A Valentine’s date that costs Sh1 million

Courtesy | NATION A helicopter near the peak of Mount Kenya. A hotel chain has lined up a romantic Valentine’s Day package that will cost Sh1 million for a couple for two days at the Fairmont Mt Kenya Safari Club. 

By Billy Muiruri bmuiruri@ke.nationmedia.com

Posted Friday, February 11 2011 at 21:00

In Summary

• The offer includes a chauffeur drive to the airport, a chopper ride to the top of Mt Kenya and other goodies

So, you want to give your lover or spouse a treat this Valentine. Maybe you have shopped for a destination that befits your class and prestige and you still think the offers available are “cheap.” What to do?

Why not try the Sh1 million Valentine package on offer at the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, a two nights-and-three-days affair at the foot of Africa’s second highest mountain.

The Mt Kenya package is tailored for the cream of the economic peak; it would be incredulous to blow a whole million just to express love.

But just what makes the package worth a million shillings in just two days?

Stretch limousine

A detailed itinerary seen by Saturday Nation indicates that such a couple will be picked up from their house and chauffeured in a stretch limousine to Wilson Airport.

From there, they will board a chartered plane for a 30-minute flight to Nanyuki airstrip.

In the plane, the pampering begins with an assortment of snacks, cool serenades, wine and chocolate being served.

From the airport, another limousine will whisk the couple to the club, a 20-minute drive.

Here, a ground team will mount a grand reception, with the highlight being a Fairmont Classic Champagne Cocktail.

The Tusks Terrace, which overlooks the spectacular view of the snow-capped peak of the mountain, will host a special aphrodisiac lunch.

“All is set. Our arrangements can accommodate more than one couple, each with their own set of services and facilities. Our team is ready, both in Nairobi and Nanyuki,” says Fairmont’s group director of sales and marketing, Mr Sean Walwyn.

The couple will choose whether to stay in a one or two-bedroom suite, and here, there will be a bottle of Dom Perignon and strawberries in chocolate.

Mr Walwyn says the plan will be executed with an executive touch and it would be ideal for a marriage proposal or an anniversary.

But it is the breakfast of the day after that the club has planned to display its grandeur.

In the morning, the couple will fly in a helicopter to the mountain, where a lavish champagne and smoked salmon breakfast will be served on the banks of Lake Alice, 4,000 metres above sea level.

“The place will be glittering. We have done our homework. We know we have to give value for such kind of money,” Mr Walwyn said at his Nairobi office, where he was finalising logistical issues for clients.

Although curious customers have been making enquiries, according to hotel records, no one had committed money to the super date.

A special surprise awaits the couple that will be getting engaged. Mr Walwyn will not disclose it but hotel sources said it will be a special 3.3 carat AAA tanzanite engagement ring.

The package is a sharp rise from the hotel’s ordinary rates. During normal operations, the average cost of a double room on full board basis is Sh36,750 while a suite costs about Sh42,000.

A cottage for four goes for Sh65,100 a night.