It’s been a little quiet here, and for good reason. I’ve been juggling work demands and just got back from one of the most meaningful trips I’ve ever taken. I spent time in Kenya this past month, and I can honestly say it touched something deep in my soul.
This spring, I embarked on an 8-day adventure to Kenya that blended soft life luxury with soul-enriching experiences. Split between 4 days in vibrant Nairobi and 4 days in coastal Mombasa, my trip became a travel diary of heartwarming connections, cultural immersion, and a bit of birthday celebration. I sought out comfort and style (true to my Luxury by Riri ethos) – but also purpose, spending time with local communities and friends. From settling into a cozy Airbnb in Nairobi to unwinding at a beach resort in Nyali, and from savoring street food to dining at one of Africa’s finest restaurants, every day brought its own mix of luxurious simplicity and deep reflection. In this recap, I’ll share where I stayed, what I ate, and the soulful moments and local connections that made Kenya so unforgettable. Karibu (welcome) to my Kenyan journey!
Nairobi – A Chic Airbnb Haven: In Nairobi, I stayed in a modern Airbnb apartment nestled in a leafy suburb (an affordable travel hack I was excited to try). The space was stylish and secure, with warm Kenyan decor touches that immediately made me feel at home. Each morning, I sipped Kenyan coffee on the balcony as the city hummed below – a gentle start to my day of exploring. After long days out, returning to a full kitchen and comfy bed felt like soft life bliss. It was the perfect urban sanctuary to recharge while still experiencing Nairobi like a local. I also used the Glovo app to order in food.
Mombasa – Cocoa Luxury Resort, Nyali: For the coastal leg, I switched gears to a resort experience. Cocoa Luxury Resort in Nyali, Mombasa became my seaside oasis. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves and stepping out to swaying palm trees and a shimmering pool! The resort’s boutique vibe and oceanfront setting embodied laid-back luxury, I had breakfast at the resort, which was an add-on to my room. My room was airy and elegant, with a balcony that caught the Indian Ocean breeze. In the evenings, I’d watch the sunset paint the sky orange, truly feeling I was living the “soft life” dream whilst interacting with locals. It was a home away from home, infused with tropical charm. In the morning and evening, I take a walk along Nyali Beach’s white sands just steps away.
What I Ate
One of my favorite ways to experience Kenya was through its cuisine, from high-end dining to local hidden gems. Here are some delicious highlights that made my taste buds sing:
Tamarind Mombasa – Birthday Fine Dining: To celebrate my birthday, I treated myself to dinner at Tamarind Mombasa, an iconic waterfront restaurant often hailed as one of East Africa’s besttop25restaurants.com. The venue itself took my breath away – an elegant white Moorish-style building perched on a cliffside, overlooking the twinkling lights of Old Town Mombasa. I indulged in their famous seafood platter featuring buttery prawns and spicy chili crab. Every bite was exquisite, and the personalized service made me feel like royalty. As the staff sang “Happy Birthday” and brought out a surprise dessert, I was filled with gratitude. Dining at Tamarind wasn’t just a meal, it was a memory – the perfect mix of luxury and local flavor on my special day.
Yul’s Restaurant – Beachside Ice Cream & Grills: For a more casual treat, I spent an afternoon at Yul’s Restaurant on Nyali Beach – a fun beachside spot known for water sports by day and a lively vibe by night. I dug my toes into the sand and enjoyed some juicy grilled fish, but the true star here is the ice cream. Yul’s makes homemade Italian-style gelato that many say is the best in Mombasa. Of course, I had to try it! I savored a generous scoop of passionfruit gelato that was simply to die for. It was so creamy and flavorful that I understood why Yul’s ice cream is almost legendary in Mombasa. Enjoying that sweet cone while gazing at the Indian Ocean was a little moment of heaven.
Mama Siti’s Swahili Dishes – Local Dinner in Mombasa: One evening, I went out with my two local guides-turned-friends to Mama Siti’s (a Swahili restaurant in Mombasa) for an authentic dinner. Tucked in a bustling neighborhood, this unassuming spot served up real Kenyan coastal cuisine. We sat and dined family-style on aromatic pilau rice, tender coconut goat curry, and chilled passion fruit juice. As we ate, my local guides told me stories about Mombasa’s history and taught me a few Swahili phrases. The food was hearty and made with love, and the experience of sharing it with locals made it even more special. I left with a full belly and a happy heart, convinced that sometimes the most unpretentious cafes provide the warmest hospitality.
(I also have to give a shoutout to the street food and home-cooked meals I tried: from Nairobi’s flavorful nyama choma (grilled meat) to a refreshing cup of tangawizi (ginger tea) offered by my Airbnb host)
Soulful Moments
Beyond the luxury and the food, it was the meaningful moments that truly defined my trip. Traveling solo in Kenya gave me space to reflect, grow, and be present. Here are a few of the many soulful experiences I cherished:
Volunteering in Kibera – Humbling & Purposeful: The next day after I arrived, I visited Kibera, the largest urban slum in Africa, to volunteer at a community center. Walking through the narrow lanes of Kibera, I was greeted by kids yelling “How are you!” with bright smiles. We spent the morning interacting with the kids, and I had the opportunity to serve their lunch as well. Despite the harsh conditions in Kibera, the sense of community, hope, and happiness was overwhelming. Giving a bit of my time and connecting with people, even in a small way, brought me a deeper joy than any sightseeing could. I left Kibera with my heart full and a promise to myself to support that community again in the future. It was a profound start to my trip that set the tone for purposeful travel.
Pushing Through Challenges – A Giraffe Kiss: Travel isn’t always picture-perfect; I fell a bit ill for a day in Nairobi (flu!). But even that led to a soulful lesson. I remember feeling low and almost skipping an outing to the Giraffe Center, but I mustered the energy to go – and I’m so glad I did. Standing on a feeding platform in the lush suburb of Lang’ata, I giggled as a friendly giraffe gobbled pellets from my palm and even planted a slobbery “kiss” on my cheek! ewwww. I felt pure childlike joy and a connection with nature that uplifted me. I learned that sometimes pushing through a challenge leads to an incredible reward. I ended that day watching a golden African sunset, whispering to myself, “solo travel is so fulfilling.” In 24 hours, I went from sick in bed to kissing a giraffe – talk about an emotional rollercoaster! It taught me resilience and to find beauty in small moments, even on tough days. I also used a tour guide, Linda Mary, she was helpful and made this trip within Nairobi a breeze.
Birthday Gratitude by the Ocean: Celebrating my birthday in Mombasa was not about parties, but about reflection and gratitude. After my fabulous Tamarind dinner, I took a quiet moment by the shore. The Indian Ocean was warm on my feet. I closed my eyes, felt the sea breeze, and breathed a prayer of thanks for making it to Kenya, for the growth in the past year, and for the privilege of living out my travel dreams. In that peaceful moment, I felt totally at ease. No noise, no hustle – just the gentle lap of waves. It was a luxurious sense of calm and contentment money can’t buy. Soft life in its purest form: me, nature, and a full heart. I will cherish that birthday memory forever, knowing I welcomed my new year of life in such a meaningful way.
Art, History & Culture – A Day at Nairobi National Museum
One of the most grounding and inspiring parts of my trip was visiting the Nairobi National Museum. Tucked away in the heart of the city, this space felt like a gentle time capsule, an invitation to slow down and connect with Kenya’s rich history, art, and identity.
Whenever I travel, I make it a point to learn about a country’s history, especially around pivotal moments like the slave trade era, colonization, and how that history has shaped the people and culture today. The museum didn’t shy away from those complex, often painful stories. Instead, it honored them with care and depth, reminding me once again that luxury is not just about beauty, it’s about awareness and understanding.
One of the most unexpected and memorable moments happened on the way to the Sheldrick Wildlife Center, a visit I had planned but didn’t work out, but as life and travel often remind us, detours sometimes lead to deeper experiences.
While rerouting, we came across a small group of Maasai men near the roadside. They were dressed in vibrant traditional shukas, adorned with intricate beadwork and carrying their signature spears. We stopped, exchanged greetings, and they invited us to take a few photos with them.
I was immediately drawn in, not just by their powerful presence, but by the way they carried their identity with such pride. I put on a traditional Maasai shuka for the photo, and for that brief moment, I felt wrapped in a culture rooted in strength, heritage, and resilience. We shared smiles, laughter, and I offered them some Kenyan shillings as a gesture of appreciation.
It wasn’t a planned cultural excursion, but these small, organic interactions are often the most genuine—and they’re the ones that stay with me long after the trip ends.
Cultural Immersion at Kenyatta Market: Even routine activities turned into meaningful connections. One afternoon in Nairobi, I went to Kenyatta Market to get my hair braided (a girl’s gotta keep her hair game strong, even on vacation!). The ladies in the salon were incredibly skilled; in just a couple of hours, they transformed my travel-worn hair into neat cornrows for only about $35. But more than that, those hours in the salon chair became a cross-cultural girl talk session. This simple act of self-care doubled as a cultural immersion, I walked out not just with a new hairstyle, but with a deeper appreciation of everyday life in Nairobi and a few new friends who told me to “stay beautiful and blessed.”
As I flew out of Mombasa, I looked down at the Kenyan coastline fading into the distance and I couldn’t help but smile. In just over a week, Kenya had given me the luxury of new experiences and the riches of genuine connections. I went seeking a soft life getaway and found that from plush pillows to pampering meals but I also found purpose and heart in every encounter. This journey affirmed my belief that luxury travel can be purpose-driven: you can absolutely enjoy the finer things and still engage deeply with local culture and communities.
I left Kenya feeling renewed and inspired. To anyone reading this and dreaming of travel, I encourage you: chase those soft life moments, but also embrace the soulful ones. Go have that spa day and visit that orphanage; dine at the fancy restaurant and eat with locals at a street stall. That balance is where the magic happens.
Kenya, asante sana for everything you gave me. Until next time, lala salama (good night).
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