Where To Stay in Malindi

WHITE ELEPHANT SEA & ART LODGE

This lodge is a fusion of nature and art having 19 rooms and four two-and three-bedroom apartments. Each room is personally adorned by the master artist Armando Tanzini’s creations, and each furniture piece handcrafted at the White Elephant Creativity Centre. The outdoor areas are intricately designed with nature and art in mind. Three guest-accessible art galleries are nestled in the beach forest which is not only dotted by Armando Tanzini’s monumental sculptures but is home to an array of small animals and birds. The Lodge has two restaurants, individual gazebos, lounging areas and meeting rooms. www.whiteelephantmalindi.com

DRIFTWOOD BEACH CLUB

These family-run cottages and villas can accommodate just 70 guests. The dwellings are constructed in the traditional coastal style and brought up to date with air-conditioning and other modern amenities. The rooms are designed to be private while still being close to the open-air bar and dining area. For those who simply want to relax, they have four miles of white beach perfect for long walks, a treatment room as well as plenty of lounging areas. Driftwood Beach Club's experienced team are on hand to offer some of the best food in Malindi. www.driftwoodclub.com

OCEAN BEACH RESORT

Expect a five star resort that takes hospitality back to its essence. Luxuriously appointed rooms are spread around the beautiful gardens creating a private and secluded atmosphere. The hotel offers 20 rooms and 15 suites showcasing early 20th century tropical style with wooden beamed roofs and elegant wooden floors. Surrounded by green lawns and palm trees, spend four nights in a deluxe suite beachfront room and the fifth night is on them. Relax at the beachfront restaurant, Dunes, sample the chef’s menu at Victoria Restaurant or simply enjoy the sunset and an evening cocktail at Finch Hatton’s Bar. www.oceanbeachkenya.com

WHITE NYUMBA

This all-white house has four double rooms spread across two flours. The ground floor has the kitchen which comes with an experienced chef and a small team who go out of their way to make sure your stay is comfortable. The main terrace has a large dining table which can hold eight people, a spacious lounge where your group can hang out in the evenings, complete with a swinging hammock. It overlooks a large pool tucked in the garden, perfect for cooling off on those hot Malindi afternoons. From Ksh 20,000. Book via AirBnb.

BELLA AZZURA VILLA

This is a lovely family vacation house set in the heart of Casuarina and which comfortably sleeps up to 12 guests. Located in a secure gated compound of four villas, the property has two apartments with a shared terrace. It can be booked as one villa for a large group, or each villa booked separately by up to six people. It has a beautiful pool with a gazebo, lush mature gardens and is only a five minute walk to the beach. A chef is available at an extra cost. Rates start from Ksh 3,400 per night. Book via AirBnb.

KILILI BAHARINI

This resort has 29 comfortable airconditioned rooms, three prestigious suites, three junior suites, five pools, two bars, a restaurant, spa and wellness center called Medicallife, and is set along the beach. The rooms – all furnished in Swahili style with whitewashed walls, draped mosquito nets and subtle lighting – overlook one of the swimming pools, and each has its own fully furnished private veranda. Deck chairs and comfortable day beds can be arranged at the beach for guests to use, as required. Simply put, the team here goes above and beyond to offer the very best. www.kililibaharini.com