DRAG
Elegant Kaya
Our Story

About Us

Where hospitality becomes a feeling

Elegant Kaya was born from a simple belief: hospitality is not just a service — it is a feeling.

For James and Mary, hospitality has never been black and white. It is found in the small details, the warmth of a genuine welcome, and the way a space makes you feel long after you've left. Having spent years immersed in the world of refined, luxury hospitality abroad, we carried a deep desire to bring that same level of care, intention, and excellence back home to Kenya — to the people and places closest to our hearts.

Elegant Kaya is that dream brought to life.

The Name: Elegance with Soul

The name itself reflects what we stand for: elegance with soul. "Kaya" speaks to home — a place of belonging, comfort, and connection. Every corner of Elegant Kaya has been thoughtfully curated to feel homely yet elevated, familiar yet special. This is a space where guests are not simply accommodated, but received.

From the moment you walk through our doors, our hope is that you feel seen, valued, and at ease. Whether you're visiting for rest, celebration, work, or reconnection, Elegant Kaya is designed to be a place where memories are created — mornings that feel unhurried, evenings that feel warm, and moments that linger.

Our Vision

We believe true hospitality lives in how people are made to feel. It is in the welcome, the comfort, the care, and the intention behind every detail. Our vision is for every guest who stays with us to leave not just satisfied, but touched — and to return not as a visitor, but as a guest for life.

Elegant Kaya is more than a stay.

It is our way of extending home, heart, and genuine hospitality — just as it was always meant to be felt.

Welcome home.

— James & Mary

What We Believe

Genuine Welcome

Every guest is received with warmth and sincerity, making you feel at home from the very first moment.

Thoughtful Details

Excellence lives in the small things — every corner curated with intention and care.

Lasting Connection

We create experiences that touch the heart — so guests return not as visitors, but as family.

About Elegant Kaya

Where slow luxury meets wine culture, community, and coastal elegance

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The Villa Story

Plan Your Trip With us

Elegant Kaya was born from a vision to create a sanctuary where luxury meets authenticity. Nestled in the heart of Diani, Kenya, our villa embodies the essence of coastal elegance and slow living.

Every corner of Elegant Kaya tells a story—from the handcrafted furniture by local artisans to the carefully curated wine collection that reflects our passion for global wine culture.

We believe in creating experiences, not just accommodations. Each stay is designed to be transformative, connecting you with the beauty of Diani, the richness of wine culture, and the warmth of Kenyan hospitality.

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My Story

Hello, I’m Mary—founder of Elegant Kaya and a passionate wine educator, travel curator, and advocate for women-centered experiences.

My journey with wine began as a personal exploration, but it quickly evolved into a mission to make wine culture accessible, especially to women travelers seeking authentic, intimate experiences.

Through Elegant Kaya, I’ve combined my love for luxury hospitality, wine education, and community impact. Every wine tour, every dinner, and every stay is crafted with intention—to create connections, celebrate culture, and support local communities.

I believe travel should be transformative, and wine should be approachable. At Elegant Kaya, we’re building a community of curious travelers, wine lovers, and dreamers who value slow luxury and meaningful experiences.

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Our Philosophy

Slow Luxury

We believe in taking time to savor moments, appreciate beauty, and create meaningful connections.

Wine Culture

Wine is more than a beverage—it's a gateway to understanding regions and traditions.

Community Impact

We support artisans, women cooperatives, and sustainable community development.

Meet with Guide

Meet with expert guide

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Michel Smith

Tourist Guide
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Alex Pulak

Tourist Guide
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JR Shawon

Tourist Guide
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JR Shawon

Tourist Guide
Testimonial

What Client Say About us

We stayed here for three nights and honestly had a really good time. The place looks even better in person, very comfortable and well kept. Communication was smooth and we felt taken care of the whole time

Aisha K

Guest

Booked a room while in Diani and ended up extending our stay. Everything worked as it should, the space was quiet, and the service was reliable. No stress at all, which is exactly what we wanted.

James M., Mombasa

Guest

The villa was clean, spacious, and matched the photos. Staff were friendly and respectful of privacy. It felt like a good balance between comfort and calm, especially after long days out

Fatima W

Guest

We came as a group and stayed in one of the villas. Plenty of space, good setup, and no issues during our stay. Any small requests we had were handled quickly. Would stay again

Daniel O

Traveller

Simple, comfortable, and well run. The room was nice, the location worked well for us, and everything felt organized. It’s the kind of place you’re happy you booked

Sophia L

Guest

“Stayed here for a short weekend trip and it was just what we needed. The rooms were comfortable, the place was easy to get around, and the staff were friendly. Definitely made our trip more relaxing.”

Kevin T

Traveller
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Our Heart

A Family-Run Experience

Elegant Kaya is more than a business—it's a family passion project. Every detail is personally curated, every guest is welcomed like family, and every experience is crafted with love and attention. We're not just hosting; we're sharing our home, our culture, and our vision for a more connected world.

100%

Family Owned

Personal

Touch in Every Detail

Local

Community Support