NAIROBI, Kenya, January, 2026 —Tribe Hotels Group, owned and operated by the Ehsani family in Nairobi, today unveils plans to open “Tribe Beach House,” its first-ever expansion to Kilifi on Kenya's untouched coast in the summer of 2026. For 30 years, the Ehsani family has dedicated itself to building the Nairobi community and positioning the dynamic capital city as a compelling food and beverage destination.

Located 314 miles southeast of the Kenyan capital, Kilifi is a hip new destination known for its serene beaches with soft white sand, rich Swahili culture dating back centuries, cultural happenings and outstanding seafood. Its coastal think tank vibe fosters micro-communities and offers the luxury of space and silence. Paired with its pristine beaches, mangroves and coral reefs, Kilifi is the perfect destination for marine therapy, longevity and spirituality.

A Dynamic Family Group's Success: Current and Future

In addition to the five-star luxury Tribe Hotel and four-star Trademark Hotel, the Ehsani family also owns Hero Bar, named “The Best Bar in Africa” by The World's 50 Best Bars; Village Market, East Africa's largest shopping mall with more than 50 international restaurants; as well as BangBang, a Thai restaurant; Mythos, a Greek taverna; and Pop's, an American diner.

Building on the continued success of Tribe Hotel and Trademark Hotel, Tribe Beach House establishes the next major milestone in the family's growing hospitality footprint. The new expansion introduces a coastal dimension to the group's portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to proudly Kenyan experiences. The opening lays the foundation for the brand's continued growth, including a highly anticipated property in the Maasai Mara set to launch in 2027.

Shamim Ehsani, Co-Founder, Director and Developer, Tribe Hotels Group, says:

“We are very excited to announce our group's expansion to Kenya's magnificent coast with the opening of Tribe Beach House in Kilifi in 2026. We are bringing our renowned signature approach to this unspoiled paradise with our great pride in African art, culture and gastronomy. In addition, we are expanding our wellness offering to this pristine location. We look forward to welcoming our long-time Tribe Hotel fans and broadening our appeal to those seeking an incomparable coastal dimension for their Kenyan adventures.”

A Warm, Inviting Space Evoking Elevated Minimalism and Sacred Naturalism

Tribe Beach House tells a textured story of coastal Africa, guided by a philosophy of “salt, sun and soul.” The oceanfront retreat features two distinct houses: Big (featuring eight rooms) and Small (five rooms). Both houses offer rooftop decks, swimming pools, lounges and a blend of indoor and outdoor spaces that frame the surrounding landscape. The Big House additionally includes a bar and a multipurpose studio. The property's dedicated wellness facility including a fully equipped gym, sauna, spa and yoga studio, offers a holistic environment designed to restore and inspire. The design is also expressed throughout the property in a palette of warm, earthy tones, carved coconut wood, raw linens and coastal clay ceramics.

Unique Artistic and Cultural Programming to Inspire the Mind and the Soul

Extending its commitment to creativity and micro-communities, Tribe Beach House will also host seasonal artist-in-residence and cultural programs:

• Kilifi Creative Studio: Visitors can participate in immersive workshops ranging from coral-safe pigment dyeing to Swahili poetry and African scent-making, offering a deep connection to local culture and craft.
• The Dhow Salon: Curated moonlit dhow cruises featuring artists, historians and musicians, with each journey showcasing a different cultural theme and accompanied by live music.
• Chess and Chill Club: An offbeat coastal spin on the classic social chess lounge, where visitors can enjoy handcrafted wooden boards, curated beats and inventive cocktails.
• Mwangaza Walk: A guided barefoot sunrise journey enriched with contemplative pauses and micro-rituals.
• Astro-Night by the Sea: A zodiac-inspired beach dinner series aligned with moon phases and planetary moments.
• The Kilifi Equinox Gathering: Part retreat, part symposium and part celebration for the Spring and Autumn equinox.

Kilifi as a “Coastal Think Tank”

Believing Kilifi to be a “coastal think tank,” the property offers exclusive retreats to guests:

• Ocean Wisdom Circles: Talks and story circles held under baobab trees or on secluded beaches with local marine biologists, community elders, philosophers and storytellers.
• The Kilifi Residency for the Curious: A modular learning retreat bringing together local and international thinkers.
• Lamu to Kilifi Culinary Caravan: A culinary experience guided by local chefs and grandmothers, showcasing Swahili dishes incorporating indigenous spices.
• Blue Zone Beach Retreat: A week-long retreat focused on connection, intergenerational wisdom and oceanic rituals, including forest bathing, shared meals with local families and meditation in the mangroves.
• The Baobab Pact: A communal ceremony where guests inscribe a personal intention or memory on eco-papers and tie them to baobab trees.
• Design for Connection Labs: Invite guests and visiting architects, artists and entrepreneurs to co-create ideas for public spaces that foster connection and implement one locally each year.

 10 Reasons to Visit Kilifi

1. Pristine and Serene Beaches - Kilifi boasts miles of unspoiled coastline along the Indian Ocean, featuring soft, powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. These tranquil beaches provide the perfect setting for relaxation, seaside strolls and unforgettable
2. Micro-Communities - Renowned for its laid-back lifestyle and warm, welcoming locals, Kilifi exudes an atmosphere that feels both safe and deeply connected.
3. Eco-Conscious Tourism - Kilifi is home to numerous sustainability-forward properties and initiatives, from coral restoration projects to community-led environmental conservation
4. A Luxury Retreat - Kilifi is a coastal sanctuary where tranquility meets This exclusive retreat offers a unique blend of wellness, holistic experiences and mindful relaxation, designed to rejuvenate the body, calm the mind and uplift the spirit.
5. Rich Swahili Culture - Kilifi invites visitors to immerse themselves in one of Africa's most historically rich cultures, where centuries of tradition are reflected in stunning architecture, vibrant music, evocative poetry and fascinating history.
6. Outstanding Coastal Cuisine - In Kilifi, seafood takes center stage, with local restaurants serving freshly caught fish, prawns and octopus, often infused with the rich flavors of coconut and indigenous herbs and spices.
7. Beneath the Baobabs Festival - Every year from December 30 to January 1, Kilifi's majestic baobab forests come alive with two days and nights of music with the Beneath the Baobabs Festival, from Afro House, Afro Tech, 3 step, Amapiano, House Music and Upwards of 10,000 revelers enjoy this much-anticipated festival.
8. Water Sports & Activities - Dive into a variety of water sports, including snorkeling, diving, kite surfing and sailing. Explore the turquoise waters and discover vibrant marine life, and make every day a thrilling seaside experience.
9. Exuberant Wildlife - Thanks to Kilifi's unique mix of coastal forests, river ecosystems and vibrant marine habitats, the region is rich in coastal wildlife.
10. The Mnarani Ruins - A historical landmark dating back to the 14th century, the Mnarani Ruins are remnants of ancient Swahili settlements showcasing the coastal region's rich history and the Swahili people's maritime and trade heritage.

About Tribe Hotel (please note, we'll be creating a Tribe Beach House boilerplate when we announce our official opening)

Located in the diplomatic district of Nairobi, Kenya, Tribe Hotel is a family-owned and operated luxury five-star hotel. It was conceived from one simple belief: We coexist on a single planet and there is only one tribe that matters: Humankind. Founded in 2008 by Shamim Ehsani and his elder brother, Hooman Ehsani, this globally acclaimed hotel and spa represents African excellence and pride. With 128 rooms and a 10,000-sq.-ft. spa, the hotel honors Africa and Kenya's traditions and culture through its design, acclaimed F&B offerings such as Jiko Restaurant and its definitive collection of 900 African artworks and artifacts curated by Shamim's mother, Faranak Ehsani.

Shamim's father, Hamed Ehsani, sits on the hotel's Board of Directors, and his uncle, Mehraz Ehsani, was the hotel's architect. For more information, please visit https://www.tribe-hotel.com/, follow us on Instagram at @tribehotel, Facebook at @tribehotel and X at @TribeHotelKenya.

U.S.

Hanna Lee, Abbe Lewis & Rachel Costa

hanna@hannaleecommunications.com

abbe@hannaleecommunications.com

Rachel@hannaleecommunications.com

U.K.

Zara Beach

Zara@hannaleecommunications.com

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