renewable hardwood, blending beautifully with the natural surroundings. Many guests have praised the lodge's clean and well-maintained communal toilets and showers, reflecting the high standards of hygiene maintained throughout the site. The dorm rooms are notably spacious with enormous beds that are consistently described as comfortable, adding to the restful atmosphere.
The common areas are celebrated for their cozy and beautifully designed ambiance, enhancing the overall experience with their inviting space. The shared facilities, from the coffee offerings to the communal areas, contribute to a top-notch experience. The ecolodge features a magnificent site with wonderful facilities that have left a positive impression on many guests.
While the tents are viewed as quite small and, at times, showing signs of age, the rest of the accommodations and grounds receive high marks for their design and comfort. Some visitors suggest improvements, such as having a chair in the rooms or adding screens to the windows for enhanced privacy and comfort. Despite occasional remarks about the cost relative to amenities, the atmosphere and detailed attention to sustainable practices resonate well with guests searching for a comfortable and eco-friendly stay.
Beds
Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers offers an impressive sleeping experience for its guests, featuring enormous and notably comfortable beds that stand out as some of the biggest and comfiest available in a hostel setting. Guests frequently mention the spacious rooms, contributing to the overall comfort and relaxation during their stay. The cleanliness of the beds is also highlighted, ensuring a hygienic environment without issues. Although one mention of an uncomfortable bed appears, the overwhelming majority speak to the comfort and luxury provided by these accommodations. With spacious and well-kept rooms, coupled with numerous activities available, guests find a balanced mix of comfort and entertainment.
Cleanliness
Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers consistently impresses guests with its commitment to cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. The common areas serve as vibrant gathering spots, enhancing the overall guest experience. Many reviews highlight the unique design elements, such as showers made from old tree trunks and the eco-friendly compostable loo, contributing to the lodge’s sustainable ethos.
The pool is particularly noted for its spotless condition, providing a refreshing retreat for visitors. Guests repeatedly commend the very clean shared toilets and showers, underscoring the lodge’s dedication to maintaining hygienic spaces. The grounds are described as immaculate, and the environment is often praised for its beauty. The rooms offer comfortable beds and maintain a good level of cleanliness, although there were occasional comments suggesting a mismatch between room cleanliness and pricing.
Despite the high standards, attention to cleanliness in the communal kitchen fridges could be improved, as guests have noted these areas do not match the overall cleanliness found elsewhere on the property. Nevertheless, Distant Relatives impresses with its beautiful environment, lovely staff, and close proximity to a picturesque little beach, providing guests with a fulfilling and clean stay.
Staff
Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers boasts an impressive team whose friendliness and helpfulness stand out prominently in guest experiences. Many reviews highlight the super-friendly, welcoming, and accommodating nature of the staff, often going above and beyond to assist guests. From greeting visitors by name to helping with practical issues like fixing a laptop cable, the staff consistently demonstrate their dedication. The positive interactions create a charming atmosphere, with staff members like Phillip and Michael receiving special mentions for their exceptional service.
While a few guests noted instances where the staff seemed distracted or unmotivated, the predominant sentiment remains one of warmth and hospitality. This amicable environment is further enhanced by the variety of activities available at the lodge, with staff eager to help organize or assist with guest participation. Despite some organizational hiccups, the staff's commitment to ensuring a pleasant stay is evident, adding to the appeal of this inviting destination.
Wi-Fi
Nestled within a picturesque forest setting, Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers offers a remarkable atmosphere complemented by attentive staff. The Wi-Fi service at the lodge is generally good, providing stable internet that can handle calls efficiently. However, improvements could be made, as the connectivity can be spotty, particularly in the tent areas where signal does not always reach. Additionally, guests may find it inconvenient to log in every time they use the internet, and there have been instances where the connection cuts out completely during the night. While the establishment continues to strive towards enhancing its amenities, including the possibility of electricity connections in the tents, the overall experience remains positive, especially for those seeking a serene retreat amidst nature.
Pool
Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers offers an exceptional pool experience that leaves a lasting impression on guests. Open 24/7, the pool area is remarkable for its cleanliness and the variety of lounging and seating options available, making it a perfect spot for relaxation at any time of day or night. The well-maintained pool often garners praise for its fresh and spotless condition, with recent refurbishments enhancing its appeal.
Guests frequently highlight the pool's inviting atmosphere, coupled with the added convenience of a nearby bar, allowing for leisurely enjoyment. The outdoor pool, alongside stunning views from the restaurant terrace, creates a picturesque setting that enhances the overall ambiance. It's clear that the pool area is a significant draw for visitors, characterized by its gorgeous design and luxurious feel, contributing to the ecolodge's incredible atmosphere and accommodation.
While the pool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, there's a note regarding its occasional public access to locals, which can affect its exclusive feel. However, the potential of the place remains highly regarded, making it a favored destination for travelers seeking both tranquility and quality amenities in Kilifi.
Yes, Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers.