Nyali Golf View Residence is set to open this weekend, bringing a 13-storey residential block to the Nyali skyline and adding to the Coast’s growing serviced-apartment market.
Construction on the project began in August 2013, according to Benedict Mutuku, the chief executive of Goldwyne Consult, which manages the property. He said the long build period was deliberate and aimed at avoiding construction risks while meeting high standards.
Mutuku said the development includes an infinity pool on the 12th floor, viewing decks on the 12th and 13th floors, and a mix of furnished and unfurnished units. The building has 64 apartments and one presidential penthouse suite.
The apartments include two- and three-bedroom duplexes, each with a semi-detached guest wing. Mutuku said occupancy had reached 85 percent, with short-stay guests already booking in ahead of the Christmas and New Year period.
The rise of serviced apartments is being driven by travellers who want alternatives to hotels, especially for longer stays and business trips. Kenya Tourism Board chief executive and managing director Dr Betty Radier said the trend is being shaped by business people and families looking for different accommodation options.
Kenya Coast Tourist Association chief executive Julius Owino said leisure and business travellers increasingly want a place that allows them to live, work and feel at home. He said serviced apartments meet demand for more comfort than standard hotel stays.
Owino added that the model is not unique to Kenya, noting that countries such as South Africa, Northern Ireland and Australia have also embraced serviced-apartment accommodation.
