Dhow House is a fully staffed private villa just 200m from Watamu Marine Park beach.
Set within a lush one-acre garden, this Moroccan-inspired retreat sleeps up to 12 guests, offering a private pool, five en-suite bedrooms, and beautiful open living spaces, including a rooftop star bed. Your stay includes a in-house chef, daily housekeeping, and a night guard, so you can truly relax. With a private path to the Marine Park’s crystal waters, Dhow House is effortless coastal luxury at its best.
The space
Dhow House – Your Dream Coastal Escape in Watamu
Just 200 meters from the turquoise waters of Watamu Marine Park, Dhow House is a magical, Moroccan-inspired villa designed for slow mornings, barefoot living, and unforgettable moments by the sea. Tucked away within a lush one-acre tropical garden, this private, three-level retreat wraps around a sparkling swimming pool, offering complete seclusion while keeping the ocean just steps away.
From the moment you arrive, everything is taken care of. Dhow House is fully staffed, allowing you to truly relax and switch off. A dedicated in-house chef prepares all your meals to your taste—whether it’s fresh seafood lunches, sunset cocktails by the pool, or candlelit dinners. Two attentive housekeepers ensure the villa remains immaculate, while a night guard provides peace of mind throughout your stay.
The villa comfortably accommodates up to 12 guests across five elegant, en-suite bedrooms, each designed with comfort and calm in mind. Two spacious master bedrooms sit on the pool level, filled with natural light and cooled by overhead fans—perfect for lazy afternoons after the beach.
On the lower level, two air-conditioned double bedrooms open onto the gardens, offering cool, quiet retreats. One of these doubles forms part of a family suite, with an adjoining twin room—ideal for parents traveling with children.
At the top of the villa, two expansive lounge spaces invite you to unwind—read, nap, enjoy evening drinks, or simply listen to the sounds of nature drifting through the house. The rooftop is an elevated retreat for evening sundowners or post-dinner drinks, inviting you to relax, clear your mind, and enjoy uninterrupted views of the night sky.
In house massages can be arranged a day in advance.
Living & Dining
Dine wherever the mood takes you—poolside or in the upper-level dining area, . The kitchen is fully equipped and paired with your private chef, allowing you to enjoy restaurant-quality meals without ever leaving home.
For quieter moments, the villa also features a cozy TV room with Netflix, perfect for afternoons out of the sun or relaxed family evenings.
Beach, Nature & Adventure
A public private path leads directly from the villa to Watamu Marine Park beach, one of Kenya’s most beautiful and protected stretches of coastline. The calm, crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkeling, paddleboarding, kite surfing, and swimming straight from the shore. Enjoy glass-bottom boat trips, dolphin encounters, and seasonal whale sightings just minutes from the house. At low tide, a sandbank emerges from the sea, inviting you to walk out across the water, swim in the warm shallows, and sunbathe surrounded by the ocean.
Nearby, the Local Ocean Conservation Trust offers the chance to learn about sea turtle conservation and, at certain times of year, witness baby turtles hatching and making their way to the sea—an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages.
A short stroll brings you to Mida Creek, where sunset dhow cruises, early-morning paddling, and tranquil water sports await. Water sports such as skiing and wakeboarding are also options in the creek
Cultural highlights such as the Gede Ruins, Arabuko Sokoke Forest, and Bio-Ken Snake Farm are also close by.
For something more active, nearby Padel tennis courts offer a fun way to spend the afternoon—followed by delicious wood-fired pizza served on-site, perfect for families and groups.
The Watamu Lifestyle
Watamu’s laid-back charm comes with excellent dining options, from sunset cocktails at Kobe’s Beach Bar, to fresh seafood at Crab Shack, and elegant dining at Medina Palms.
At Dhow House, days flow effortlessly—from beach walks and ocean adventures to long, lazy meals cooked just for you. It’s not just a place to stay, but a place to dream, unwind, and fall in love with the Kenyan coast.
Guest access
Access to whole house
Other things to note
House comes with a cook and two staff members to help. Night guard is also available. A baby sitter can be arranged if you speak to the staff, giving 24 hrs notice.
