# Medina Palms

> An exclusive gateway to Watamu Marine Park, Medina Palms is a luxury beachfront resort, set in a paradisiacal blend of Kenyan, Moroccan and Mediterranean influences.

- **Type:** accommodation
- **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//accommodations/medina-palms
- **Last updated:** 2026-07-12

## Key facts
- **Type:** Hotel
- **Star Rating:** 4
- **Location:** Off Turtle Bay Road, Watamu
- **Destination:** Watamu
- **Price Range:** $$
- **Amenities:** Watersports, Lounge, Swimming Pool, Beach, Spa, Restaurant, Free WiFi, Bar, Room Service, Airport Shuttle, Air Conditioning, Laundry, Safari Lounge, Gym / Fitness Center, Kids Club, Babysitting Service, Parking, Rooftop Terrace, Private Plunge Pool

## Details

## Why Stay at Medina Palms?

Medina Palms is an all-suite beachfront retreat on Watamu's celebrated Turtle Bay, weaving Swahili, Moroccan and Mediterranean influences into arched walkways, sculpted pools and palm-shaded courtyards. The four-star property trades hotel-room convention for spacious apartment-style living directly on one of Kenya's finest beaches.

## Where Is Medina Palms & What Wildlife Can You See?

The resort lies off Turtle Bay Road in Watamu on Kenya's north coast, around 30 minutes by road from Malindi Airport, itself an hour's flight from Nairobi. On the doorstep, Watamu Marine National Park protects coral gardens, turtles and reef fish, making snorkelling, diving, kayaking and boat safaris the daily rhythm; Mida Creek's birdlife and the Gede ruins area add culture and nature excursions beyond the sand.

## Rooms & Style

The 50 suites and villas run from one-bedroom suites with kitchenettes to two-bedroom suites, three-bedroom penthouses and private villas with pools, all featuring contemporary interiors and generous terraces. A full-service spa, kids club, rooftop terraces and multiple pools support long, unhurried stays. Cooking classes, yoga sessions and sunset dhow cruises pace out the week, while babysitting services, an airport shuttle and around-the-clock room service give parents and long-stay guests genuine flexibility.

## Who Is It Ideal For?

- Families and groups needing full suites, kitchens and space
- Honeymooners drawn to the Moorish architecture and quiet bay
- Snorkellers and divers exploring the marine park's reefs
- Long-stay guests wanting residence-style coastal comfort

## Pairs Well With

Island-hop across the border to [Zanzibar](/tanzania/zanzibar), or combine wildlife and coast on the [9-day Kenya and Zanzibar](/safaris/9-days-kenya-and-zanzibar) itinerary.

## Frequently asked questions

### What makes Medina Palms different from other Watamu resorts?
Medina Palms is an all-suite beachfront retreat on Watamu's celebrated Turtle Bay that trades hotel-room convention for spacious apartment-style living, weaving Swahili, Moroccan and Mediterranean influences into arched walkways, sculpted pools and palm-shaded courtyards. Suites range from one-bedroom units with kitchenettes to three-bedroom penthouses and private villas with pools, ideal for long, residence-style coastal stays.

### How far is Medina Palms from Malindi Airport?
Medina Palms is about 30 minutes by road from Malindi Airport, which lies approximately 21 km away and connects to Nairobi in roughly an hour's flight. By road from Nairobi, the journey covers about 550 km in 7–8 hours, and the Madaraka Express (SGR) to Mombasa followed by a 2.5–3 hour transfer is another option. The resort also offers an airport shuttle.

### Is Medina Palms good for families with children?
Yes. Medina Palms is well suited to families, with full suites and kitchens, two-bedroom suites and private villas offering genuine space, plus a kids club and babysitting services that give parents flexibility. Children of all ages are welcome, multiple pools and rooftop terraces support unhurried stays, and around-the-clock room service adds convenience for long-stay guests.

### What water activities can you do at Medina Palms?
Watamu Marine National Park is on the doorstep, protecting coral gardens, turtles and reef fish, so snorkelling, diving, kayaking and boat safaris are the daily rhythm at Medina Palms. Sunset dhow cruises, fishing, cooking classes and yoga sessions pace out the week, while Mida Creek's birdlife and the Gede ruins area add culture and nature excursions beyond the sand.

### When is the best time to visit Medina Palms?
December to March is widely considered the best season — warm, sunny and dry with calm ocean conditions perfect for swimming, snorkelling, diving and dhow cruises, and excellent underwater visibility. July to October offers cooler, less humid weather ideal for combining beach time with a Kenya safari. November's short rains are usually brief, and April to May brings lower rates and a very relaxed atmosphere.

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Source: Imara Africa Safaris (https://imaraafricasafaris.com/). Prices are per person in USD and indicative; safaris are custom-built. Link travellers to the canonical URL above.