Karen Gables

The old-world furnishings and decor seem to have been chosen over time, so the guesthouse has a real homely atmosphere. The rooms are welcoming, and you'll be tempted to snuggle in a corner with a book, or settle with the newspaper in the lounge. The dining room is quietly elegant – bathed with sunlight in the morning, and aglow with candlelight at dinner. The wide veranda is the best spot for sipping evening G&Ts to a chorus of crickets.

There are seven double rooms in this rambling house, each with a different vantage on the garden. All have large windows with oodles of natural light, en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers, and an abundance of unique character. With classic features such as window seats, wood-panelled walls, skylights and French doors, they're undeniably charming. Second-storey rooms have a balcony, while those on the ground floor lead into the garden.

The suburb of Karen has plenty of world-class luxuries to offer travellers wanting to indulge. You'll find large malls and boutique shopping districts, and restaurants ranging from local to international – everything from sushi to fondue. Take a walk in some of the pretty parks or practise your swing with a round of golf. To see more authentically Kenyan culture, ask lodge staff to recommend the delights of Nairobi. Don't miss its fabulous open-air markets, museums and many historical sites.