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From61US$ /night
Check-in
07Dec2025Select date
Check-out
08Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About Resort

Watamu National Marine Park, Watamu, Kenya
-
Near Watamu Bay Beach
Perfect
7.9
7.1
/10
2.8
3.9
/5

Lily Palm Resort, a 4-star family-friendly hotel, overlooks Blue Lagoon Bay, renowned for its stunning beach. The resort offers a variety of amenities including a full-service spa, swimming pools, and beachfront dining options.

Rooms & Amenities

Rooms at Lily Palm Resort feature amenities such as free WiFi, air conditioning, and a balcony in selected accommodations. Some rooms offer views of the pool or garden, while larger family rooms include access to a pool with a view.

Dining Options

Dining options include Mapango Restaurant, which serves pizza and a la carte meals, and Ristorante Principale, offering international cuisine with ocean views. Guests can enjoy beverages from two poolside bars or a beach bar.

Leisure & Services

Leisure activities include a full-service spa for massages and two swimming pools. Guests can also enjoy billiards on-site and participate in complimentary receptions on select days.

Location & Transportation

Lily Palm Resort is situated 20 km from Malindi and is near various attractions such as the Bio-Ken Snake Farm and Gede Ruins. Moi International Airport serves as the nearest airport for travel needs.

Must-do experiences

  • Enjoy fresh seafood at the Watamu Fish Market at sunset.
  • Visit the Gede Ruins for ancient history and stunning nature.
  • Take a dhow trip to explore the beautiful Watamu Marine National Park.
  • Savor the local coconut rice and Swahili curry at Maisha Restaurant.
  • Experience Kenyan culture at the Watamu Village Market on Saturdays.
View all

Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Duara Comfort Room balcony
2 persons
25 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Balcony
Standard Double Room
2 persons
25 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Balcony
Mapango Superior Balcony
2 persons
35 m² 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Shower
Balcony
Standard Family Room
2 persons
50 m² 
2 Single beds
Shower
Balcony
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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Private beach
  • Hairdresser
  • Coffee shop
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Golf course
  • Fishing

Services

  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Car hire
  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink
  • Happy hour

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Poolside snack bar
  • Snack bar
  • Dinner
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's buffet
  • Board games
  • Children's pool
  • Children's play area

Spa & Leisure

  • Infinity pool
  • Beach access
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun loungers
  • Live entertainment
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Pedicure
  • Manicure
  • Body scrub
  • Facial
  • Treatment room
  • Back massage
  • Head massage
  • Full body massage
  • Foot massage
  • Pool with view
  • Shallow end

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Patio
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
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Dining Onsite

Lily Palm Resort offers a delightful array of dining options that embrace international cuisines with a focus on vegetarian and kosher dishes. Guests can unwind with refreshing drinks at poolside bars, enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet, and savor culinary creations in inviting, family-friendly settings.
Lily Palm Resort Watamu Restaurant photo
Lily Palm Resort Watamu Restaurant photo

Main Restaurant

International with Kosher and Vegetarian options
Ambiance
Family-friendly and traditional, this restaurant sets the stage for memorable mealtime experiences.
Key Offerings
Start each day with a complimentary breakfast buffet featuring an array of dishes to energize guests. Lunch and dinner options are varied and designed to cater to diverse tastes.
Reservation
No
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; daily from 7:30 AM.

Veranda Mapango

International with a focus on vegetarian dishes
Ambiance
An inviting, traditional setting perfect for families, providing a lovely atmosphere for relaxed meals.
Key Offerings
Guests can enjoy an array of vegetarian dishes in a beautiful outdoor space, perfect for enjoying the picturesque surroundings.
Reservation
No
Hours vary.

Ristorante Principale

International
Ambiance
A warm, family-friendly environment designed for casual dining.
Key Offerings
This restaurant serves a variety of international dishes, featuring special chef creations that highlight the local culture.
Reservation
No
Open for all meals; specific times vary.

Poolside Bar

Light bites and refreshing drinks
Ambiance
Relaxed atmosphere with stunning views of the pool area, perfect for lounging.
Key Offerings
Guests can enjoy a range of delectable snacks and tropical cocktails, great for a sunny afternoon or evening wind-down.
Reservation
No
Hours vary.

Beach Bar

Casual beachside dining
Ambiance
A laid-back vibe right by the beach, inviting guests to soak in the sun and sea.
Key Offerings
A selection of refreshing beverages complemented by light snacks, perfect for a relaxing day at the shore.
Reservation
No
Hours vary.

Location

Watamu National Marine Park, Watamu, Kenya
Map view
Watamu National Marine Park, Watamu, Kenya
Nearby
Watamu Marine National Park
310 m
Restaurants
Mapango Restaurant
0 m
Jacaranda road Road to the beach opposite police station
Come Back Club Watamu
690 m
Beach Road
Hosteria Romana Watamu
910 m
Watamu Beach Road Watamu
Marina Restaurant
1.3 km
Restaurant
Ascot Restaurant
1.0 km
Watamu Beach Road
NON SOLO GELATO by anna
1.3 km
Turtle Bay Road
Mida Dhow
790 m
Mida Creek Creek Road
Explore Watamu
Explore Watamu
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Watamu Marine National Park
4 minutes walking
Marine park renowned for coral reefs and diverse sea life. Offers snorkeling and guided eco-tours.
Prawn Lake
Prawn Lake
20 minutes' walk
Scenic lake ideal for bird-watching and picnics. Families enjoy peaceful surroundings and nature trails.
Gede Ruins
11 minutes walking
Historical site showcasing Swahili architecture with remnants of ancient structures and lush gardens.
Watamu Beach
Watamu Beach
11 minutes walking
Stunning beach known for soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Snorkeling Adventures
4 minutes walking
Thrill-seekers can enjoy snorkeling trips to explore vibrant coral reefs, guided by local experts.
Yoga Retreats
10 minutes' drive
Relaxation activities available at local wellness centers offering yoga sessions amidst serene landscapes.
Mapango Restaurant
Mapango Restaurant
1-minute walking
Casual dining spot known for fresh seafood and Kenyan specialties, perfect for families and groups.
Hosteria Romana Watamu
Hosteria Romana Watamu
11 minutes walking
Italian cuisine meets seaside charm, with homemade pasta and an inviting atmosphere for romantic dinners.
Marina Restaurant
Marina Restaurant
16 minutes walking, 5 minutes driving
Elegant dining with panoramic views of the ocean, specializing in international dishes and fresh catch.
Come Back Club Watamu
Come Back Club Watamu
9 minutes walking
Vibrant nightlife venue with live music, perfect for an evening out with friends or family.
Ocean Sports
20 minutes walking, 5 minutes driving
Offers various watersport activities like windsurfing and kitesurfing, suitable for all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Watamu23 min  ·  1.9 km
Airports
Malindi (MYD)30 min  ·  20.0 km
Vipingo Estate (vpg)117 min  ·  77.7 km

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 5 reviews
7.9
7.9/10 based on 557 reviews
Emily
United Kingdom, February  2025
6.4/10

My stay at the resort was quite mixed. While I found the rooms to be clean and comfortable with beautiful views, there were certainly areas that need improvement, especially regarding maintenance and staff interactions. The location is serene, but the dining experience didn't quite meet my expectations, and I experienced some awkwardness with language barriers among the guests.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms were spacious and clean, but some showed signs of wear with peeling paint, and the maintenance was lacking. The view from my room overlooking the pool was lovely, and I appreciated having a fridge, but the presence of mold made the experience less pleasant.
Service
6.0
The service was a bit hit or miss. While some staff members were genuinely helpful, I did feel overlooked at times, especially since the atmosphere was very Italian-dominated. It would have been nice to receive a more welcoming attitude regardless of nationality.
Location
8.0
The resort is in a great location, quiet and right on the beach. However, the heavy Italian influence made it feel less welcoming for non-Italian guests.
Dining
5.0
The dining options were average, with a buffet breakfast that had limited offerings and a bit of inconsistency in quality. I was hoping for more variety.
Facilities
6.0
The facilities, including the pool area, were decent and provided good relaxation spots, but overall, the resort felt dated and needed more attention.
Jonathan
United Kingdom, January  2025
5.6/10

My experience at the hotel was quite mixed. While the proximity to the beach was a highlight, the resort had a strong Italian influence that made me feel a bit out of place. The staff was friendly, but communication often felt challenging, and the room condition left a lot to be desired. Overall, it was not the relaxing stay I hoped for, but there were some redeeming features.

Rooms
5.0
The room was somewhat spacious but could definitely use an upgrade. I encountered issues with leaking amenities and inconsistent hot water, which took away from the comfort.
Service
5.0
The service was underwhelming; while a few staff members were helpful, overall, it felt like an afterthought. I had to insist on English for basic communication, which was frustrating.
Location
6.0
The location was close to the beach, but it was marred by constant noise from nearby bars and vendors, making it difficult to relax.
Dining
5.0
The dining options were limited and felt very Italian-centric, which didn't cater well to the local cuisine I was hoping to enjoy.
Facilities
5.0
The facilities seemed outdated and poorly maintained. While there was a pool, it didn't invite much relaxation due to the loud atmosphere around the resort.
Proximity to the beach
Uncomfortable communication
Luke
United Kingdom, January  2025
7.0/10

My stay was a mix of highs and lows. The location is fantastic, close to the beach with stunning views from the restaurant. However, I found the rooms in need of some serious maintenance and the service seemed tailored only for Italian guests. Dining was a real letdown, with limited and repetitive options that weren't up to par. Overall, it had potential, but several factors really detracted from my experience.

Rooms
5.0
The rooms had a nice view, but there was dampness, mould, and peeling paint, which made them feel less comfortable than I had hoped.
Service
5.0
The service was friendly overall, but I felt somewhat ignored since I wasn't Italian, and it was frustrating when staff wouldn't take our order after the first day.
Location
9.0
The location is awesome, surrounded by beautiful gardens and near the beach, making it easy to explore Watamu.
Dining
5.0
Dining was average at best, with limited options that catered primarily to Italian tastes. The food was often cold and unappetizing.
Facilities
5.0
The hotel had a pool and facilities associated with nearby hotels, but overall maintenance left a lot to be desired.
Tim
United Kingdom, November  2024
6.0/10

My stay at the hotel was quite disheartening. While the gardens were beautiful and added a serene vibe, the dining experience was a major letdown with repetitive and poorly prepared food. The staff was mostly unhelpful, except for a few who genuinely cared, which detracted from the overall enjoyment of my trip. The location had its perks being close to amenities, but overall, it didn't live up to expectations.

Rooms
6.0
The rooms were dated and not properly cleaned during my stay. It was disappointing to find our room unready after a long journey.
Service
5.0
Service was hit or miss. Some staff were kind, but many were unkind and unhelpful, particularly the Italian staff.
Location
7.0
The hotel is set in a pleasant area, reasonably close to some basic amenities, but the surrounding environment felt cluttered and untidy.
Dining
5.0
Dining was a significant issue as the food was repetitive, undercooked, and at times unappetizing.
Facilities
5.0
The facilities could use better maintenance; there were dead flies in the pool and some areas seemed neglected.
Cameron
United Kingdom, October  2024
5.8/10

My stay was quite mixed. While the beach was beautiful and the pool area was enjoyable, the room cleanliness and maintenance were disappointing. I felt quite ignored as an English guest, surrounded by a predominantly Italian crowd, and the constant pressure to buy excursions was overwhelming. Overall, I don't think I would return.

Rooms
5.0
The room was spacious but needed a deep clean; the shower wasn't functional and had maintenance issues.
Service
6.0
Most staff were friendly, but I felt overlooked at times, especially as the manager wouldn't acknowledge non-Italian guests.
Location
7.0
The location was right by the beach but too close to loud bars which ruined the peace.
Dining
5.0
The dining options were very Italian-centric and lacked variety; breakfast was quite basic.
Facilities
6.0
The pool was nice, but the overall facility looked tired and in need of maintenance.
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 12:00-23:59
Check-out
from 08:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs US$11 per person per day. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
Italian, Swahili
Number of rooms:
60
FAQs
About Lily Palm Resort
What is the distance between Lily Palm Resort and the nearest airport?
The resort is located approximately 30 minutes' drive from Malindi Airport, which is 20 km away.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Lily Palm Resort?
Check-in is at 12:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
What dining options are available at Lily Palm Resort?
The resort features two on-site restaurants serving local and international cuisine, including the Mapango A La Carte Restaurant.
Does Lily Palm Resort offer any wellness services?
Guests can enjoy a range of treatments at the full-service Mapango Wellness Spa, including massages and beauty treatments.
Is there free Wi-Fi at Lily Palm Resort?
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, with speeds of 50+ Mbps.
Are pets allowed at Lily Palm Resort?
Pets are allowed at the resort upon request.
What recreational facilities are available at Lily Palm Resort?
The resort features three swimming pools, including a dedicated kids' pool, and offers activities such as diving and fishing.
What amenities can guests expect in their rooms at Lily Palm Resort?
Rooms include air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms with hotel-provided toiletries.
Are there any nearby restaurants to Lily Palm Resort?
Nearby dining options include Makuti Ristorante Pizzeria (0.5 km) and Caffe Sotto Sopra (0.5 km).
Is parking available at Lily Palm Resort?
Free private parking is available on-site without reservation.
What children's amenities are available at Lily Palm Resort?
The resort offers a children's pool, play area, and babysitting services.

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