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Baraka House: It's not the Blair House, but it looks fit for a U.S. President

Sue Frause's photo
Seattle Travel Examiner

I was editing my 100's of travel bookmarks in my MacBook the other day and found this familiar sounding place: Baraka House. I added the website long before I'd even heard of Barack Obama, thinking it would be a cool place to rent. I'm sure their inquiries have increased dramatically in the past few months due to the similarity in the spelling of the two names.

Located in Kenya, baraka is a local word for joy and well being, and the Swahili style house in a forest setting features plenty of amenities to bring joy and amenity to guests:

  • Three luxury, ensuite bedrooms
  • Staff and chef
  • Full modern household conveniences

The private home is located in the Watamu region of the East African Coast, situated on a beach opposite the Watamu National Marine Park. This is an excellent area for snorkeling, diving and wind surfing. The coastal forest is home to monkeys and miniature antelope (!), and there is also butterfly and bird watching. It's only a five-minute drive to Watamu village. Safaris can also be arranged.

The Hay-Adams: Until the Obamas move into Blair House, they're hunkered on down at The Hay-Adams, the posh Washington, DC hotel located just steps from the White House. The Winter in Washington package includes accommodation, upgrade when available, breakfast for two and complimentary valet parking. Rates start at $399. Available Friday-Saturday-Sunday only; and most likely after the Inauguration on Jan. 20, 2009.
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, Seattle Travel Examiner

Sue is an award-winning freelance writer and photographer whose travel features appear in numerous newspapers, magazines and online publications. She's also an on-air contributor to Around the World Travel Radio and writes a blog about all things Canadian titled Closet Canuck. She loves telling...

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