“The most incredible villa in the most stunning location. A complete paradise, hidden from the rest of the world with private access to such a beautiful beach – and amazing hospitality! The villa itself is designed and styled exquisitely – you won’t find better than this on the Kenyan coast.”

Charlotte, UK

The Kiswahili word Shwari expresses a sense of peace and tranquility – and where better to experience such feelings than at this lovely and hugely appealing beachfront house? Guests always comment on Shwari’s luxurious but laid-back atmosphere, its beautiful and creative architectural design, its feeling of absolute space and calm and its very friendly, competent and attentive staff.

The large size of the house and grounds, the spacious bedroom suites and the many different living, lounging and relaxing areas around the property mean that Shwari can happily accommodate large family groups without feeling crowded or uncomfortable, and the wealth of activities, water sports and excursions available nearby mean that guests can be as energetic or easy-going as they wish.

“An exceptionally luxurious villa in the most beautiful Watamu location. Tina and her daughters are wonderful hosts and most knowledgeable on all aspects of the area.  A must if you enjoy quality and luxury.”

St. John, Vipingo

Shwari has six spacious en-suite bedrooms and can sleep up to 12-14 guests in comfort – all have ceiling fans and all-enveloping mosquito nets. The bedrooms are all unusually large and airy and feature relaxing daybeds and lounging areas, balconies, verandas and roof terraces.

Three of the bedrooms have fixed double beds, and three can be arranged according to guests’ preferences – with single, double or triple beds. The spectacular and imaginatively-designed bathrooms, all with delicious complementary Cinnabar Green bath products and cosy bathrobes, deserve a special mention.

“My very favourite house on the beach! A beautiful Sale Terrena house built by well-known and designer Andrew Melesi. With comfortable interiors and wonderful hosts, Shwari house has it all!”

Lesley, Nairobi

There are three expansive living rooms – each is comfortable, spacious and unique. One has satellite television and complimentary WiFi. All the living rooms at Shwari have extra-high ceilings, keeping the villa naturally cool and airy. Impressive Lamu-style doors and tall windows bring natural light to the rooms, and all the high-quality hardwood furniture is locally sourced and specially crafted. The house is very well equipped, and designed, decorated and furnished with taste, style and attention-to-detail throughout.

Meals can be taken at the long hardwood dining table inside or in the lovely poolside makuti-thatched pavilion. Both full-board and ‘self-catering’ options are available. There are no less than 10 staff on hand to look after the guests, house and grounds. Indoor staff include two gourmet chefs producing a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes, a butler, room stewards and a laundry manager. All are there to take the strain and ensure that your stay is as restful and carefree as possible.

“We were blown away by how stunning Shwari is! Having visited many luxurious houses and boutique lodges around Australia, we were impressed that Shwari exceeded all our expectations. Great stay, delicious food, and such friendly people, we will be back! ”

Katie, Sydney, Australia

Shwari nestles in 3 acres of lovely tropical gardens overlooking, and with direct access to, Watamu’s wonderful beach – recently voted one of the top three beaches in Africa and one of the top ten in the world. The lovely and very inviting infinity pool is run on a self-cleaning system with no necessity for chlorine or other chemicals.

Shwari makes the very most of its naturally beautiful setting, and combines stunning design, excellent facilities, exceptional cuisine and exemplary service to great and memorable effect. Where better to spend a special family holiday or enjoy a perfect end to your safari?

  • A really luxurious villa in a gorgeous beachfront setting
  • Designed, furnished and appointed with taste, style and attention to detail
  • Lovely big infinity pool and 3 acres of tropical gardens
  • Excellent and attentive staff and exceptional cooking
  • Sleeps up to 12 guests in 6 ensuite bedrooms
  • Standard accommodation rate for up to 12 guests – US$900 per night

Accommodation and Facilities

  • 10 staff including – Head Chef, Sous Chef, Butler, Room Stewards, Pool Attendant, Gardeners, Maintenance Man, Laundry Manager

Inside –

  • 6 ensuite double bedrooms
  • 3 bedrooms can be arranged as family rooms with up to 3 beds each
  • Roof terraces, verandas and balconies
  • 3 Living rooms
  • Dining area
  • Well-equipped kitchen

Bedrooms and bathrooms feature –

  • Electronic safe
  • Bathrobes
  • Cinnibar Green bath products
  • Ceiling fans
  • Mosquito nets

Other services include-

  • Satellite TV
  • Wifi internet
  • Good cellphone signal
  • 24 hour on-site security
  • Twice daily housekeeping services
  • Complimentary laundry service

Outside –

  • Infinity pool
  • Dining pavilion
  • Poolside cabana
  • 3 acres of tropical gardens
  • Direct beach access

Activities available on request include –

  • Beauty treatments
  • Massages
  • Yoga
  • Personal Training
  • Tennis
  • Horse riding

Water sports including –

  • Deep sea fishing
  • Kite surfing
  • Snorkelling
  • Scuba diving
  • Windsurfing
  • Dhow sailing
Watamu Beach

Watamu Beach

Watamu (“home of the sweet people” in Kiswahili) is a small town on the Kenyan coast, 120 km north of Mombasa and 20 km south of Malindi.  It has won an international reputation for its pristine white-sand beaches, clear waters, offshore coral formations and reef-protected lagoons, which line the Watamu National Marine Park and Reserve, the oldest and largest in East Africa, covering over 229 square kilometres.

The Marine Park and Reserve is renowned worldwide for its natural beauty and boasts a rich marine life – from visiting Whale Sharks and Manta Rays to three species of Sea Turtle. It is also considered one of the best snorkelling and diving areas on the coast of East Africa. Watamu has been voted one of the three best beaches in Africa and one of the top ten beaches in the World – steeped in natural fauna and flora and with three stunning bays -Watamu, Blue Lagoon and Turtle Bay.

Scuba Diving, Watamu

Scuba Diving, Watamu

All kinds of water sports and activities are available in Watamu – from sailing and deep sea fishing to scuba diving, water-skiing, kitesurfing and paddle boarding. Tribe Watersports, situated on Turtle Bay beach is a good first stop and can cater for most of one’s needs – offering tuition, equipment rental and advice.

Kite Surfing, Watamu

Kite Surfing, Watamu

There is a good supermarket in Watamu together with a range of local shops, and a bigger selection of shops and boutiques about 30 minutes away in Malindi. Recommended places to eat and drink include the Pilipan restaurant at Mida Creek a little to the south of town, and the bars and restaurants at Hemingways Resort and Ocean Sports on Turtle Bay beach.

Bio-Ken Snake Farm

Bio-Ken Snake Farm

The Bio Ken Snake Farm and laboratory houses East Africa’s largest collection of snakes and is one of the world’s most renowned snake research centres. It specialises in antivenin research, and also acts as an emergency service for snake-bite victims throughout the region. Well-informed guides lead excellent 45-minute tours of the facility.

Gedi Ruins

Gedi Ruins

The Gedi Ruins are the ancient remains of a substantial Swahili Arab town dating from the 12th Century. Once a thriving and well-planned community of at least 2500 people, with a magnificent palace, several mosques and many large stone houses, the people of Gedi grew rich on trade with India, China and Europe, but the town was mysteriously abandoned in the 17th Century.

Hell's Kitchen

Hell’s Kitchen

Just north of Malindi and a few miles inland close to the village of Marafa is the picturesque ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ – Malindi’s answer to The Grand Canyon – a dramatic series of rock formations and gorges. The 4,300-hectare Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve is situated to the west of Watamu and is the largest single block of indigenous coastal forest remaining in East Africa – it forms the centrepiece of a world-renowned habitat for rare and endangered mammals and birds.

Arabuko Sokoke Forest

Arabuko Sokoke Forest

By Air

Watamu is less than 30 minutes by road from Malindi Airport which has several scheduled flights each day to and from Nairobi. Some flights also arrive or depart via Mombasa or Lamu.

Airlines serving Malindi and Nairobi include :–

By Road

Watamu is situated just off the main B8 coastal highway and the driving time from Mombasa should be less than two hours. Driving time from Nairobi is around nine hours via Mombasa.

Driving to and from Nairobi, It is also possible to bypass Mombasa and to travel through Tsavo East National Park on the picturesque C103 Road which follows the route of the Galana River.

“We were blown away by how stunning Shwari is! Having visited many luxurious houses and boutique lodges around Australia, we were impressed that Shwari exceeded all our expectations. Great stay, delicious food, and such friendly people, we will back!”

Katie, Sydney Australia

“I cannot give this place enough stars. It is right on the beach with incredible views over the pool and the ocean. Everything was perfect and I would go back in a heartbeat. If you are hesitant just go, you will not regret it – a truly incredible experience”

T.W., UK

“With Informal luxury and fantastic service our stay at Shwari Watamu was unforgettable. The villa was perfect for our group of friends and family, and an ideal base for a variety of fun activities, including water sports, spa treatments, nature visits, and dhow cruise, all arranged by the Shwari team. A great venue for an event, Shwari helped us celebrate a birthday in great style. The food was exceptional, with fresh fruit, seafood, and healthy salads prepared by the chef. Nothing was too much trouble for the friendly staff, we can’t wait to get back to enjoy another stay in paradise soon”.

N.C., Kenya

“The most incredible villa in the most stunning location. A complete paradise, hidden from the rest of the world with private access to such a beautiful beach – and amazing hospitality! The villa itself is designed and styled exquisitely – you won’t find better than this on the Kenyan coast.”

Charlotte, UK

Self-catering Accommodation Rates

  • Minimum stay – 5 nights.
  • Maximum occupancy – 14 guests
  • Minimum stay over Christmas and New Year – 10 nights.
  • Minimum stay over Easter – 7 nights

Low Season Rate – from 15th May to 30th June

  • US$750 per night for up to 12 guests
  • Minimum stay – 5 nights

Standard Season Rate: from 8th Jan – 14th May and 1st July – 15th Dec

  • US$900 per night for up to 12 guests
  • Minimum stay – 5 nights

Christmas & New Year Season Rate: from 16th Dec to 7th Jan

  • US$1,400 per night for up to 12 guests
  • Minimum stay – 10 nights

Additional guests – US$50 per extra adult per night and US$30 per extra child per night.

Check in 12pm and Check out 10 am

Early check-in and late check-out upon request at an additional US$100 and US$200 respectively

These rates are on a ‘self-catering’ basis including the services of chef and staff

Rentals include laundry, bathroom products, Wi-fi internet and TV with DSTV

Fully catered stays (alcohol excluded) are available at an additional charge of US$100 per adult and US$50 per child (under 10 years) per day

Shopping service available at additional cost – please contact us for further information

Airport transfers available at additional cost – please contact us further information

The owners require all adult guests to sign an indemnity / disclaimer form on arrival

These rates, terms and conditions are valid for stays up until 7th January 2025

Please contact us to make a booking

Please familiarise yourself with all our terms & conditions when making a booking

Availability Calendar

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