The centrepiece is the turtle-shaped infinity pool, providing the perfect combination of luxury and comfort
Location: Waterlovers Beach Resort is tucked along the palm-fringed sands of Diani Beach on Kenya's south coast - a stretch we keep coming back to for its powdery white beaches, turquoise water, and relaxed, barefoot feel. The resort sits right on the beachfront, with direct access to one of the most beautiful and swimmable stretches of coastline in the country. It's far enough from the busier parts of Diani to feel peaceful, but close enough to enjoy local restaurants, boutiques, and dive centres. Whether you're looking to unwind after a safari or escape to the coast for a few easygoing days, Waterlovers is a lovely, low-key place to land.
Rooms: There are just eight suites here, all thoughtfully designed with a Mediterranean-Coastal feel - think curved white walls, driftwood details, and splashes of colour from local art. Each suite has a sea view, a spacious private veranda, and a breezy, open-plan layout that immediately puts you in holiday mode. You’ll also find a self-catering villa and a private penthouse for families or small groups who want a little more space and independence. Interiors are stylish without being overdone - comfortable, welcoming, and full of character.
Amenities: For a small hotel, Waterlovers packs a lot in. There’s a lagoon-style pool shaped like Africa, a beachfront restaurant serving fresh, seasonal food (the seafood pasta is a favourite), and a laid-back bar where sundowners come with ocean views and a gentle sea breeze. You’ll find a boutique spa offering massages and beauty treatments, and yoga sessions can be arranged on request. The atmosphere is relaxed and personal, with owners Antonella and Riccardo often on hand to share local tips or simply chat over a coffee. It’s the kind of place where you’re made to feel more like a house guest than a hotel customer.
Activities: Diani is known for its blend of beachside relaxation and easy access to adventure. At Waterlovers, you can snorkel or paddleboard straight from the beach, book kite-surfing lessons nearby, or head out on a dhow trip to explore the coral reefs and sandbanks just offshore. For divers, the marine life here is excellent, with several reputable dive schools close by. Inland, you can visit the sacred Kaya Kinondo forest or take a day trip to Shimba Hills for a change of scene and a bit of wildlife. Or, of course, you can do absolutely nothing and not feel guilty about it for a second.
Sustainability: Waterlovers is quietly but purposefully eco-conscious. The resort was built using local materials and runs on solar power where possible. Plastic use is minimised, and the team has a strong relationship with the local community, supporting beach clean-ups, cultural exchanges, and responsible tourism initiatives. The food is locally sourced, the staff are from the area, and there’s a genuine sense that your stay here is contributing to something good. It’s not flashy, but it’s meaningful - just like the whole experience.
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When to visit Kenya
Find out the best time to visit Kenya with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a great time for wildlife viewing. The landscapes are lush and green after the 'short rains' and newborn animals can been seen. It is hot, but brief afternoon or evening showers cool things down, without compromising your safari. Over on the coast the sea is clear, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling, and the days are warm and bright.
February
February is an ideal time to visit Kenya, and great for game viewing. The landscapes are green and thriving thanks to the short rains, and newborn animals will be hopping around the plains. There maybe a few afternoon showers which are welcome in the heat, and don't impact on wildlife viewing. Water clarify is excellent at the moment, which is good news for watersports enthusiasts. And if you want to spot a whale shark, now is the time to try.
March
Still a good option for wildlife viewing and diving, although with the 'long rains' just around the corner, expect wetter and hotter weather.
April
April brings the start of the 'long rains' which means game reserves and national parks become muddy and harder to drive around. Over on the coast it's hot and wet, so it isn't the best time of year to travel. Some camps and lodges close during this period.
May
The 'long rains' continue into May, making park tracks difficult to navigate in the mud, and the coast very warm and wet. There will be less accommodation choice at this time as several lodges and camps during this period.
June
June is a beautiful time of year to visit Kenya, with the rains receding to just light showers, and the long dry season not far ahead. The high grasses can sometimes make it more of a challenge to spot game, but the landscapes are lush and some animals may begin arriving early for the migration. At altitude nights can be cool, but elsewhere the temperature is pleasant.
July
July marks the beginning of the great migration into the Masai Mara, and with warm and generally dry weather, this is a great time of year to visit. Days are sunny, skies are blue and there isn't too much dust around, so it's a great time for photography.
August
The migration is now in full swing in the Masai Mara, with lots of river crossing action, so if you want to see those massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, now is the time to come. Game viewing in general is excellent and it's one of the most popular times of year to visit, so some of the main parks do become crowded. Temperatures are warm and dry.
September
Game viewing continues to be excellent, and the weather is generally dry so this is another ideal month to visit Kenya's parks. The bush is less dense and as animals gather around waterholes and rivers it makes wildlife spotting much easier.
October
October is a great time if you want to avoid the crowds and don't mind the temperature slowly starting to rise. There may be a few short showers, but game viewing remains excellent with the end of the migration, and it's a good time to holiday anywhere in Kenya.
November
November heralds the start of the 'short rains' and with hotter temperatures some camps are closed. The Mara however is still open, and despite sometimes stormy skies, game viewing is still good. Fewer crowds and lower prices make this an attractive month to visit. Over on the coast water clarify is good for snorkelling and diving.
December
The 'short rains' are bringing the landscapes back to life, and as the plains start to become green again, wildlife viewing remains good, and it's a great time for birding. Some camps are closed (mainly in the north of Kenya) but many others remain open. The showers tend to fall in the afternoons and don't impact greatly on a safari. Take advantage of reduced visitor numbers and lower prices.
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Alistair
Ottilie
