In the heart of Kenya’s Tsavo Hills where the landscape appears to stretch endlessly into the horizon, lies Finch Hattons, a luxury retreat where the timeless allure of the African safari meets elegance and tranquility. Named after the charismatic British aristocrat turned big game hunter Denys Finch Hatton—whose life and love interest with Karen von Blixen was immortalized on the silver screen in 1985’s Out of Africa—the retreat evokes the romance and glory of a bygone era filled with a deep appreciation for the wild. Finch Hatton, a key figure in the film (and played by none other than Robert Redford) was a real-life pioneer of luxury safaris, introducing glamour and unparallelled comfort coupled with the rugged beauty of Africa. 

The allure of Finch Hattons lies in its ability to merge the untamed beauty of the African wilderness with a sense of serenity. Located in Tsavo National Park between the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and the rolling Chyulu Hills, the landscape filled with a stunning variety of animals is the real star. Mornings begin with an early game drive where quizzical giraffes pause their grazing long enough to stare from the trees, playful monkeys frolic on the grounds, and zebras line up in a single file to cross the road. Late afternoon drives yield everyone’s favorite, a herd of elephants wandering with their young along with lions, antelopes, cheetahs, impalas, and buffaloes sharing a center stage with nature. Back at camp, you can hear the hippos splashing about in the water while crocodiles peacefully glide in the resort’s ponds.

Beyond the call of the wild, Finch Hattons offers a haven of wellness designed to rejuvenate the body and soul. The spa is an architectural marvel, resembling a contemporary cathedral with soaring ceilings and open spaces that creates a low-key backdrop for restorative experiences. 

This is more than a place for pampering; it’s a spiritual retreat. Open-air yoga sessions invite guests to stretch and meditate with nature as their guide – often accompanied by baboons sipping water out of the adjacent lap pool that adds to the yoga in the wild experience. Giving back to the community, the resort supports the African Yoga Project that trains locals as yogi masters, where open-air one-hour classes led by 200-hour certified teacher Harrison Muiruri focus on the Baptiste methodology. 

The spa experience is further enhanced by its signature offering: the Rungu massage (also known as the Maasai Oringa Massage). The therapeutic treatment pays homage to Maasai traditions by using the rungu—a polished wooden baton once wielded by Maasai warriors, now celebrated for its therapeutic properties in kneading and relaxing tense muscles. This deep-tissue massage seamlessly blends cultural heritage with modern wellness practices, delivered by spa director Violet Muhonja who curates tailored treatments inspired by traditional African healing methods.

The rungu also plays a significant cultural role in the Maasai Olympics, a biannual event celebrating Maasai culture and conservation. In addition, the spa oasis boasts two treatment rooms, an infinity spa pool, a state-of-the-art gym and a rejuvenating hammam.

Whether you come to Finch Hattons for the thrill of the safari, the peaceful surrounds of the spa, or the captivating stories shared by an expert guide, the journey and ambiance of the safari adventure is not to be missed. Jointly owned by Germany’s Gehlot family and Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition portfolio, it’s not hard to imagine Finch Hatton himself lounging by the campfire, marveling at the beauty that still draws visitors and promises a journey that lingers long after you leave.