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Tolù Adẹ̀kọ́

Escaping his busy city life in London, the founder and Creative Director of Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co journeys to East Africa for a fantasy break amidst nature.

Where are you?

On a safari beach retreat in Kenya.

How did you get there?

I sailed from Southampton to South Africa on a cruise ship, before stepping aboard a private yacht for the final stretch to Nairobi.

Who is there to greet you on arrival?

I’m greeted by Sharan Pasricha of Ennismore and a Bombay Sapphire gin and tonic.

And who’s at the concierge desk?

Nick Jones, founder of Soho House, is at the concierge desk ready to walk us through the resort and share his experiences.

Who are you sharing your room with?

My wife, Blessing.

Is there anything you would like waiting for you in your room?

Just the essentials – perfectly ironed, fresh linen bedding, a bouquet of Annabelle hydrangeas and a tropical fruit platter, as well as a Trudon Classic Reed Diffuser to create a warm and inviting sensory ambience.

Describe the hotel, your room and the view...

Located on Kenya’s tropical coast in the Serengeti National Park, the hotel is characterised by organic textures and finishes. A host escorts us to our standalone villa, where a doubleheight room features a neutral and moody palette with dark timber, leather and bronze detailing. There’s a custom upholstered bed and bespoke, locally crafted furniture. The views are spectacular from dusk till dawn; in the scorched savannah, big cats, elephants and giraffes roam free among ancient baobab and acacia trees.

Who designed it?

We designed the interiors in collaboration with Adjaye Associates, founded by Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye OM OBE.

What’s the restaurant and bar like?

Effortlessly balancing the natural setting with luxurious comforts and modern amenities, the restaurant and bar are inspired by the region’s diverse culture, the soothing colours of nature, and local materials. The enchanting exterior is composed of timber beams and a thatched roof, while the elegant and authentic interiors have been designed for a variety of dining experiences with custom furniture by native artisans. From every seat, there are panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

Who are you dining with this evening?

Blessing and I are dining with architect and interior designer Paul Dupré-Lafon, sharing his love for Cubism and functional forms of furniture with multiple finishes.

Who’s manning the stoves?

American chef, restaurateur and author Thomas Keller. He has established a new paradigm in hospitality and is cooking up a storm.

And what’s on the menu?

Fresh seafood that the local fishermen bring to the shore from their catch of the day.

Would you like something to drink with that?

A glass of 2014 The Sadie Family Palladius White from Swartland, South Africa.

What’s in the mini-bar for a night cap? An assortment of Nespresso pods.

What’s on your nightstand at bedtime?

The Purpose Driven Life by American author Rick Warren and a remote to control lighting, music and temperature – I’m not getting up.

Would you like a newspaper in the morning? No, thank you. I prefer to practice mindfulness and meditation in the morning.

What toiletries would you like to freshen-up? Tom Ford please.

Early morning alarm call or late check-out? Late check-out.

Bath or power shower? Power shower.

Full English or continental breakfast? Continental with African flavours.