Naomi Campbell, a supermodel and recent mother, boasts an extraordinary 35-year career marked by shattering barriers, dominating catwalks, and gracing countless magazine covers. Amidst her demanding schedule, her work continues to be a motivating force, providing her with lasting enjoyment.

Even for icons, the need for reprieve arises. When seeking complete disconnection, Campbell retreats to her villa in Malindi, a serene coastal enclave in Kenya. This stunning abode, positioned with a view of the Indian Ocean, has served as her primary escape from the bustling rhythms of her adopted New York City and her native London for over two decades. It stands as a quintessential exemplar of seamless indoor-outdoor living.

The expansive space, adorned in tranquil earth tones and bathed in natural light, is an embodiment of unpretentious opulence. As Campbell puts it, “It’s an incredibly calming place.” Phone calls are best kept at bay; televisions are out of the question. The true essence lies in unwinding through the pages of a book, enveloped by the sounds of nature and the blissful absence of noise.

For a brisk morning swim, the saltwater pool extends gracefully outdoors from the heart of her living area. The model’s hospitality is aptly demonstrated by the inviting tables under the twin voile-curtained pergolas, ideal for familial feasts.

Campbell draws inspiration from the makuti thatched roof and cathedral ceilings crafted from sun-dried coconut palm leaves. She underscores the significance of makuti roofs, intricately hand-stitched through a layered process, as a traditional building element in East Africa for millennia.

Proudly, she remarks, “We’ve had this [roof] for at least 12 years, and it’s still in excellent condition.” Adding, “Things can deteriorate swiftly here due to the elements—air, wind, and sea salt—yet it has endured remarkably well and is almost a piece of art in itself.”

Impressive and resplendent latika lanterns from Morocco and Egypt dangle from the ceiling, a testament to Campbell’s penchant for shopping for furnishings across Africa, with her most fruitful ventures occurring in Marrakech and Cairo.

Remarkably, top-notch woodwork is well within reach. Campbell notes, “A lot of the wooden furniture we have in the house is locally crafted in Malindi.” Interestingly, the house’s backyard doubles as a workshop for these endeavors.