We stayed just along the beach from Kizingo for three weeks over Christmas. We were initially concerned before going to Kenya about the security scares in Lamu which were reported in the UK media. We felt entirely safe throughout our visit, and slept like babes in the wonderful cool kenyan bandas. We visited the hotel daily for exciting cocktails, chats ,meals and the occasional massage. The Van Aardt family were as welcoming as ever. I recommend the food, the remoteness and the dolphins. Where in the world can you find such 12 mile beach with no one on it ? we will be back in March.

A remote place, very good seafood, a very wide empty beach, a welcoming bar and lounge, and Mary-Jo and Louis who make your stay interesting with snorkeling, swimming with the dolphins, and enjoying afternoon tea on the terrace of your big banda. The bungalows are very large, entirely made of local materials yet with good bathrooms and large efficient musquito nets. Safety seems no problem, the local people are happy that the tourists return.

We stayed just along the beach from this fabulous 'no news no shoes' hotel and went there several times during our stay. The welcome from Mary Jo and Louis is always fantastic and barmen Alex and Tom mix the best cocktails ever (try the Lamu donkey, a close cousin to a Moscow mule). The main banda houses the bar and dining room (the food is fabulous) and there are just 8 rooms, each in its own individual banda, combining local style and materials with every comfort you could want. Security is being taken very seriously, there are askaris (watchmen), police, army and navy on full alert discreetly around, and you feel very safe at all times. It is a beautiful unspoilt place, you cannot believe that places like this still exist on our crowded planet - go! you will get a wonderful welcome and have a fabulous holiday.

We spent 5 brilliant days at Kizingo in mid November 2011. Never felt so safe on a beech anywhere. The reporting on security in this area of Kenya could hardly have been more inaccurate back in UK. Ironic that the British press are taking a pounding at the same time for being totally irresponsible! We felt very safe at Kizingo. Louis, Dion and Mary Jo are fantastic hosts but their staff deserve equal praise. The Bandas are perfect but it is the stunning location and tranquility that will take your breath away. From the moment you climb into a boat a few hundred yards from where your plane touches down and set off for Kizingo past the mangroves on flat calm water, you get a hint that you may be somewhere special. No car journeys for the duration of the stay was a real treat. Loads to do but the hammocks are so good it is difficult to stop yourself just chilling out. Food was excellent especially the crab. If you are interested in ecology and look for holiday destinations that take sustainability seriously then Kizingo is for you. Louis can clearly grow or rear just about any plant or bird needed by the excellent chef to suplement the freshly caught fish. He has installed solar power and solar water heating across the site and has an inate sense that the local environment must be protected, especially the natural fresh water supply. All in all, a simply brilliant holiday destination.