On the Indian Ocean powder white sand beach
Providing more space to breathe than any conventional hotels or resorts
Location: Medina Palms is tucked away on a quiet stretch of Watamu Beach, one of Kenya’s most pristine and picturesque coastal destinations. Set among lush gardens and swaying palms, the hotel offers direct access to powder-white sands and the warm, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. It’s a peaceful, elegant hideaway, far removed from the busier resort areas, yet close enough to explore Watamu Marine National Park and the local town. The setting strikes just the right balance - secluded enough for total relaxation, but within easy reach of some of Kenya’s best marine adventures.
Rooms: Accommodation at Medina Palms is centred around luxury, space, and privacy. Rather than standard hotel rooms, guests stay in beautifully designed suites and villas, many with their own private rooftop terraces or plunge pools. Interiors blend Swahili-inspired architecture with a calm, contemporary feel: think high-vaulted ceilings, whitewashed walls, handmade furnishings, and cool stone floors. Whether you’re a couple, family, or group of friends, the layout of each suite is designed to feel like your own coastal home-from-home, with fully equipped kitchens and generous indoor-outdoor living spaces.
Amenities: The hotel offers a laid-back but polished experience, with a range of thoughtful amenities to make your stay feel effortless. The multi-level infinity pool is the heart of the property, surrounded by loungers and shaded daybeds. There’s a tranquil spa offering massages and wellness treatments, plus a gym for those wanting to stay active. Dining at Medina is a highlight, with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and East African flavours served in a breezy restaurant or on the beach. The service is attentive but relaxed, echoing the hotel’s overall atmosphere of quiet sophistication.
Activities: From snorkelling and scuba diving in the coral reefs of Watamu Marine National Park to dhow sailing at sunset or visiting the nearby Gede Ruins, there’s plenty to do beyond the pool. The hotel can arrange everything from paddleboarding and deep-sea fishing to guided tours of Arabuko Sokoke Forest and birdwatching excursions. It’s also a great base for families, with plenty of space for kids to explore and child-friendly beach activities on offer. Whether you're looking for water-based adventure or low-key beach days, Medina makes it easy to set your own pace.
Sustainability: Medina Palms is committed to operating with sensitivity to its coastal environment. The hotel works with local suppliers, uses solar heating, and encourages water conservation across the property. There’s a strong emphasis on supporting the local Watamu community, from employing local staff to engaging with beach clean-up projects and marine conservation efforts. Guests are encouraged to explore the region responsibly, helping protect this beautiful stretch of Kenya’s coastline for generations to come.

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Best places to stay in Watamu and Malindi
Watamu and Malindi Trip Inspiration
When to go to 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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