Onsea House - ArushaOnsea House is a small guest house just outside Arusha with an African-Colonial style, reowned for remarkable food, personalised service and a generally warm and relaxed atmosphere. Surrounded by wonderfully landscaped gardens, Onsea House has only 5 rooms so guests can feel at home and relish the privacy and peaceful ambiance. Due to its' popularity, the owners expanded and added Machweo Wellness Retreat, just down the hill, upholding a similar concept and the same levels of food and service but with more spacious and luxurious rooms. We love both properties and think they offer the best value in Arusha, but acknowledge that the rooms and suites at Machweo retreat are grander, offering more space, comfort and privacy.
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Highlights
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The LodgeThe food on offer at Onsea house and Machweo really sets them apart from the other properties in this area making them popular locations for locals and expats alike. The head chef is classically trained, has worked in Michelin-star restaurants, and this is certainly reflected in his exquisite fusion of African and European food. The main house is split into two levels with the down stairs offering a bar and pool table for recreation. The upstairs is home to the reception, a small lounge and a open plan terrace for dining and cocktails. The guest house also offers a small spa and jacuzzi towards the back of the house that can be privately booked.
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AccommodationOnsea House has 4 standard rooms, 2 of which are interconnecting, and one family suite. The four standard rooms are in the main house and the family suite is a separate cottage a short walk away. All the standard rooms are similar in layout and size, and are elegantly designed rooms, well maintained, cozy and comfortable. The family suite offers seclusion for groups or families to enjoy, with a large garden and private swimming pool. The house offers spacious main areas, tastefully furnished with wood carved furniture and African Art. The bedrooms are equally charming, boasting wooden balconies facing out into the dense tropical private garden area.
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Activities and AdventuresMany guests visit Arusha at the beginning or end of their safari and therefore, just want to relax and perhaps partake in some less strenuous activities for shorter visits. However, for guests that stay longer there are plenty of activities that can be arranged from the guest house, including many cultural excursions such as lovely village tours, or Maasai market visits. Arusha National Park is close by, where one can plan a days' bird watching or a hiking trip in wilderness of this beautiful region.
For guests looking for a unique and exceptional dining experience, the owners have recently introduced the opportunity to enjoy an individually catered, 5 course dinner in the bush, for an additional cost. This involves a small rustic trailer, complete with a mobile bar, open kitchen and separate lounge and dining areas, which can cater for up to 16 people. Hosted and cooked by Axel, the owner and chef, this exciting option, brings guests into Arusha National Park or surrounding area, to dine under the stars. |
