Welcome to our exclusive interview with Maureen Awuor Obunga, the General Manager of Ocean Beach Resort & Spa, one of Kenya’s premier luxury beach destinations. Located on the pristine sandy dunes of Malindi, this 5-star retreat is renowned for its top-notch hospitality, early 20th-century tropical style, and its perfect blend of luxury and tradition. 

Join us as we delve into the unique experiences and offerings that make Ocean Beach Resort & Spa stand out as the Best Luxury Beach Resort in 2024. 

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: What sets Ocean Beach Resort & Spa apart from other luxury beach resorts in Kenya?

Maureen Awuor Obunga: Ocean Beach Resort & Spa distinguishes itself from other Kenyan luxury beach resorts in several key areas: 

Unique Style and Ambiance 

Tropical early 20th Century Charm: The Resort’s architecture and design evoke a nostalgic, yet luxurious feel, offering a distinctive ambiance compared to modern contemporary designs often found in other luxury resorts. 

Spacious and Luxurious accommodations: The resort boasts generously sized rooms and suites, providing guests with ample space to relax and unwind. 

Prime location 

Beachfront Bliss: Situated directly on the beach, guests can enjoy uninterrupted ocean views and easy access to the sand and surf. 

Proximity to Malindi Golf and Country Club: Golf enthusiasts can easily indulge in their passion without venturing far from the resort. 

Exceptional Amenities and Services 

Comprehensive Facilities: From multiple swimming pools to a world-class spa, the resort offers a wide range of amenities to cater to diverse guest preferences. 

Dining and Entertainment: The resort provides a variety of dining options and entertainment choices, ensuring guests are well-catered throughout their stay. 

Personalized Service 

Focus on Hospitality: Ocean Beach Resort & Spa prides itself on delivering exceptional service and making guests feel welcomed and cared for. 

By combining its unique style, prime location, extensive amenities, and commitment to guest satisfaction, Ocean Beach Resort & Spa offers a truly memorable luxury experience that sets it apart from other Kenyan beach resorts. 

LLA: Maureen, can you tell us more about the unique design and architecture of the resort, which blends early 20th-century tropical style with modern luxury?

MAO: Ocean Beach Resort & Spa masterfully blends the nostalgic allure of early 20th-century tropical architecture with the contemporary demands of luxury travel. The resort’s design is a harmonious interplay of classic and modern elements, creating a truly unique and captivating atmosphere. 

Key Architectural Features: 

Colonial-inspired exteriors: Whitewashed walls, wood-beamed ceilings, and verandas adorned with intricate latticework evoke the charm of a bygone era. These elements are softened by the lush tropical landscaping, creating a seamless transition between the buildings and the natural environment. 

Spacious and airy interiors: High ceilings, large windows, and open-plan layouts maximize natural light and ventilation, providing a sense of space and tranquility. 

Local materials and craftsmanship: The resort incorporates traditional Kenyan materials and craftsmanship, such as hand-carved wooden furniture and locally sourced fabrics, adding an authentic touch to the design. 

Modern amenities and comforts: While the architecture pays homage to the past, the interiors are equipped with the latest modern amenities, ensuring guests enjoy the best of both worlds. 

This fusion of old-world charm and contemporary luxury creates an ambiance that is both inviting and sophisticated. It’s a place where guests can relax and unwind in style, surrounded by the beauty of the Kenyan coast.  

LLA: What types of experiences can couples expect when choosing Ocean Beach Resort & Spa for their honeymoon or romantic getaway?

MAO: A Romantic paradise at Ocean Beach Resort & Spa. Ocean Beach Resort & Spa is an idyllic setting for couples seeking a romantic escape. Here are some of the experiences you can expect: 

Intimate Accommodations 

Luxurious Suites: Enjoy privacy and comfort in spacious suites designed for couples, often with private balconies or terraces offering stunning ocean views. 

Romantic Ambiance: The Resort’s tropical charm and elegant decor create an intimate atmosphere perfect for rekindling romance. 

Unwind and Rejuvenate 

Couples Spa Treatments: Indulge in side-by-side massages or other treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate both body and mind. 

Private Beach Cabanas: Enjoy exclusive moments together in a private beach cabana, complete with sunbeds, refreshments, and attentive service. 

Culinary Delights 

Romantic dinners: Experience candlelit dinners on the beach or in the resort’s elegant restaurants, featuring exquisite cuisine and impeccable service. 

In-Room Dining: Enjoy a private and intimate dining experience in the comfort of your suite. 

Adventure and Exploration 

Beach Bonfires: Share romantic moments under the stars with a beach bonfire and live music. 

Water Sports: Engage in thrilling water activities together, such as snorkeling, diving, or sailing. 

Sunset Cruises: Experience the magic of the Kenyan sunset on a romantic boat cruise. 

Personalized Service 

Attentive Staff: The Resort’s staff is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for couples, anticipating your needs, and exceeding expectations. 

Romantic surprises: Enjoy unexpected romantic gestures, such as flower petals on the bed or a bottle of champagne. 

Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon or simply escaping the ordinary, Ocean Beach Resort & Spa offers a perfect blend of luxury, romance, and natural beauty. 

LLA: How does the resort cater to families looking for a luxurious and relaxing vacation?

MAO: Ocean Beach Resort & Spa offers a perfect blend of luxury and relaxation for families seeking a memorable vacation. The resort understands the needs of families and provides a range of amenities and activities to keep everyone entertained and happy. 

Family-Friendly accommodations 

Spacious Rooms: The Resort offers accommodations that can comfortably accommodate families of different sizes. 

Interconnecting Rooms: For larger families, interconnecting rooms provide added privacy and convenience. 

Children’s Activities 

Kids’ Club: The Resort often provides supervised children’s activities, allowing parents to relax while their children enjoy age-appropriate fun. 

Outdoor Playground: A dedicated playground area offers a safe space for children to burn off energy. 

Pool Area: A children’s pool ensures safety and fun for young swimmers. 

Family-Friendly Dining 

Diverse Menu: The Resort’s restaurants offer a variety of dishes to cater to different tastes, including children’s favorites. 

High chairs and Children’s Cutlery: The Resort provides essential amenities for dining with young children. 

Relaxing Amenities 

Multiple Pools: The Resort typically features multiple pools, providing ample space for families to relax and enjoy the water. 

Beachfront Location: The stunning beachfront setting offers endless opportunities for family fun, including building sandcastles, swimming, and exploring the shoreline. 

By combining luxurious accommodations, exciting activities, and a family-friendly atmosphere, Ocean Beach Resort & Spa creates an unforgettable vacation experience for the entire family. 

LLA: Can you elaborate on the wellness and spa services available at Ocean Spa, and how they enhance the overall guest experience?

MAO: Ocean Spa: A Sanctuary of Wellness. Ocean Spa is an integral part of the Ocean Beach Resort & Spa experience, offering a haven of tranquility and rejuvenation. Designed to complement the resort’s luxurious ambiance, the spa provides a range of treatments that cater to both physical and mental well-being. 

A Symphony of Treatments 

Massage Therapy: From classic Swedish to deep tissue and aromatherapy, and deep tissue massages, incorporating essential oils for enhanced relaxation, the spa offers a variety of techniques to relieve tension and promote relaxation. 

Body Treatments: Indulge in luxurious body scrubs, wraps, and polishes using natural ingredients to exfoliate, hydrate, and nourish your skin. 

Facial Treatments: Experience customized facials tailored to your skin type, helping to restore radiance and vitality. 

Hydrotherapy: Relax and detoxify your body with hydrotherapy treatments, such as steam rooms, saunas, and plunge pools. 

Enhancing the Guest Experience 

The spa’s offerings seamlessly integrate with the overall guest experience at Ocean Beach Resort & Spa. Here’s how: 

Complementing the Luxury: The Spa’s elegant décor and attentive service align with the resort’s commitment to providing a luxurious and indulgent stay. 

Stress Relief: By offering a variety of relaxation and rejuvenation treatments, the spa helps guests unwind and escape the stresses of daily life. 

Wellness Focus: The Spa promotes a holistic approach to well-being, encouraging guests to prioritize their physical and mental health. 

Personalized Service: The Spa’s expert therapists work closely with guests to create customized treatment plans tailored to their individual needs. 

By incorporating spa treatments into their vacation, guests can enhance their overall relaxation and enjoyment of their stay at Ocean Beach Resort & Spa.

LLA: What dining options are available at Ocean Beach Resort & Spa, and how do they reflect the local culture and international culinary trends? 

MAO: A Culinary Journey at Ocean Beach Resort & Spa. Ocean Beach Resort & Spa offers a diverse culinary experience that seamlessly blends local flavors with international cuisine. The resort’s dining options cater to a wide range of tastes, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate. 

A Taste of Kenya 

Local Seafood: Given its prime beachfront location, the resort specializes in fresh seafood dishes, showcasing the bounty of the Indian Ocean. Expect to savor succulent grilled fish, lobster, and prawns prepared with traditional Kenyan spices and herbs. 

Traditional Kenyan Cuisine: Immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Kenya with dishes like ugali, sukuma wiki, chicken Kienyeji (the runners), Mokimo, Chapati, coconut beans and nyama choma (roasted meat). The Resort often incorporates these local ingredients into its menu, offering guests a taste of the country’s culinary heritage. 

International Flavors 

Mediterranean Cuisine: Enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, with dishes featuring olive oil, fresh herbs, and a variety of seafood and vegetables. 

International Buffet: The resort typically offers an international buffet, showcasing a wide range of cuisines from around the world, allowing guests to explore different culinary cultures. 

Fine Dining: For a more upscale experience, the resort often features a fine dining restaurant serving exquisite dishes prepared with the finest ingredients. 

Dining Experiences 

Beachfront Dining: Savor the romantic ambiance of dining on the beach, with the sound of waves and the gentle sea breeze as your backdrop. 

Poolside Snacks: Enjoy light refreshments and refreshing drinks by the pool, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. 

Room Service: For ultimate convenience, indulge in delicious meals delivered to the comfort of your room. 

By offering a diverse range of dining options that celebrate both local and international flavors, Ocean Beach Resort & Spa provides guests with a truly memorable culinary experience 

LLA: How does the resort facilitate access to local attractions and cultural landmarks, and what can guests expect from these excursions? 

MAO: Exploring the Local Culture with Ocean Beach Resort & Spa. Ocean Beach Resort & Spa is ideally situated to offer guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of the region. The resort provides a range of services to facilitate the exploration of local attractions and landmarks. 

Resort-Facilitated Excursions 

Concierge Services: The resort’s knowledgeable concierge team can assist guests in planning and booking excursions tailored to their interests. 

Guided Tours: The resort often organizes guided tours to popular destinations, providing guests with expert commentary and insights into the local culture. 

Transportation: The resort can arrange transportation to and from various attractions, ensuring a hassle-free experience. 

Local Attractions and Cultural Experiences 

Marine National Park: Guests can embark on boat trips to explore the stunning marine life, including coral reefs, dolphins, and sea turtles. 

Historical Sites: Discover the region’s rich history by visiting ancient ruins and historical landmarks. (Gede ruins, Hell’s kitchen, Vasco Dagama Pillar) 

Cultural Villages: Immerse yourself in local traditions and customs by visiting nearby villages. 

Wildlife Safaris: Experience the thrill of encountering Africa’s iconic wildlife on the day or overnight safaris. (Tsavo National Park is an hour away from the Resort) 

Water Sports: Enjoy a variety of water sports, such as diving, snorkeling, fishing, and kiteboarding, Dolphin watch, Turtle watch, a visit to Temporary island in the Indian Ocean ( Sardina due’) 

By offering a range of excursion options and services, Ocean Beach Resort & Spa ensures that guests can make the most of their stay and create unforgettable memories.

LLA: In your opinion, what makes Ocean Beach Resort & Spa deserving of the Luxury Lifestyle Awards title Best Luxury Beach Resort, 2024 Kenya? 

MAO: Ocean Beach Resort & Spa undoubtedly presents a compelling case for the Luxury Lifestyle Awards title of Best Luxury Beach Resort in Kenya for 2024. Here’s why: 

Unparalleled Luxury: The resort’s meticulous attention to detail, from its elegant architecture to its world-class amenities, creates an atmosphere of pure indulgence. 

Prime Location: Nestled on a pristine beach, the resort offers guests breathtaking ocean views and easy access to aquatic activities. 

Exceptional Service: The resort’s commitment to personalized service ensures that every guest feels pampered and cared for. 

Diverse Experiences: Whether it’s relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, the resort caters to a wide range of guest preferences. 

Culinary Excellence: The resort’s dining options showcase the best of local and international cuisine, elevating the guest experience. 

Wellness and Spa: The Ocean Spa offers a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation, complementing the overall luxury experience. 

By combining these elements, Ocean Beach Resort & Spa has established itself as a leading luxury destination in Kenya, offering guests an unforgettable experience. 

Thank you, Maureen, for sharing these incredible insights into Ocean Beach Resort & Spa. Your dedication to providing a luxurious and memorable experience for every guest truly shines through. It’s clear why Ocean Beach Resort & Spa stands out as the Best Luxury Beach Resort in Kenya for 2024. We look forward to seeing the continued success and innovative offerings from your exceptional team. 

For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, relaxation, and cultural exploration, Ocean Beach Resort & Spa is undoubtedly the perfect destination. Your journey to paradise begins here, https://www.oceanbeachkenya.com/.