Published in Nomad magazine, July 2021

This past year has been filled with so much frustration, claustrophobia, uncertainty and sadness that I made a promise to myself and my family to redress the balance by actively seeking out new and exciting experiences long into the future. From this point forward, we will chase the freedom and happiness that we truly deserve after months of lockdown squabbles and too many spoiled plans. It is now the time to rid ourselves of this overbearing stagnation and bring back some much-needed adventure. It is time for an injection of fun, of travel, of grabbing life by the horns.

A friend of mine had spent the Christmas holidays with family at Vipingo Ridge. In the midst of a pandemic, you’d be forgiven for thinking that all festivities were effectively ruined but from the sounds of things, it was still full of wonder and magic for the lucky few. Although respectfully subdued in comparison to previous years (there were no candle-lit carols or rooftop midnight dancing), the Ridge still served up a great deal of sparkle to their community during a difficult period. Up high above the Indian Ocean, there was a calendar of socially-distanced events that became the envy of Kenya’s coast. From the Nutcracker Ballet, a tree lighting ceremony and Santa on the beach to a fun-filled duathlon, exploring with rangers and a sunset soirée of oysters and fizz, there was a buzz about the estate that gave back plenty of joy. Days were spent chilling poolside, cycling through the wildlife sanctuary, playing tennis, horse riding, lazing around at the Beach Club and dining on freshly caught seafood. The description of this activity-filled holiday, safe and happy among loved ones, was so enchanting that it stirred a great sense of longing in me -  a nostalgia for a more carefree time. I had to know more…

Researching Vipingo Ridge online, I fall down a rabbit hole of daydreams and desire. Their Instagram profile bursts with colourful posts that beckon me to immerse myself in their world. I land on the “What’s On” page of their website (vipingoridge.com) decorated with upcoming events and I call my family over to share in my awe. We’ve been on the fence between a safari or a beach holiday when the kids break from school this term. It would seem we have found the jack pot – here there is two in one! Among the list of activities, we spot a beach family fun day filled with watersports and games on the sand then a cycle safari on the 2,500 acre estate to see the resident zebras, oryx, bush buck and more (according to the post we could be fortunate enough to get a glimpse of the wild babies that have been born since the animals were introduced to the grounds). My eldest is reading more about the poolside disco whilst my youngest, the creative one of the two, asks excitedly if she can go to the kids’ art and drama workshops. I scroll down the page – photography classes for kids, family bird walks, reef walks, snake talks, treasure hunts, campfires by the dam, junior movie club. The list goes on and on.

My husband and I begin to bicker over what we’d end up doing – he likes the idea of a sunset dhow cruise whilst I would prefer to stay on the estate and watch the classical concert, or the Wimbledon final with a Pimms in hand. It all sounds idyllic and seemingly as involved as you want it to be. Vipingo Ridge have a portfolio of what they call “golf villas” in which you can make yourself at home, lounge by the pool or indulge in some comforting TV. I have to say, with the amount of activities going on on our doorstep, the TV definitely won’t get a look in (but it’s nice to know that it’s there).

“There’s a talent show!” someone squeals and another chimes in “…and a mini music festival!”. I am genuinely blown away by this discovery. Is this Kenya’s answer to Centre Parcs? It certainly seems a cornucopia of fun, the home to family adventure and exactly what I’d been promising myself - a remedy to fix our lockdown aches and pains. It will be a holiday to remember. I pick up the phone to book.

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To enquire about any of Vipingo Ridge’s events, please email events@vipingoridge.com.