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If you are looking for nothing less than a luxury tropical retreat on one of the world’s finest beaches, Malindi is the place to go! Voted as one of the world’s top 10 beaches for ease of access, hotels, restaurants, bars and shops, why would it not be your preferred get away spot?

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

What to expect?
Malindi has 155 kilometres of coastline with idyllic silver beaches fringed with swaying palm trees, casuarinas and frangipani. Malindi town has a very strong Italian influence, making it a hotspot for European travelers and locals seeking an “Out of Africa” experience!

What to see?

• The Vasco da Gama Pillar - Malindi’s most famous monument is the bell-shaped Vasco da Gama Pillar , erected by the Portuguese explorer has as a navigational aid in 1498 is also famous for being a gift from Vasco da Gama to the Sultan of Malindi for his generosity and hospitality.
• Malindi Museum - The building was bought from the Bohra community for 2,000 English Pounds after a longer period of occupation by the Medical Department who had used the building to serve as the Malindi Native Civil Hospital.
• Watamu and Malindi Marine Parks - Established in 1968 the coral gardens offer spectacular areas for snorkeling. In these gardens you are bound to see different species of coral fish like the Angelfish, Butterfly fish, Triggerfish and even have an opportunity of watching the Surgeonfish at work. Many glass-bottomed boats to take you for tours in the coral gardens are available.
• The Gede Ruins -Dated back to the late 13th century and was abandoned in the early 17th century. The exact reason as to why the town was abandoned is not actually known though it is assumed that the town was plundered and destroyed by unknown invaders in the 17th century.

Where to stay?

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

Driftwood beach Club
Established over 40 years ago, the Driftwood has preserved the essence of a traditional Kenyan beach holiday - tranquil, informal, fun and relaxed. This unique accommodation offers sea view dining, the best pub in town and wonderful fresh seafood. It also offers world class deep sea fishing and adventurous Scuba diving.

Woburn Residence Club
Situated on the East African Coast, Woburn Residence Club, established in 2000, is the first resort of its kind in Kenya. It is one of Kenya’s finest resort-Hotel, Holiday home and idyllic retirement home. Cluster of elegant apartments and executive suites, set in landscaped tropical gardens, and surround a three-tier swimming pool.