Of Chows and Dhows

Updated in February 2024

After a long couple of days, all you need is some R& R, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. That is exactly what I needed when I packed my bags and headed to Watamu, a small coastal town north of Mombasa, to stay at the beautiful Sun Palm Beach Resort. I was looking forward to a relaxing getaway, eager to feel the sand beneath my feet. 

Few things top the sound of waves crashing, madafu (aka coconut water) in your hand, distant chatter of kids playing while reading a fantastic book lying on the beach. Perhaps swimming on a hot day or eating delicious food wondering where it’s been all your life. Playing card games with strangers, watching the sunset, and eating crab samosas also make the cut. Well, very few things top those in my opinion.

It has been quite a long time since my last coastal visit. So I was ready to beach bum my way through a week on the coast.

Getting to Watamu

There are no direct flights to Watamu, the closest airports are Mombasa and Malindi. Several operators fly daily to Mombasa and Malindi so be sure to check the various operators that fly to Mombasa and Malindi from Nairobi.

Alternatively, you can drive to Watamu from Mombasa or take a taxi- It’s a two-hour drive from Mombasa and about thirty minutes from Malindi.

If using public transport from Mombasa, board matatus plying the Mombasa-Malindi-Lamu route at Buxton bus station. Matatus are Kshs.300 or thereabout and alight at Gede junction. At the junction, you can take a tuk-tuk or motorbike to Watamu town and your hotel.

VR Sun Palm Beach Resort, Watamu

The first impression I had on walking into the hotel was just how dreamy it was. White-washed walls, blue and pink hues here and there, some green popping everywhere, I immediately fell in love.

The rooms are so cosy and spacious, with a balcony overlooking the pool, gardens, or the beach. The resort has 55 rooms, each uniquely decorated.

Then there was this pretty lounge, complete with couches and books. I quickly grabbed myself a book and headed to the beach.

It has two restaurants, a discotheque, a huge swimming pool, and a tennis court. The resort can also plan tours and activities around Watamu. There is something for everyone the beach bum, the couple, the kids, the squad, and the adventure junkies.

Every corner is tastefully decorated. With little shells almost everywhere.

I don’t know about you but I could get used to this!

Must Visit

While in Watamu, Crab Shack Dabaso is a MUST visit! A MUST! The food is delicious, there is a boardwalk, the sunsets there are epic and the crab samosas? Fantastic! Amazing.

They are worth the hype trust me. I also love the fact that Crab Shack is a community project so the local community benefits directly from the restaurant. You have to book a reservation for lunch and the sundowner as it gets pretty full. They recently introduced conservation charges which are Kshs 1,000 per person.

I had such an amazing time in Watamu. I would recommend it for someone in need of some R&R. If you’re looking for a vacation spot do contact Sun Palm.

A huge thank you to the Sun Palm Beach Resort team for graciously hosting me, check out their website here.

BOOK HERE

This post is a collaboration between VRClub Sun Palm Beach Resort and myself however all opinions voiced are my own.

Until next time, Bye!