Medina Palms

Medina Palms image 1
Medina Palms image 2

Medina Palms

Medina Palms is a five-star luxury beachfront resort located on Turtle Bay Road in Watamu, on Kenya's north coast. The resort is known for combining traditional Swahili architecture with modern luxury, making it one of the country's most distinctive boutique beach destinations. It has a strong reputation among both international and Kenyan travelers for spacious accommodations, excellent dining, and personalized service. 

You can learn more or book directly through the official Medina Palms website.

Location

The resort sits directly on the white sandy beaches of Watamu, overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is close to several major attractions:

  • Watamu Marine National Park – renowned for snorkeling, diving, coral reefs, and sea turtles.

  • Arabuko Sokoke Forest – East Africa's largest remaining coastal forest.

  • Tsavo East National Park – approximately 90 minutes away by road for safari excursions.

The property is approximately:

  • 25 km from Malindi Airport

  • Around 125 km from Moi International Airport in Mombasa. 

Accommodation

Unlike a conventional hotel with standard rooms, Medina Palms specializes in luxury residences that provide more living space.

Accommodation options include:

  • Two-bedroom luxury suites

  • Three-bedroom penthouses

  • Ocean lodges

  • Beachfront villas

  • Family residences

Most units include:

  • Large living and dining areas

  • Fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes

  • Air conditioning

  • Spacious balconies or terraces

  • Rain showers

  • Flat-screen TVs

  • Wi-Fi

  • Garden, pool, or ocean views

Some premium units also feature:

  • Private plunge pools

  • Rooftop Jacuzzis

  • Outdoor entertainment areas

  • Direct beach access. 

Design and Architecture

One of Medina Palms' defining characteristics is its authentic Swahili-inspired design.

Features include:

  • Coral stone walls

  • Intricate wooden carvings

  • Arabic-style arches

  • Courtyards

  • High vaulted ceilings

  • Tropical gardens

  • Water features

  • Handcrafted local décor

The resort is designed to resemble a luxurious Swahili coastal village rather than a typical hotel complex. 

Dining

The resort offers several food and beverage venues.

Amandina Restaurant

The signature restaurant serves:

  • Fresh seafood

  • Swahili cuisine

  • Mediterranean dishes

  • International cuisine

  • Vegetarian and vegan options

Long Bar

Offers:

  • Premium cocktails

  • Wines

  • Spirits

  • Light meals

Star Lounge

Known for:

  • Sunset views

  • Cocktails

  • Relaxed evening atmosphere

Breakfast is typically buffet-style with fresh tropical fruits, pastries, eggs, local dishes, and international selections. 

Spa and Wellness

The resort features the Sakina Spa, offering:

  • Massages

  • Body scrubs

  • Facials

  • Aromatherapy

  • Couples treatments

  • Beauty therapies

Additional wellness facilities include:

  • Fully equipped fitness center

  • Yoga spaces

  • Swimming pools

  • Beach relaxation areas. 

Activities

Guests can arrange a variety of experiences, including:

Marine activities

  • Snorkeling

  • Scuba diving

  • Deep-sea fishing

  • Kayaking

  • Windsurfing

  • Paddleboarding

  • Dolphin watching

  • Glass-bottom boat trips

Land activities

  • Safaris to Tsavo

  • Bird watching

  • Cycling

  • Nature walks

  • Cultural village visits

  • Golf nearby

Watamu is widely regarded as one of Kenya's premier destinations for diving due to its protected coral reefs and abundant marine life. 

Family-Friendly Features

Medina Palms caters well to families with:

  • Kids' club

  • Children's pool

  • Babysitting services

  • Large family suites

  • Family-friendly dining

  • Beach activities

The apartment-style accommodation makes it particularly suitable for extended family holidays. 

Weddings and Events

The resort hosts:

  • Beach weddings

  • Destination weddings

  • Honeymoons

  • Corporate retreats

  • Conferences

  • Private celebrations

Venues include beachfront settings, gardens, and indoor event spaces. 

Sustainability and Community Support

Medina Palms places significant emphasis on environmental and community initiatives, including:

  • Supporting local schools

  • Funding improvements to the local hospital

  • Supporting ambulance services

  • Sponsoring students

  • Environmental conservation

  • Supporting wildlife conservation projects

  • Eco-tourism initiatives

The resort states that sustainable tourism and community development are central to its operations. 

Guest Reviews

Across major travel platforms, Medina Palms is consistently rated highly.

Commonly praised:

  • Spacious luxury suites

  • Beautiful architecture

  • Excellent beach location

  • Friendly staff

  • High-quality food

  • Cleanliness

  • Relaxing atmosphere

Occasional criticisms:

  • Premium pricing

  • Service may be slower during peak periods

  • Some facilities can become busy during holiday seasons. 

Pricing

Rates vary depending on season and accommodation type.

Typical range:

  • Two-bedroom suites: from around US$400–450 per night

  • Larger villas and penthouses: significantly higher during peak seasons

  • Holiday periods (Christmas, New Year, Easter) command premium rates. 

Who It's Best For

Medina Palms is especially suited to:

  • Luxury leisure travelers

  • Honeymooners

  • Families

  • Groups of friends

  • Destination weddings

  • Corporate retreats

  • Long-stay beach holidays

Chat with us