STARTER
andBeyond Suyian Lodge KENYA
Words: Abby Lowe Photography: Courtesy of andBeyond
IN A BITE Operator: andBeyond Architecture: Michaelis Boyd, Nicholas Plewman Architects + Associates Interior Design: Fox Browne Creative Head Chef: Oscar Malaba F&B Manager: Steve Aggrey www.andbeyond.com
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erched high on an escarpment within
intimacy and warmth against the expansiveness
Suyian Conservancy, a nature reserve at
of the scenery. “Together, they establish
the heart of Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau,
an atmosphere that is both dramatic and
Suyian Lodge was designed to honour its
deeply immersive,” Michaelis confirms. “The
extraordinary setting. Rooted in nature, with
restaurant is less about extravagant, imposing
sweeping views of wilderness stretching to
design gestures and more about framing
the horizon, the challenge for Michaelis Boyd
memorable moments.”
was in the creation of an understated dining
Emphasis is also placed on open sightlines to
destination that doesn’t detract from the
create a calming atmosphere that encourages
spectacular surroundings. “Nature is both the
guests to slow down and fully engage with a
inspiration and the backdrop,” explains Alex
landscape that’s home to elephants, black
Michaelis, co-founding partner at Michaelis
leopards and zebra. “The design champions
Boyd. “So, the architecture and interiors have
simplicity,” Michaelis affirms. “It’s about
been carefully tuned to complement, rather than
watching the light shift across the plateau,
compete with, the beauty of the environment.”
hearing the quiet crackle of the fire, and feeling
Consequently, the design has been intricately
the enveloping sense of stillness that’s so
influenced by the vast savannah, rugged kopjes
unique to Suyian.”
and ever-changing skies of Laikipia, with locally
The gastronomic experience at Suyian Lodge
sourced stone cladding reflecting the rocky
mirrors this ethos. Showcasing the best of
topography, and indoors, clean lines created by
Laikipia’s produce, meals are unpretentious
the intersection between lime plaster, polished
and wholesome, with many ingredients sourced
concrete and timber visible throughout. Grand
from the local shamba (kitchen herb garden),
fireplaces anchor the space, creating a sense of
and transformed into pickles and preserves.