The best resorts in Kenya fall into two worlds: the beach and the bush. On the coast, you wake to the Indian Ocean and spend your days on white sand and coral reefs. Inland, you wake to the sound of lions and spend your days on game drives. Many travellers combine both in one trip.
Here are ten of the best resorts in Kenya, from quiet beachfront retreats to famous safari lodges, and who each one suits best.
| Resort | Location | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| YU Resort | Msambweni, South Coast | Beach | Privacy, couples, retreats |
| Swahili Beach Resort | Diani, South Coast | Beach | Design and pools |
| Leopard Beach Resort & Spa | Diani, South Coast | Beach | Spa and water sports |
| Hemingways Watamu | Watamu, North Coast | Beach | Fishing and marine life |
| Medina Palms | Watamu, North Coast | Beach | Villas and suites |
| The Majlis | Manda Island, Lamu | Beach | Island escape |
| Peponi Hotel | Shela, Lamu | Beach | History and character |
| Angama Mara | Maasai Mara | Safari | Luxury safari |
| Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club | Nanyuki | Safari | Mountain views, families |
| Giraffe Manor | Nairobi | City and wildlife | A once-in-a-lifetime night |
For a private, peaceful beach resort in Kenya, YU Resort is our top pick. It sits right on the sand at Msambweni, on the South Coast, about 25 km south of Diani and 30 minutes from Ukunda Airstrip. The beach here is quiet, the nights are dark enough for stargazing, and there are no crowds.
The resort opened in 2024 and has 29 individually furnished rooms in two areas. The Upper Resort rooms sit in tropical gardens by the pool. The Beach Villa sits on the shoreline, with suites such as the Etherium presidential suite and its own private pool.
There is a full-service spa, a rooftop bar and a restaurant serving Swahili coastal and international dishes. Guests can try kitesurfing, go fishing or on boat trips, join yoga sessions, or book a candlelit dinner on the beach. YU Resort also hosts business, sport and transformation retreats, making it one of the few resorts on the coast built for groups as well as holidays.
Best for: couples, honeymoons, families who want space, and team retreats.
An upscale resort on Diani Beach, built in a Swahili architectural style, with several pools and a beachfront spa. A strong choice if design and a lively beach setting matter to you.
An established resort on Diani Beach known for its gardens, spa and water sports. It suits couples and families who want a full-service holiday. For more choices on this stretch of coast, see our list of the best resorts in Ukunda and Diani.
A well-known beachfront hotel on the North Coast with a long history in deep-sea fishing. Watamu Marine National Park and Mida Creek are close by, making it a good base for marine life lovers.
A beachfront resort of suites and villas inspired by Swahili design, set on Watamu’s coastline. It suits families and groups who want space and a home-from-home feel.
A beachfront resort on Manda Island, across the water from Lamu. You reach it by boat, which sets the tone for a slow, island-style stay.
A long-running, family-run hotel in Shela village on Lamu Island, known for its character and its seafront setting. Ideal for travellers who want history and charm over resort facilities. Check your government’s current travel advice for Lamu County before you book.
Not sure which part of the coast suits you? Our guide to Kenya beach holiday destinations compares Diani, Msambweni, Watamu, Malindi, Kilifi and Lamu.
A luxury safari lodge perched on the edge of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, above the Mara Triangle. The views over the plains are the draw, along with game drives in one of Africa’s most famous reserves.
A historic resort near Nanyuki, set on the equator with views of Mount Kenya. It has large grounds, a wildlife conservancy nearby and plenty for families to do.
A small hotel in Nairobi famous for the Rothschild’s giraffes that visit guests at breakfast. It books up far in advance, so plan early if it is on your list.
The most popular Kenya trip is safari first, beach second. Spend three or four nights in the Maasai Mara or Laikipia, then fly to the coast to rest. Daily flights connect Nairobi and the safari airstrips with Ukunda, Mombasa and Malindi.
Finishing at the beach lets you recover from early game drives. It also gives you time for the coast’s own wildlife: dolphins, turtles and coral reefs. On the South Coast, try snorkelling at Kisite-Mpunguti, a day at Shimba Hills, or kitesurfing in Msambweni in the windy seasons.
For timing, travel and tides, read our guide on how to plan a Diani Beach holiday. For day trips from the South Coast, see our guide to things to do in Diani and Msambweni.
If your ideal Kenya holiday ends on a quiet beach, YU Resort in Msambweni is ready to welcome you. See our rooms, or contact us with your dates.