Makokola Retreat, Lake Malawi

Makokola Retreat

Makokola Retreat is beautifully set amongst bright green gardens with over 600 metres of natural, wide and unspoilt sandy beaches along the shores of Lake Malawi. Accommodation varies, all of which is secluded and private, with indoor and outdoor spaces combining for an exquisitely natural experience.

This exclusive resort stylishly mixes up luxurious spaces and modern African décor, continuing a Malawian theme throughout; with handcrafted furnishings and traditional artefacts. It is home to numerous bird, mammal and reptile species, as well as an abundance of colourful marine life just waiting to be explored.

• 1 Executive beach villa, 9 Lake Villas, 20 Beach Rooms and 12 Garden Rooms
• Swimming pool
• Children welcome
• Great for water sports, relaxing, couples and families

Style: Sumptuous luxury, African décor and personal service, all secluded on the shores of Lake Malawi

Setting: Nestled in beautiful gardens, dotted along the shores. Access is either via a 30 minute private charter flight or 3 hour drive from either international airport; Blantyre or Lilongwe.

Accommodation & Facilities: Each of the chic villas and rooms are built with a traditional Malawi style in mind. Locally sourced wooden beams stretch the ceilings and traditional artwork adorns the walls under the thatched roofs. They are all close to the lake with views and come with a host who will take care of you whilst you’re there. Rooms all have tea and coffee making facilities, the beds are all swathed in oversized mosquito netting and the bathrooms all have a shower, tub and vanity unless stated otherwise. Most also have their own private terrace…or better!

The Executive Beach Villa has 2 bedrooms, an en-suite master bedroom with a king bed, shower, double vanity and oversized bathtub. The second room, also en-suite, has twin beds, a shower and single vanity. There is also a separate lounge area with a mini bar and a beach front garden with sun beds, perfect for relaxing with that unforgettable African sunset! The 9 Lake Villas, all with a full lake view, come with a hand carved king bed, bathroom with a shower, double vanities and a bathtub, and a private veranda. The 20 Beach Rooms consist of 11 family rooms, 13 twins and 2 doubles, all with bathrooms and lakefront location and views – the private terrace with sun beds enable you to make the most of it! Of the 12 garden rooms, there are 6 for families and 6 twins; these are a little further from the lake - but closer to the spa!

There is also a casual restaurant, bar and a beautiful turquoise swimming pool.

Dining: Either sat at a lakeside table, relaxing on a torch lit terrace or at the poolside bar. Dining here is unforgettable and the tasty cuisine is all sourced from local ingredients grown by the community, on the premises. Meals are a mixture; Mediterranean style, traditional Malawi or even Italian.

Activities: There are some great facilities for those wanting to join in with some water sports, the resort can provide both the equipment and guide for; snorkelling, sailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, speedboat rentals, canoes, knee boarding and more. The incredible marine life here can’t be missed and you won’t forget the mixture of bright colours swimming beneath you. If you fancy staying dry, there is always golf, tennis, squash,  bowls, beach volleyball, bird watching and lots of cultural excursions.

Mikokola Resort runs a 24 metre long cruiser boat called the M.V. Sunbird, complete with it’s own bar, lounge, bathrooms and sun decks. This can be used for day trips to Cape Maclear, Monkey Bay and Mangochi Town or just for the half day to a local fishing village or Boadzulu Island.

Child Policy: Children are welcome.

Responsible Tourism: The local community are the main contributors and stakeholders at the Retreat and according to them “more than 300 families find sustainability from the Retreat’s activities”. Local building materials were employed and instead of outside contractors, members of the local community were trained. For example, the thatch roofs and most of the décor and artefacts found around the retreat are by locals.

As you look out over the spectacular gardens and watch the odd squirrel or monkey playing around, know that environmentally friendly techniques are employed to preserve this as their natural habitat. Food is grown on the premises by locals and fish is bought only from local and reliable fishermen.

This is a great place to stay, not only for the luxury, but the support and sustainability it provides for the people in the area.