Turned On by The Tribe

The new hotel at the village market was conceived from the simple belief that there is only one planet and there is only one Tribe that matter …the human tribe.

Curious, I ventured to see what makes the most recent addition to the African Pride Group of luxury hotels and lodges so unique and sophisticated. What better aspect to pick than its most talked about penthouse and suites?

The Tribe’s lobby already conveyed to me the sense of sophistication and luxury, which I later saw permeates the entire establishment. It’s a wonderful sense, that encourages a playful mix of business and pleasure.

The Tribe takes hospitality back to its essence. Back to the nomadic days when weary travelers were greeted with sincerity, invited to feast and exchange stories, and later rest in the comforts of home.

The Tribe’s suites vary in order to cater, not only for the particular needs of business and luxury travelers, but also for diplomats, and VIP.

As I was being escorted down the stairs by Fatma (the kind lady from the front office) to the Ambassadorial suite, I noticed that the hallways were adorned with huge artistic mirrors, that, not only made them even bigger, but increase their sumptuousness. Speaking of luxury, as I walked along wide-eyed (and trying hard to keep my jaw from the floor) I noticed that there are numerous comfortable seating areas cleverly tucked into almost every corner of the hotel, including a gorgeous extra lounge, complete with a large flatscreen TV, and the most comfortable cream-coloured settees. I made sure to watch where I was going, and not to be fooled into walking into one!

By the time we arrived at the door of the Ambassadorial suite, (located in the hotel's VIP wing) I had a good idea of its opulence from what I had already seen, and could hardly wait to get in! I was not disappointed. The 700 square foot suite permeates a warm and soothing feeling. Rich deep colours mix with natural stone and wood, while stainless steel and glass features blend with rustic metal and hand-made wooden furniture. I could hardly take it all in.

The open plan bathroom was one feature that I found irresistible –in fact I almost jumped in! The ‘open plan system’ means that the large beautifully carved bath is set directly adjacent to the bed! With a little effort, you could literally roll out of bed and into a warm bath! Or have a romantic frolic within, with your loved one, before getting into bed!

A striking blend of natural fabrics cover the king size bed, seeming to welcome one to warmth and comfort. The sheets are pure unadulterated comfort… need I truly say more?

The only sealed off part of the suite is the shower area, that is protected by thick beautifully engraved glass. From the bedroom, therefore, you can saunter over to the comfy pastel white couches of the living area, complete with an LCD screen –an area that definitely epitomises the ideal of a relaxed business atmosphere.

Mood lighting, floor to ceiling mirrors, large LCD screens, oversized showers, king size beds, luxurious bed covers, custom made bed-runners and throw pillows, magnified mirrors, laptop-size safes, in-room refreshments and free wireless Internet are just some of the standard amenities that are offered in all the Tribe suites.

The split-level business loft is for the seasoned business traveller. Set up over two floors, it manages to distinguish between work and ‘play’ areas beautifully. The business loft features large windows with a view of the natural wetland surrounding the hotel.

At 500 square feet, the smallest suite in the hotel is the junior suite, but there was no difference in its standard of lavishness, from that of the larger rooms. It is popular with international guests for short stays.

You guessed it –I had saved the best for last. The Tribe’s show-stopper is unarguably… the Penthouse. The Tribe’s Penthouse is actually Nairobi's only Celebrity suite. Just like the business loft, it is set up over two floors –but the resemblance ends there. Every inch of the Penthouse is perfectly put to the task of seducing mind, soul and body, infusing you with the desire never to leave again… It even has a guest bathroom of its own!

While the ‘upstairs’ is dedicated to bed, bath (adjacent, naturally), shower area, and walk-in closet (indeed!), the ‘downstairs’ looks just like a lavish home –if the home were a gazillionaire interior decorator’s!

Before you, as you enter is a gorgeous table carrying a bucket of your welcome wine, glasses, and fruit basket. You take the wine up and move over to the living area, which is big enough for Michael Jackson (RIP) and his entire entourage to have settled in comfortably. Ample couches surround a gorgeous coffee table before an almost cinema-size flatscreen TV… Heaven. Beyond this area are floor-to-ceiling windows, and the superb mahogany staircase. But it is the detail of the place, that makes it so completely, and uniquely, exquisite.

Nothing in the Tribe is left to chance, it is true (at some point I found myself gazing admiringly at a door handle… for 5 minutes!) but the Penthouse is a masterpiece, and the epitome of the advent of boutique hotels –properties that distinguish themselves by their attention to detail, and pride themselves in the delivery of solutions to comfort, and not just plain simple ‘service’.