Samawati House, Msambweni Beach
Located on the stunning Msambweni Beach, Samawati is a four bedroom, double storey coastal home in which all the bedrooms are upstairs and sea facing. With four friendly staff to look after your every need, this Lamu-style villa is all about chilling out by the pool, enjoying a game of table tennis, meeting the local fishermen on the quiet beach and indulging in fresh seafood. The house is surrounded by indigenous trees – a paradise for birds and cheeky sykes monkeys.
Silverpalm Spa & Resort, Kilifi
With 38 rooms, this grand contemporary Swahili style resort sets the benchmark for chic luxury accommodation along the coast. A grand pool winds its way around the midsection of the resort which majestically sits on a cliff overlooking the sea. With most of the rooms, one can step right from the terrace of the living room and into the pool. There are two restaurants and bars offering everything from fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas, cocktails and a teppanyaki grill.
Temple Point Resort, Watamu
On the site of an ancient temple whose ruins still stand on the headland today, Temple Point is set in sweeping tropical gardens that expand across the whole promontory. The 100 rooms are housed in 20 thatched bungalows and all have modern amenities and views of the enclosed botanical garden or Mida Creek. Also on site are snack bars, restaurant, spa, gym, boutique, conference centre and floodlit tennis courts. For health and retreat enthusiasts, check out their website for upcoming retreats.
Kijani Hotel, Lamu
Kijani’s history started in the early 1980’s; eccentric explorer and famous hunter, Bunny Allen, found passion in transforming ancient ruins into beautiful homes using the typically Swahili architectural influences. Every room here therefore offers unique views with locally crafted Swahili decor throughout. Dine at the open-air bar and restaurant which offers spectacular views over the Taqwa channel. Watch the local fishermen and white lateen sails whistle by as you indulge in the splendid seafood platter or sip on a punchy tropical cocktail.
