A seaside vacation in a tropical paradise does not come in a better package than a stay at Medina Palms in Watamu, a property which stretches from its towering Arabesque entrance off the village road all the way down to the palm-fringed ocean.

The accommodation has something for everyone, from the two-bedroom and luxury two bedroom penthouses in the Medina, to three- to five-bedroom villas and suites facing out towards the ocean in the Palmeria. Each has a fully equipped kitchenette, and each ocean-facing villa elevates the in-room experience with a plunge pool. Rooms are light and bright, with soft flowing cotton and subtle Swahili decoration that invites you to sit back and relax at every corner.

As a larger hotel with extensive grounds, it is unsurprisingly easy to find your own private spot to retire from the heat of the day. A massive draw is the cascading swimming pools that divide the property down the middle, and flow seamlessly from the entrance all the way down to the beach. It’s very difficult to tear yourself away from the inviting pool waters, but do take your time to explore all the wonderful outdoor activities that are close to the hotel including Watamu Turtle Watch, Mida Creek, and a variety of water sports. There is also an onsite spa and small gym for the adults, and if you are travelling with your family, the onsite children’s club, Nemos Cave, will keep the little ones entertained with a variety of arts and crafts.

Delicious Mediterranean and African-influenced dishes are served outside in the candlelit gardens, inside the Amandina restaurant, or in the privacy of an en suite kitchen. A Watamu rum punch signature cocktail on the rooftop of the star lounge with the sunset dipping over the Watamu forest is a perfect to end an evening.

The ever-attentive and incredibly friendly staff at Medina Palms make sure that you are well taken care of. It might not be the cheapest accommodation around, but the standards of the hotel have been kept consistently high, making it a good standout in the area.