If there's one town in Kenya that has earned its place as the ultimate coastal retreat for the world's elite, it's Malindi.
Nestled on Malindi Bay, where the Sabaki River meets the Indian Ocean and 120 kilometers northeast of Mombasa, this town has long drawn A-list celebrities--from British supermodel Naomi Campbell and Formula One driver Fernando Alonso to Irish singer-songwriter Bono and Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli. Naomi, in particular, has made Malindi her sanctuary for over a decade, ensuring the town remains in the spotlight every festive season.
At the heart of this town, along the coastline, lies the renowned Lion in the Sun Retreat--an iconic resort on the Kenyan Coast. More than just a place to stay, this award-winning retreat offers a transformative experience that promises to relax and rejuvenate every fiber of your being. It's a relaxation retreat that creates a space to disconnect from the world and reconnect with your mind, body, and soul through a unique blend of holistic treatments and rejuvenating activities designed to nourish both body and soul.
Having heard so much about Malindi's allure--especially Lion in the Sun--my anticipation was palpable. I don't know if you've ever read about a place or seen it in the news and thought, "One day, I'll get to experience that for myself." This was that place for me. And let's face it, don't we all need a break sometimes? The timing of this getaway couldn't have been more perfect.
I arrived in Malindi on a Friday afternoon, eager to escape the clamor of everyday life and find quiet in a setting that promised something extraordinary. As the plane descended over Malindi, the town's golden beaches and swaying palms greeted me, hinting at the peace that awaited. Upon landing, I was warmly welcomed by Gakena, the resort's marketing executive, along with a courteous driver. Together, they swiftly collected my suitcases and ushered me into a classic grey Land Rover Defender. Inside the vehicle, thoughtful touches immediately set the tone for my stay: a cool, wet towel to refresh, a chilled bottle of water to quench my thirst, and seamless Wi-Fi to keep me connected. As we drove from the airport, the lush coastal landscape unfolded around us like a well-kept secret. Each turn revealed something new--a glimpse of the ocean here, a cluster of vibrant flowers there--adding to the anticipation of the journey.
Immediately upon arriving at Lion in the Sun, I felt as if I had entered a different world--a world where the everyday rush seemed to dissolve into the warm coastal breeze. It was peaceful and silent, a perfect retreat from the relentless pace of city life. As I took it all in and explored the resort, I was struck by the seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. The boundary between the two seemed to have gently faded away, allowing nature to flow effortlessly into every corner. Bathed in natural light, the wide-open interiors greeted me with a sense of calm I hadn't felt in months. The villas, each thoughtfully designed with expansive makuti thatched roofs crafted from sun-dried coconut palm leaves sewn into intricate layers, enhanced this feeling of openness and breeziness.
The villa's open-air living room perfectly exemplified this harmony. With large, open spaces, it allowed the cool ocean breeze to drift through, blurring the line between inside and outside. The sturdy wood beams on the ceilings echoed the craftsmanship of traditional coastal homes, while the walls, adorned with local paintings and Kenyan artifacts, told a rich story of the region's culture. Each element contributed to the tranquil, immersive experience, making it clear that this was more than just a place to stay; it was a sanctuary for the senses
Adding to the villa's charm, the decor included oversized latika lanterns from Morocco and Egypt, hanging from the rafters. These lanterns, with their intricate designs and warm glow, provided a stunning contrast to the natural surroundings, making the space feel both grand and intimate. The natural light flooded the room, highlighting the coastal craftsmanship of the furniture, which was made from local materials, blending elegance with comfort.
The villa opened out to a saltwater pool that extended to the terrace, a tranquil oasis surrounded by lush greenery. It was one of the four pools at the resort, each offering its own unique experience. Here, I could lounge and take in the serene environment, feeling as though I was living outside but with all the privacy and luxury of being inside. Never had I felt so at peace, so utterly immersed in the beauty of the landscape, that for a moment, I forgot all about the bustle of Nairobi. This was my new home, my perfect escape
Feeling the urge to explore, I noticed a row of bikes parked by the resort's main entrance, available to guests at any time for a leisurely ride. Taking one, I set off along the winding roads of Malindi, the warm sun on my face and the breeze brushing against my bald head. This ride instantly took me back to my younger years, when riding bikes was a daily joy--a fun activity that brought pure freedom.
When was the last time you stayed at a resort that offered such a simple, yet delightful experience? It was truly unique, adding a playful touch to the retreat.
Here's a carefully curated blend of relaxation and rejuvenation, with activities designed to nourish both mind and body
Day One: Spa Indulgence - Unwinding with a Manicure and Pedicure
I started with a manicure and pedicure, allowing the lovely therapists to transform my hands and feet while I soaked in the peaceful ambiance. The soft notes of calming music and the subtle fragrance of essential oils filled the air, making this the perfect introduction to my retreat. Sipping on a cocktail, I eased into a state of bliss. Every man and woman needs a manicure and pedicure while on vacation.
Juicing
Later, I consulted with a wellness expert who crafted a personalized detox program for me. This included a refreshing juice cleanse, filled with vibrant, locally-sourced fruits and vegetables. Each sip brought a surge of energy and clarity, a testament to the retreat's commitment to holistic well-being. This immersive experience left me revitalized and eager for what the rest of my stay had in store.
Day Two: Sunrise Serenity - Beach Stretching and Light Exercise
The next morning, I made my way to the beach for some gentle stretching and light exercise. The sun slowly emerged over the horizon, casting a golden glow across the water. Sunrises at the Coast are nothing short of magical.
The rhythmic sound of the waves provided a natural soundtrack, helping me find a steady flow in my movements. Each stretch and breath brought me closer to a sense of harmony, setting a rejuvenating tone for the day ahead.
Hydrotherapy Bath and Soft Pack Experience
Later that mid-morning, I indulged in one of the retreat's most intense yet relaxing experiences--a heated bath with multi-massage jets. This wasn't just any bath; it was a full-body hydrotherapy session designed to replicate the benefits of a deep tissue massage. As I eased into the warm water, the jets sprang to life, targeting every inch of my body from head to toe. The sensation was unbelievably soothing, as if every bit of tension and stress I'd been carrying simply melted away.
For 20 blissful minutes, I floated in the heated bath, completely enveloped in comfort. It was pure indulgence--a perfect blend of relaxation that left me feeling utterly refreshed. Without a doubt, this was the highlight of my retreat. Trust me, if for nothing else, this is one experience you absolutely must try.
After the hydrotherapy bath, Anthony (the man in charge of this treatment) led me to another unique spa experience: the soft pack treatment. I settled onto a sponge-like bed that floated gently on the water, creating a sensation of weightlessness. He then applied a luxurious mask all over my body, using ingredients designed to deeply nourish and detoxify the skin.
Once my body was thoroughly coated, he carefully wrapped me up, creating a cocoon of warmth. As I lay there for another 20 minutes, the soft pack gently cradling me, I could feel my body start to sweat and my pores open up, facilitating a deep cleanse from the inside out.
The entire process was incredibly soothing, as if my body was being rejuvenated from within, releasing impurities and restoring balance. As I floated there, I couldn't help but turn to Anthony, the therapist, and joke, "Can I do this every day for the rest of my life? I'm sure it would add years to my life!"
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By the end of the session, I felt incredibly light and refreshed, as if I had shed not just physical impurities but also the mental and emotional burdens I had been carrying.
Day Three: Yoga and a Revitalizing Facial
The beautiful sight of the rising sun created a serene backdrop for our practice. The gentle sound of the waves and the fresh morning breeze provided the perfect setting for mindfulness and meditation. Each stretch and pose felt more meaningful, grounding me in the peaceful energy of the moment.
After the invigorating yoga session, I decided to treat myself to a facial at the spa at midday. The skilled therapist tailored the treatment to my skin's needs, using exquisite, soothing products that left my face feeling refreshed and revitalized. This combination of yoga by the beach and a rejuvenating facial made for a perfect day of relaxation, rounding off my retreat experience with the ultimate in self-care. I went on to take a nice long nap.
Sunset Painting by the Beach
Later in the day at the retreat, I discovered a new form of relaxation: painting by the beach at sunset. As the day began to fade, I found myself a comfortable spot on the soft sand, surrounded by a palette of colors and a canvas waiting to be filled. With each brushstroke, I felt a deeper connection to the natural beauty around me. The act of painting allowed me to capture the serenity and magic of the moment, translating the stunning scenery onto the canvas. As the sun dipped below the horizon, I realized this was more than just an art session; it was a meditative experience, a way to express gratitude for the beauty of life and the peace I had found at the retreat.
If you're feeling the weight of the world's demands and longing for a place where you can truly unwind, and reconnect with yourself, the Lion in the Sun Retreat is indeed that place. It's a transformative experience for your mind, body, and soul. Take that much-needed time off--you deserve to experience this extraordinary oasis of relaxation and renewal.
