Medina Palms

The allure of the pristine beaches of the Kenyan coast ensures that the region’s tourism keeps bouncing back after occasional slumps as witnessed in recent years. Players in the hospitality industry are therefore undaunted and have continued to make huge investments. One of the new attractions at the coast is Medina Palms.
Recent research has shown that the Kenyan coast ranks among the world’s top 10 beach destinations but there is a fundamental undersupply of quality accommodation. Medina Palms, a world class tourist accommodation, has come in to partially fill this void.
Sitting on six acres, the resort is located in Watamu, on the North Coast of the country. Watamu, which a Trip Advisor poll recently placed in position 14 out of the 25 best beaches in Africa, has natural beauty, incredible scenery and an abundance of rare and amazing wildlife. Medina Palms is located 20 minutes from Malindi airport. The Nairobi-Malindi route is well connected by air with daily flights originating from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport.
Medina is an Arab word meaning ‘village’ or ‘walled village’. Watamu was once under the control of the Sultanate of Oman and many buildings still reflect Arabic influence (Gede). The name Medina was deemed appropriate in a historical context.
Architecture
The architecture is a contemporary Swahili design inspired byancient seafarers who visited this coastline in the 12th century. The development has been designed to capture the atmosphere of an ancient walled community.This design allows for breathing space, offering significantly more living space than the majority of similar developments in the region.
Despite the external earth colours and traditionally carved hardwood used to make the doors, the stylish interiors feature the essentials of modern high quality fixtures and fittings. The floors are reinforced concrete covered in polished terrazzo (marble chips).
As part of energy saving efforts and green building, Medina has tapped solar power extensively with the help of Chloride Exide.
Accommodation
Medina Palms consists of exclusive beachfront residences. These include 2 Luxury Ocean Villas, 8 Beach Villas, 2 Ocean View Lodges, 16 Penthouses and 22 Apartments all with private access to the protected waters of Watamu National Marine Park.
Dining, Leisure and Entertainment
The resort has seven dining locations. The restaurant (Amandina) and bar (Long Bar) are the most popular with guests.
Medina guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to amenities. Some of the other facilities offered in-house are:
– 3 swimming pools all interconnected with a waterfall into their private beach
– Sakina Ocean Spa- the only rooftop spa in Kenya
– A fitness studiowith a full time fitness instructor
– Nemo’s cave – A children’s play facility with a full time nanny
– Tribe Watersports, whichoffers one of the world’s leading kitesurfing training institutions as well as classes for stand up paddleboarding, windsurfing, kayaking and body boarding.
Within and around Watamu visitors will also find more activities to keep themselvesentertained and informed. These include:
– Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve which is the largest indigenous stretch of coastal tropical forest remaining in Eastern Africa. This ecological spectacle is home to endangered bird and mammal species.
– Sunset dhow cruises in the creek surrounded by extensive mangroves and lined with palms and beautiful skies covered with flocks of flamingos and kingfishers hunting in the shallow waters.
– Gede Ruins that dates back to the 12th Century. It was inhabited by sailors, traders and settlers from Oman who plied the spice trade.
– Snorkelling and diving
– Deep sea fishing/big game fishing
Security
Security is today a major factor when putting up facilities such as Medina Palms. To guarantee their guests peace of mind so that they can enjoy what Medina has to offer, the developer has put in place stringent measures including 24-hour patrols by internal and external security teams.The resort is also part of a community policing organization known as Watamu Against Crime (WAC). WAC works hand in hand with the police to keep the residents and visitors of Watamu safe.
Project Team
A team of highly experienced consultants, contractors and suppliers worked on Medina Palms. Construction works kicked off in April 2011 and as of April 2013, all the construction work was complete.
Architects: Micasa Design – Steve Ogwapit
Engineers (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil/Structural): Manor Consultants
Quantity Surveyor: Armstrong and Duncan
Project Manager: Mentor Management Ltd- Charles Maingi
Main Contractor: Vapco Construction Company Limited
Subcontractors:
– Shiva Plumbing
– Shankar Electronics – Air Conditioning
– Master Power Systems – Fire Alarm system
– Chloride Exide- Solar Panels
– Blackwood Hodge- Generators