Bella Brodie reviews the Aspire Mombasa – a vibrant and glamourous new lodge that is the definition of luxury…

Aspire is a manufacturer well-known for creating lodges that break boundaries and set new standards in the industry. The company has recently built two stunning lodges aimed at buyers looking for something exceptional – the Eivissa and Mombasa, and both can already be found on the exclusive Headland View development at The Warren Resort and Spa, a Haulfryn park on the Llyn Peninsula near Abersoch, in North Wales.

Headland View is about as exclusive a development as they come, hosting four bespoke lodges offering ‘another level’ in holiday homes. With price tags befitting of the stunning location, facilities and lodge specification, the Eivissa and Mombasa are priced at a cool £785,000 and £775,000 respectively.

These also feature a fabulous outdoor space with a large outdoor entertaining and dining area, an outdoor kitchen, outdoor seating and a cosy corner, an outdoor shower, extra landscaped areas, and parking spaces. These lodges deserve separate reviews and each have an abundance of ‘wow factor’, so we thought we’d focus on one at a time, starting with the Mombasa.

THE CONCEPT
As we already know, Aspire is inspired by beautiful locations, so each model has an authentic vibe linked to that location. Mombasa is East Africa’s largest and most cosmopolitan port and is a melting pot of languages and cultures from all sides of the Indian Ocean. The city is luxurious and exotic: an enchanting blend of natural beauty, stunning historical structures and a vibrant ambience. Lonely Planet describes Mombasa as ‘uniquely enchanting’, which is also an apt description of this lodge, which is as unique as it is vibrant. It feels not just designed but meticulously curated. The Aspire Mombasa provides a unique blend of beauty, quality and comfort. It is truly one of a kind.

 

ACCOMMODATION AND LAYOUT

The slate feature wall in the lounge is a work of art in its own right

The split-level roofline and dormer features reflect the stunning structures found in the diverse homes of Mombasa itself. The tall windows and bifold doors ensure that the surroundings of the home feel close and integral to the design.
The raised master bedroom allows views to be enhanced and enjoyed from a uniquely different perspective.
A keen awareness of the environment is evident in the eco-design of this lodge, with solar panels and air source heat pumps showing a commitment to sustainability.

In terms of accommodation, this 50ft x 22 model has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open plan living area incorporating the kitchen, dining area and lounge, with a separate utility room off the entrance hall. The external shower is incorporated into the main footprint of the lodge.

INTERNAL SPACES
A spacious entryway with a stunning feature pendant light leads onto a good-sized utility room with a practical padded bench seat and coat hooks. The kitchen features a stunning waterfall island with a beautiful quartz worktop, glamourous gold sink and a Quooker tap. It has everything you need and more, from the practical integrated bin to the indulgent coffee machine and the cosy bench nook, which offers the perfect hideaway.

The lounge boasts jewel-toned sofas and a leather accent chair that is perfectly positioned to take in the magnificent centrepiece of the room: the translucent slate feature wall, which is truly a work of art in its own right. Yet there’s more to enjoy here, thanks to the pedestal electric stove, which will make a cosy focal point in the evenings. Bi-fold doors and tall windows bring in the light and make the most of the views on offer.

More characterful lighting in the Aspire Mombasa’s second bedroom

BEDROOMS AND BATHROOMS
Another design aspect that makes this lodge so breathtaking can be found in the master bedroom. Not only does it have a beautiful en-suite and walk-in wardrobe, but it is also accessed via illuminated steps as it is raised to make the most of the views out over the lounge and through the front bifold doors. With its own shower room and walk-in wardrobe, this is an arrangement that truly has to be seen to be fully appreciated. The en-suite and bathroom are fully tiled with gold effect fixtures and fittings and have underfloor heating, so it’ll please all the senses. They include stunning handcrafted stone sinks and recycled teak vanity units, which are ethically sourced as well as beautiful, and there’ll be no waiting around to rinse off the sand after time on the beach with no less than three showers and a bath to choose from. The second bedroom is another double in similar styling and the third hosts two sets of bunk beds, yet still manages to feel airy thanks to the design.

OUR VERDICT
The Mombasa is undoubtedly one of the most exciting lodges we’ve seen this year, and the specification includes every luxury imaginable. The design was bound to be innovative as it’s built by Aspire; the manufacturer’s genius comes as standard, but this home also encapsulates all the character and charm of Mombasa as a location, packing a punch both visually and practically, sleeping as many as eight if needed.

Key features

● Three bedrooms.
● External shower.
● Engineered hardwood flooring throughout (except tiled bathroom and en-suite).
● Feature pendant lighting.
● Translucent slate feature wall.
● Walk-in wardrobe.
● Underfloor heating in bathroom and en-suite.
● Freestanding bath.
● LED mirrors.