About us
Indulge in a world of opulence and sophistication at Medina Palms, a lavish and stylish Swahili-style hotel nestled along the pristine shores of Watamu, on the enchanting Kenyan coast.
Experience the epitome of luxury accommodation as you immerse yourself in the beauty of our meticulously designed resort. Drawing inspiration from the rich Swahili heritage, our hotel seamlessly blends traditional charm with contemporary allure, creating a truly unforgettable experience for our esteemed guests.
Discover a range of exquisite accommodations that are meticulously crafted to exceed your every expectation. Our elegant suites offer extended views across lush tropical gardens, inviting you to unwind in pure serenity. Ascend to our tree-top penthouses, boasting inner courtyards and high-vaulted ceilings, where a sense of grandeur awaits you. For those seeking unparalleled exclusivity, our magnificent beach villas provide superb and unique spaces, ensuring the utmost privacy and indulgence.
At Medina Palms, we believe that every moment should be infused with luxury and relaxation. Explore our world-class amenities and facilities, including a sparkling swimming pool, a rejuvenating spa, and a selection of fine dining options. Whether you're seeking a tranquil retreat, an adventure-filled escape, or a romantic getaway, our attentive staff is dedicated to curating an extraordinary experience tailored to your desires.
Beyond our captivating surroundings, Watamu's unspoiled beaches beckon, inviting you to explore the crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Embark on thrilling water sports adventures or simply bask in the sun-kissed tranquility of this coastal paradise.
Indulge your senses and elevate your stay to new heights at Medina Palms, where Swahili elegance meets unrivaled luxury. We look forward to welcoming you to our haven of refined indulgence and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Mission Statement
To develop and operate the finest coastal holiday destination in Kenya by exceeding the expectation of partners, guests, staff and local community members.
We do this by:
- Producing visually stunning and inspired experiences on the coast of Kenya.
- Providing the best customer experiences available in Kenya.
- Managing and protecting our world-class holiday environment.
- Leading the way on environmental and social issues in our community and its surrounding areas, committing to work above internationally recognized standards and to be social and ecological stewards.
- Continually improving levels by measuring, analyzing and improving business practice.
- Redefining excellence for our guests in every touch-point they have with our business operations
ECO-TOURISM
Medina Palms was founded on principles we believe to be fundamental when operating a business in a small community that lacks many of the infrastructure and educational advantages enjoyed by its visitors. It is not just their community-its our community too.
Our desire to help local development goes beyond our formal involvement in programs. It is part of our being. We make sure that not only our presence in Watamu makes a difference, but that your presence here does as well!
IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Medina Palms has a policy to recruit as much local staff from the community as it can, currently approximately 60% of its permanent labor force. We buy supplies from Malindi and local towns where practical, especially fruits, vegetables and dry goods.
Medina Palms has been instrumental in numerous local initiatives, including:
In partnership with Kenya AIDS NGOs Consortium (KANCO) UK based football club Brighton & Hove and TACKLE AFRICA, Medina Palms developed a football coaching and HIV/AIDS awareness program in Watamu. The youth are trained to develop their skills in football coaching, leadership and understanding HIV/AIDS prevention using football.
The Local Ocean Trust (LOT) and Medina Palms have over the years worked together on different projects, including planting over 10,000 indigenous mangrove seedlings in a section of Mida Creek that was deeply in need of restoration. For 2015, Medina Palms has sponsored 3 rehabilitation tanks at the LOT turtle hospital.
Medina Palms has provided support to a number of community based conservation projects in Kenya aimed to protect local marine life through community involvement in habitat conservation and environmental education activities through the LOT in Watamu. We have also contributed to lion conservation efforts in Kenya through the Born Free Foundation’s ‘Pride of Kenya’ Project, building predator proof Bomas for local communities.
Medina Palms is a believer in sound healthcare for all. It has since inception supported the Watamu Community Hospital through the building of a new ward and provision of medical equipment. Medina Palms provides instrumental support to the local ambulance service. It’s vehicle can normally be found in the Medina Palms parking lot.
Medina Palms believes that a strong foundation in education is a key element in children’s lives. It has supported Watamu Primary School through the renovation of classroom blocks, the school playing field, providing desks and chairs, stationary, sporting equipment, as well as food.
At the nearby Sawa Sawa Academy, we sponsor several pupils through tuition support. In addition, we have contributed to infrastructure improvements, donated library books and educational materials, and provided teaching and tutorial resources.
AT MEDINA PALMS
Medina Palms has been designed using the latest in green technology. It has invested in a Bio Digester system that minimizes water consumption and generates recycled water for landscape irrigation.
In addition, large rainwater storage tanks, holding over 120,000 liters of water and solar water heaters have been installed. Medina Palms has nurtured plants from its own nursery plot and replanted indigenous trees using re-used cement bags as containers. Over 10,000 trees and plants have been planted on site.
Medina Palms has invested in an organic recycling and composite system, that manages waste from the kitchen and is reused in the vegetable gardens as manure.
AWARDS
GIBB AFRICA
During the construction phase of the project, Medina Palms secured the services of a well-known Environmental lead agent GIBB AFRICA. They undertook the initial Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project to commence and thereafter did quarterly monitoring of environmental and Health & Safety at the site, and implementing mitigation measures together with the contractor and project management team.
The following are examples of awards we have received.
TRIPADVISOR
For the fourth consecutive year, Medina Palms has been voted as one of Kenya’s top three hotels, by TripAdvisor users.
In 2018, Medina Palms was voted as the number one hotel on the Kenyan coast.
ECOTOURISM KENYA
In 2017 and 2015, Medina Palms received a Gold rating from EcoTourism Kenya.
EcoTourism Kenya monitors the application of ecotourism principles, best practices, socio-cultural, as well as health and fafety aspects. Medina Palms joins a league of select few properties in Kenya to achieve this recognition.
BEST HOTEL IN KENYA 2015
Early in 2015, Medina Palms was recognized as the overall winner in the Hotels category of the 2015 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards, ranking as the best hotel in Kenya, and 19th in Africa. The hallmarks of Travellers’ Choice winners are remarkable service, quality and value, and this elite honour is awarded to the top 1% of all hotels on TripAdvisor, based on reviews and opinions from millions of travellers.
