Luxurious holiday apartments to stir Mombasa real estate

While the property market in Nairobi shows signs of cooling down, it’s business as usual for real estate developers in Mombasa.

The coastal city has remained a vibrant property market, churning out high-end developments despite the insecurity fears witnessed in the region in recent days.

Developers who initiated developments two years back have actively worked around the clock to deliver projects to eager clients.

Shaza Beach Resort is among the developers who are working hard to complete projects and hand them over to buyers.

Located 40 minutes from Mombasa International Airport, the seven block luxury beach property is an upscale residential housing project on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

Shaza sets itself apart with an enviable prime beach front piece of land. The location is adjacent to other reputable establishments like the Serena Beach Hotel and Whitesands Beach Resort, among others.

The developers have singled out Shaza, as the project is called, for wealthy professionals and business executives with fine taste.

The owners are using the symbol of the Rolls-Royce, a classic car with bespoke design, status and exceptionality, to describe the project and give it the prestige it demands.

“The Shaza brand will be synonymous with the finer things in life and will display a passion for art,” says Mike Karanja, executive director, Shaza Beach Resort.

Among the facilities at the Shaza is a theatre for live performances, 24-hour mini art gallery, gym, spa and a clubhouse.

“We will bring all fine artists in Mombasa and beyond to display their works here,” says Karanja.

The furnishings and finishes are all well thought out, to bring the elegance of this beach property to life. The rugs are hand woven, made to specification and developers’ taste by 10 women in Morocco.

The elaborate cream-coloured bedheads were handmade by Juma, a local carpenter from Lamu. Each unit comes complete with discerning interiors, decorations and a jacuzzi. The architectural design of the Shaza borrows heavily from ancient Swahili architecture.

Buyers and holidaymakers at the Shaza can enjoy the sea view from any of the units on the five-acre piece of land.

The Shaza Beach Resort is in the Shanzu area of Mombasa – sandwiched between a long tarmac road stretch heading to Mtwapa, on the foreground and a magnificent beachfront in the background.

The structures are complete but the interior works and exterior finishings are still ongoing.

According to Karanja, the development has been well received by local buyers. Already, 46 out of the 76 apartments awaiting completion are sold out.

Karanja plunged in real estate in 2007. Since then, he has been involved in a number of developments around the country.

The apartments are purchased for owners’ use. However, proprietors can rent them out when not in use.

“Shaza is not a hotel. These are exclusive holiday residences primarily for owners’ use. We will have a property manager to look after the homes for buyers who may not be living in them,” says Karanja, adding that this is the person who will market and manage the property for the owner.

The price range for the apartments starts from Sh28million for a two-bedroomed apartment to Sh64 million for a four-bedroomed duplex, which is like a presidential suite.

“The Shaza is to be enjoyed by those with an eye for the finer things in life. We have sold a few apartments and duplexes to Nairobi residents for use as holiday homes,” said the upbeat real estate investor.

The plinth area for duplexes measures 320 square metres. The property will be ready for occupation before the end of the year.