Villa Syli was built by the French colonial administration as a highland retreat — the cool air at 1,200 metres made Dalaba a favoured escape from Conakry's coastal heat. After independence it became the summer residence of President Sékou Touré, who used it for receiving foreign dignitaries and retreating from the political pressures of Conakry. The gardens were laid out in the colonial style with terraced lawns, ornamental trees, and views across the highland plateau.
The villa and its grounds are now open to visitors. The building itself is a modest piece of colonial-era architecture, more interesting for its history than its appearance. The gardens are pleasant for a walk and offer good views over the surrounding hills. It is the most intact remnant of Dalaba's colonial-era infrastructure and gives context for the town's long history as a highland refuge.