Discover the most luxurious resorts, retreats and hotels in Malindi.
People have been holidaying in Malindi since the 16th century. Malindi’s white sand beaches and cerulean sea attracting visitors even before the Portuguese brought architecture, and the Italians, their inimitable cuisine. Today, Malindi is one of the premier tourist destinations in Kenya, and hotels, resorts and villas have sprung up to accommodate all tastes.
Malindi sits north of Mombasa and south of Lamu. Its nearest large town is Watamu, another ocean fronted holiday destination in Kenya. Malindi is an ancient Swahili trading port, that was occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century. However, it feels less ancient than Lamu and Mombasa, and you will need to seek out the older buildings and historical landmarks. In 2022, visitors head to Malindi for the beaches, the Indian Ocean and the many excellent restaurants that appeal. Only Diani Beach on Kenya’s southern coast can compete for plush resorts and family centered all-inclusive hotels.
What To See in Malindi
Head over to my Malindi page for a summary of what to do in Malindi.
Malindi Marine Park a preserved underwater paradise with a tremendous diversity of habitats. You will find reefs harboring corals and tropical fish, sea grass feeding turtles, and mangroves and mudflats. On the other side of the reef is a sharp drop called the Barracuda Channel where you will find shark, whale, and manta ray. Malindi Marine Park offers diving, snorkeling, skiing, deep sea fishing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Read my blog on scuba diving in Kenya, for more information.
Vasco Da Gama Cross is a stone pillar on a peninsular facing the ocean. It’s a pleasant walk, and interesting to view the cross that Portuguese adventurer Vasco Da Gama erected when he landed in Malindi in 1499.
The National Museum of Malindi is housed in the three-storey waterfront ‘House of Columns’ built by an Indian trader circa 1890. The Malindi museum gives you the opportunity to learn about the Mijikenda communities that still live along the Kenyan coast. Discover ancient traditions, cultural gods, burial totems and a collection of underwater archaeology.
The 6 Best Resorts, Retreats and Hotels in Malindi
Leopard Point Luxury Beach Resort, Malindi
Leopard Point Beach Resort in Malindi is an exclusive set up of just 5 palatial villas, each with their own private pool and garden. The villas are set in a boutique Malindi hotel environment,right on a private beach. There is an on-site restaurant, a central pool and the spa at Leopard Point includes a Turkish bath, a whirlpool and the usual scrubs, massages and manicures.
Each villa can accommodate 6 – 8 people. The houses are decorated in Swahili style with thatched roofs, carved wood and stone floors that open on to private pools. The villas are sumptuous and expensive. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with flat screen TV.
BOOK LEOPARD POINT LUXURY BEACH RESORT
Billionaire Resort and Retreat Malindi
Billionaire Resort and Retreat is a 5-star hotel in Malindi with access to a private beach. True to its name, it is indeed visited by billionaires. Owned by former Formula One driver, Flavio Briatoire, big named celebs such as Naomi Campbell and Silvio Berlusconi have stayed here.
Billionaires Resort and Hotel in Malindi is right on the beach, where residents can take advantage of private gazebos and waiter service. The resort is luxurious and serene. There’s a beachfront infinity pool, an award-winning spa and a fitness centre. The Sand Restaurant and bar deliver exquisite Italian and fusion cuisine.
Activities include watersports, horse riding, diving, fishing, tennis and day trips to the marine park, Watamu and beyond.
Accommodation is in luxury apartments which include air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area and a private bathroom with bathrobes, a shower and a hairdryer.
BOOK BILLIONAIRES RESORT AND RETREAT
Lion in the Sun Billionaire Retreat
Lion in the Sun Billionaire Retreat is the classier, more lavish and more expensive sister to Billionaires Resort. Guests staying at Lion in the Sun hotel in Malindi can use all the facilities of the Billionaires resort, which is located 300 metres away. At the Lion in the Sun Retreat there are four pools, a restaurant, a coffee shop and an extravagantly expensive looking full-service spa with a fitness centre. There is a tennis court on site and watersports can be arranged.
The Billionaires Beach Bar and Grill occupies prime space on Malindi’s silver sand beach and specializes in seafood with an Italian flair.
There are four categories of rooms, including an enormous master suite. All rooms are decorated in colonial coastal style, think pale carved wood, high thread count sheets and expensive art, all rooms have balconies or ocean views.
BOOK LION IN THE SUN BILLIONAIRE RETREAT
Ocean Beach Resort and Spa
Ocean Beach Resort and Spa is a 4 – 5-star hotel north of Malindi where the beaches turn into great, big sand dunes.
This Malindi hotel sits in enormous tropical gardens which over look to Indian Ocean. It has beach access, two enormous pools, a spa, a beach bar and a restaurant. You also have the option to dine on the terrace outside your room or the hotel will arrange beach dining.
There is a watersports centre with diving, horse riding, tennis and aerobics are available for an additional charge. There is evening entertainment.
All rooms have air conditioning and a minibar and there are family rooms available along with babysitting services and a children’s playground.
BOOK OCEAN BEACH RESORT AND SPA
Sandies Tropical Village
Sandies Tropical Village is a large resort on Casuarina Road, facing the beach in Malindi. The term ‘Tropical Village’ is an excellent description of this laid back resort, festooned with palm trees with a wealth of makuti (palm thatched) buildings. Sandies Tropical Villages has 2 restaurants, 3 bars and a spa. Compared to the other hotels in Malindi that I have mentioned in this article, Sandies is less luxurious but more family friendly.
There is a watersports centre with kayaking and windsurfing and snorkelling trips can be arranged in the marine park.
Rooms come with air-conditioning, a minibar, room service and its own terrace or balcony. Babysitting services are available.
Diamond Dreams of Africa
Diamond Dreams of Africa is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group which always guarantees a quality experience. This Indo-Arab resort is in central Malindi, with lush gardens and beachfront location.
This Malindi hotel has spacious rooms and suites, tropical garden, a free-form swimming pool, a Thalassotherapy spa and an Italian restaurant.
All the rooms are sophisticated by design with furniture made of Indonesian teak, private terraces with comfortable sun loungers, and air conditiong.
How to get to Malindi
Malindi, sits approximately 3 hours to the north of Mombasa, Kenya’s second largest city and closest international airport.
Transport from Mombasa to Malindi town is best taken by taxi, cost should be between 60 – 90 dollars one way. Don’t be tempted by the far cheaper tuk-tuks. You will waste hours of your life bumping in slow motion towards your destination.
Matatu’s also run between the town, its a crowded, hot and sticky affair but vastly cheaper. There are also a couple of bus services. Check Kenyabus more information.
Flights to Malindi
Direct flights to Malindi are frequently available from several Kenyan destinations. Flights from Nairobi to Malindi and vice versa run up to 6 times a day, take an hour, and are pretty cheap. (Approx 70 USD one way).
Kenya Airways, Jambojet and Fly540 Malindi to Nairobi and return fly throughout the year.
You may also fly into Mombasa, which is slightly cheaper, and take the taxi on to Malindi town.
The SGR train runs a twice daily, very cheap, clean and comfortable service from Nairobi to Mombasa.
Further reading
21 Incredible Family Friendly Resorts in Kenya
45 Unmissable Kenya Tourist Attractions & Secret Gems
Scuba Diving in Kenya – What you need to know
12 Amazing Places to visit in Mombasa
Watamu Beach Kenya: The Insiders Guide to Paradise
Book Your Kenya Trip – Insider Tips
Find everything you need for visiting Kenya on my TRAVEL RESOURCES page.
Find everything you need for moving to Kenya in my THE EXPAT GUIDE TO LIVING IN NAIROBI book.
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- Tours and Guides in Kenya : Check out Get Your Guide and Viator – reputable companies that do tours within Kenya and East Africa.
- Travel Insurance: Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I recommend Visitors Coverage, which covers you for East Africa and offers ‘special insurance’ for safaris and adventure sports:
- Visitors Coverage
- Compensair – if you have a cancelled or delayed flight, you may get a refund.