If you are looking for nothing less than a luxurious tropical retreat on one of the best beaches in the world, Malindi is the place to go! Voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world for ease of access, hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops, why wouldn’t it be your preferred getaway location?

Malindi (once known as Melinde) is a city in Malindi Bay at the mouth of the Galana River, on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya. Malindi was founded by the Arabs in the 13th century and welcomed Europeans for the first time in the 15th century. On April 15, 1498 Vasco da Gama arrived in Malindi and was received by the Sultan of Malindi.

What to expect
Malindi has 155 kilometers of coastline with idyllic silver beaches lined with palm trees, casuarinas and frangipani. The city of Malindi has a strong Italian influence, making it a hotspot for European travelers and locals looking for an ‘out of Africa’ experience.

What to see

o The Vasco da Gama pillar: Malindi’s most famous monument is the bell-shaped Vasco da Gama pillar, erected by the Portuguese explorer as an aid to navigation in 1498 and is also famous for being a gift from Vasco da Gama to the Sultan from Malindi for her generosity and hospitality.
o Malindi Museum: the building was purchased from the Bohra community for £ 2,000 after a longer period of occupation by the Medical Department, which had used the building to serve as the Malindi Native Civil Hospital.
o Watamu and Malindi Marine Parks: Established in 1968, the coral gardens offer spectacular areas for diving. In these gardens, you are sure to see different species of coral fish such as angelfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish, and even get a chance to see surgeonfish at work. Many glass bottom boats are available to take you on tours of the coral gardens.
o The Ruins of Gede: they date from the end of the 13th century and were abandoned at the beginning of the 17th century. The exact reason why the city was abandoned is not actually known, although it is assumed that the city was looted and destroyed by unknown invaders in the 17th century.

Where to stay?

Hemingways Resort
Overlooking the stunning beach of Watamu Marine Park, 20 miles south of Malindi and 60 miles north of Mombasa. The hotel atmosphere is one of relaxed sophistication, with the friendliness of a privately owned hotel coupled with the facilities and standards of an international resort.

Driftwood Beach Club
Established more than 40 years ago, Driftwood has preserved the essence of a traditional Kenyan beach vacation – laid back, casual, fun and laid back. This unique accommodation offers dining overlooking the sea, the best pub in town and wonderful fresh seafood. It also offers world-class deep-sea fishing and adventurous diving.

Woburn Residence Club
Located on the east coast of Africa, Woburn Residence Club, established in 2000, is the first resort of its kind in Kenya. It is one of the best hotel complexes, vacation homes and idyllic retirement homes in Kenya. Group of elegant apartments and executive suites, located in tropical gardens and surrounding a three-level pool.