Lifestyle, Reviews

Unwinding at….Entim Sidai

November 27, 2018

Heaven is neither when we die nor when a loud voice echos the world over announcing the end of times. Heaven is now, and that I am sure of. The gratification you experience when you send a needy child to school and they end up being top in their class, that’s heaven. Heaven is also watching the sun flirt for an hour as it casts a gorgeous glow over the clouds before finally revealing its beautiful self. Heaven is taking a walk in the sea during low tide, the white soft sand rubbing against your feet. Heaven is marvelling at the sea at night, glistering and ever so calm as it rests in the glow of a full blood moon.

Better yet, heaven is getting pampered in the heart of a forest.

As I steered the car on the narrow gravel road at 11am, the sun was overhead shining at full strength but the ancient tall trees provided some much-needed coolness. I turned down the AC and rolled down my window, wanting to soak in that earthy smell of nature and listen to the creaking branches and chirping birds. I almost wished I was taking a walk instead of driving, but I did not stress about that because my day’s itinerary included, matter of fact began with, a one hour nature walk. I was a guest at Entim Sidai, a wellness sanctuary in Karen nestled in 20 acres of indigenous woody heaven.

From the parking lot clearing, a narrow cabro pavement opens up to expansive and beautifully manicured lawn. On the right is the property, a farmhouse built in 1924 but reengineered severally to accommodate the wellness centre growing needs, including most recently, providing accommodation which now makes it a proper resort. On the left, a thick forest stretches out with the iconic Ngong Hills providing a stunning backdrop. A stroll inside the forest reveals indigenous trees, some which have been carefully labelled. Plenty of butterflies sway around providing colourful company as one goes deep into the woods. An old well sits in solace waiting for its wheels to be turned, and once you yield to the desire to give it a whirl, you are teleported to life before tap water and WIFI.

Entim Sidai

I was hoping to see baboons but unfortunately there were none in sight that afternoon. My guide Maina informed me that they had gone to scavenge for food in neighbouring farms and would be back in the evening. He also did a wonderful job explaining the history of the forest and the labelled trees but my short memory did not keep much. The forest is also a bird haven and would make for an excellent trail for bird watchers.

Back at the reception at quarter past midday, I had fifteen minutes before my spa treatment session could start. I was informed that I would be getting my massage in the clear glass hut that sat in the woods. The fact that one can enjoy a spa session in the outdoors surrounded by trees and in the company of birds and occasionally monkeys is an obvious signal that Entim Sidai is not your typical spa. The room smelt like a fusion of eucalyptus and rose flowers.

I took of all my clothing then slipped into disposable underwear then lay on the massage bed and pressed the tiny bell that was positioned on the edge of the bed. My masseuse walked in and briefed me on the Enesoit treatment she was about to administer for the next one and a half hours. It was a rendition of the hot stone massage where she would use warm basalt stones to bring life to my worn out muscles after weeks of intense activity at the gym. After she was done with the brief, I positioned my head on the gap in the bed facing downwards to a sight of colourful petals swimming in a bowl of water underneath.

Afterwards, I was ushered to their newly done honeymoon suite where my luggage had been stored in advance. The room’s balcony opened up to a most breathing view of the expanse forest that framed the wellness centre and a  view of Ngong Hills in the yonder. I grabbed my pot of sweet caramel herbal tea and bowl of dates from the wooden table inside the room and set them on the glass table at the balcony then indulged as I listened to the birds calling out to each other.

Entim Sidai is an Oasis of calmness, one I am glad I don’t need to drive for hours on end or worse still, hop into a plane to find. Entim Sidai is heaven.

Entim Sidai

Entim Sidai

**You can read about my previous review here with is more detailed as it includes the outdoor nail studio experience. Much as this post is sponsored, the reviews are entirely unbiased. Entim Sidai gets really busy and it’s advisable that you call and book in advance. Their massages range from Ksh 6,000 to Ksh 9,000, and the spa manicure and pedicure go for Ksh 2,800 and Ksh 3,000 respectively. Accommodation ranges from USD 150 to USD 400 a night depending with the room type and includes a nature walk and a 10% discount at the spa.

And now for the best part, one of you gets to win a voucher for the Enesoit treatment worth Ksh 9,200 from Entim Sidai. Drop a comment on this post telling us your idea of heaven. Follow Entim Sidai on Instagram @entimsidai. Cross your fingers and hope to win! The winner will be announced next week on Tuesday. Best of luck.****

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Esther
Esther
5 years ago

Heaven to me is anywhere you can have a peace of mind…where you can free your mind from all worries and live like a young toddler who has nothing worrying them but enjoying the beauty of the moment they are living in and enjoying as if you were told it’s the last day you are living.

martha
martha
5 years ago

Heaven is retiring to bed after a long day at peace with yourself and with those around you,having the assurance that you were the best version of yourself for the day.

Gathoni Ngunjiri
Gathoni Ngunjiri
5 years ago

For so long, i thought that heaven was the smell of coffee in the morning, (my idea of heaven was sitting on the grass in a land with a hot flowing river of coffee and garden of apple pies as i read this new African literature book and drink coffee from a straw dipped in the river.) A few years, achievements and heart breaks later i can very confidently say heaven is true happiness its the small things that make you giddy inside, its realising you are gold and some people will want silver and being okay with it, its… Read more »

Slash
Slash
5 years ago

Simply beautiful

Bree
Bree
5 years ago

Heaven is peace. Heaven is love. Heaven is beauty. Heaven is joy. Reading this promises an experience of all 4 at once! We all need some peace, love, joy and beauty in our lives. What more would one ask for?

Shiku
Shiku
5 years ago

Heaven is clarity of mind. Heaven is freedom from pain: of the mind and of the body. Heaven is the absence of anxiety, not because life isn’t with its share of challenges but going through life with confidence despite the challenges. Heaven is a clean, pristine, tranquil, white room, with a book on the bedside table and a cup of coffee.
Heaven is coming home to a clean house and happy babies. Finally, heaven shall be winning this spa treatment at Entim Sidai.

Lolo
Lolo
5 years ago

Heaven to me is the sound of the waves crashing while i’m sitting on the beach reading a book or taking in the view. The smell of the sea and the ocean breeze, man it’s so relaxing! I’m even seriously considering getting a job at the Coast and relocating there.

Faith
Faith
5 years ago

My idea of heaven…..Is being able to experience God who lives in Heaven on earth. Absolutely everything!

Caroline Kariuki
Caroline Kariuki
5 years ago

My idea of heaven is relaxing “literally” away from the daily hustle and being pampered (which is often rare) and having a self care moment that helps me connect with my inner self. I am learning to take more care of myself every day and a little pampering at this amazing sanctuary would be an honor.

ms_cariuqie
ms_cariuqie
5 years ago

My Idea of heaven involves a bike ride in karura. The interaction with nature just has a way of reminding me that the world is much bigger than my troubles.

Chepkoech
Chepkoech
5 years ago

Heaven…….the light of nature, smell of wet soil after a slight rain, the sight of beautiful birds and butterflies, and the tranquility of a peaceful mind!

Maureen Odera
Maureen Odera
5 years ago

Heaven is that moment after you have just had a hot shower at the end of a long day, your body still warm, you lie down in bed,on your back. Sheets freshly laundered and you feel your muscles slowly relaxing, that moment of transition as sleep is about to take over, sheer bliss.

Mercy
Mercy
5 years ago

Heaven to me is tranquillity,peace and calm….endowed with beauty and uniqueness….

Wanjiru
Wanjiru
5 years ago

Heaven is meeting my bed after long shift hours and releasing your self to the world of uknown hoping to acquire some rest.

Vivienne
Vivienne
5 years ago

Heaven to me is a place that offers you a rest for your two types of tired… for the body and for soul

Nyawira Mugo
Nyawira Mugo
5 years ago

Heaven is any calm place where I can free my mind of all life’s bustles and enjoy a good read! It mostly borders towards cozy and comfortable with a touch of fresh natural air. Good food and music as an accompaniment is always a plus!

Njoki mung'ara
Njoki mung'ara
5 years ago

Heaven to me is a place that is fulfilling….
Experiencing something that one can’t get words to explain the feeling

Claire
Claire
5 years ago

Heaven for me is unwinding in a quiet place where i can hear the sounds of nature away from the busy and noisy and polluted urban life. A cup of coffee or juice in hand with a good relaxing book.

Elizabeth Okumu
Elizabeth Okumu
5 years ago

Heaven is the expansive,never ending ,open waters of Lamu Island,under the blue warm open skies….the sight of a floating bar in the middle of nowhere waters
The ghost like,human howling winds of duduvila,flapping open the shut windows
The experience..unrivaled..

Mwende
Mwende
5 years ago

Heaven to me is a hotel, spa and some good food!

Tote
Tote
5 years ago

For me, heaven is any moment that makes you present…I mean truly, consciously present. Whether it’s that unexpected moment when you feel tiny hands wrap around your neck because your baby gave you a cute, random hug and told you “Avavu!” after a toothless smile, or sharing a proper laugh with friends-I mean the kind that makes you not care about your molar filling or the battle scars from your root canal…the kind where you pee a bit and you don’t check your phone for what seems like days. Or having a drink or a meal with your parents followed… Read more »

Lizzie
Lizzie
5 years ago

Heaven for me is when I look in the mirror and see a perfectly imperfect girl and I’m okay with that. Heaven for me is knowing that self love is the beginning of a more fulfilling life with self and others. Depression doesn’t give you room to see this heaven and when you finally see it, you never ever look back♥️♥️

Lucy Kathinja
Lucy Kathinja
5 years ago

My idea of heaven is being out in the woods with tall trees surrounding me and with nature whispering to me as if sharing a secret. The sound of birds singing and the odd sound of one flapping its wings overhead. A monkey watching me with eyes full of intrigue and the knowledge that I’m experiencing life at its most basic. Staring up and thinking of nothing at all. Letting the breeze carry my thoughts away, the feel of twigs rubbing against my skin. Looking at the perfect canvas work ever made where the thick tree canopy gives way to… Read more »

Eve
Eve
5 years ago

Heaven for me is the ocean and nature’s breezes

Wachera Mbuthia
Wachera Mbuthia
5 years ago

Heaven for me is when all the facets of my being are in unison taking in an experience.

The physical relaxation of my muscles post an invigorating massage, the spiritual connection found in the stillness of nature. The emotional experience of connecting with the people around me and mental presence to soak it all in and relax.

Looking forward to all this at Entim Sidai!

Michelle Njeri
Michelle Njeri
5 years ago

An idea of heaven to me, is a place where I can be rubbed, buffed, molded, scrubbed and pampered to perfection.Somewhere magical where I can still glow from the experience.Somewhere I can have peace of mind and enjoy what the calm environment has to offer and the views too……… This will most definitely be a regular thing for me.

Nic
Nic
5 years ago

Even though always in the hush hush of the society, Heaven for me is a moment, might be seconds, when I feel of sound mind, no anxiety, no state of depression, cause as much as we putting that smile on and making it work so well to lie to others, we can never lie to ourselves.

Bree
Bree
5 years ago

One day the tides of life change, you wake up and you are a mum. My little girl is my idea of heaven. I found peace, happiness and unconditional love in her. Got a small heaven here with me. A spa treatment to rejuvenate would be perfect so that I can continue making sure my heaven is the happiest place on earth!!

Nyambura
Nyambura
5 years ago

Hmmm… Heaven is lying on a sun bed on a sunny day with an umbrella with a view of a swimming pool or ocean, ice cold mojito on the side and “Becoming” in one hand. Heaven is taking a power nap as someone kneads the kinks off my sore muscles and crowning it with ice cream on a cone, not cup.?

Mwende
Mwende
5 years ago

I love travelling, so for me heaven is that night before the journey, when I run over whether I have everything, and if I forget anything, let it not be the books I’ve chosen for that specific journey. Reading an interesting African book in a foreign place..nothing beats that. And the sweet anticipation of knowing that i’ll get to do that is what makes me deliciously anxious the night before travelling.

Nelly Wangechi
Nelly Wangechi
5 years ago

Practicing meditation and when the instructor on The Mindfulness App says; ‘Release all your worries and fears with every exhale to the ground’ with the most calming and reassuring voice ever; That 5 minutes or so every morning where all i can listen to is total silence is heaven to me.

Eva
Eva
5 years ago

I have such a busy life, working most days from 8.30am to 7pm; pursuing academic accreditations that will hopefully be beneficial to me in the future and keeping my household running which has been more hectic with the hubs traveling almost every week for work!! So on the rare occasions when I can come home and am physically and emotionally present for my two little boys and their shenanigans; and when I have the energy to play horsey with them and hear their hearty laughs; that’s heaven to me. A visit to entim sidai will definately lead me to my… Read more »

Winnie
Winnie
5 years ago

Heaven is the truest form of love and happiness with complete peace calm and rest

Rachel
Rachel
5 years ago

Heaven to me is waking up everyday to passionately chase your dreams. Heaven is finding true comfort in discovering the value of your own time. Heaven is the infinite peace one feels in excercising the right to choose how to spend your time. Heaven is embracing and finding comfort in the grind which equal a long life vacay. Talking of grind i have been working so hard and I feel overworked and this Enesoit treatment would do me justice. Love Entim Sidai already from the review..?

Koki
Koki
5 years ago

Heaven is the imagination of birds chirping and trees swaying to the rhythm of the wind. It is the calmness of the mind that the scorching sun’s rays reflect a rainbow. The harmony of the colours in a dancing contest. Heaven is Entim Sidai

Shilah
Shilah
5 years ago

Heaven is peace of mind and a relaxed body. Chilling with nature, clear crisp air and blissful silence.

Jem
Jem
5 years ago

Heaven is taking time away, bubbly bath, massage, steam, wine and a good book. That would probably take a whole day though 🙂

Daisy
Daisy
5 years ago

My idea of heaven is being in a cozy cottage in the woods being pampered and fed on grapes.
A full body massage and facial. That’s my heaven. ☺️

Lilly Njue
Lilly Njue
5 years ago

Heaven to me is when you have a good massage, a good meditation as you read a nice book like my current read, The Monk who sold his Ferari by Robin sharma, please give me the voucher .I love reading your posts

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