The Ocean Spa Lodge | Kenya South Coast One Of Kenya’s Best Beach Lodges

The Ocean Spa Lodge lies just north of the border with Tanzania, and is set just back from the long, white crescent of Msambweni Beach on Kenya’s south coast. Villas peek out from palm trees, and are just steps away from the beach and the Indian Ocean. Traditional wooden fishing boats drawn up on the beach are a reminder that this part of Kenya has changed little in centuries, and the local Digo people, who own the land aroundThe Ocean Spa Lodge, still follow an ages-old lifestyle that’s intimately entwined with the ocean. Unlike some parts of Kenya’s coast, this area has seen very little development, so there’s a genuine sense of seclusion and privacy, and a healthy disconnection from the stresses of the world. Languid waves roll up the white-sand beach, and the sun appears to sink into the ocean each evening, illuminating sky and sea alike.

We have the good luck to meet the owner as we arrive, and he genially insists on walking us to our villa. It’s a striking structure, blending materials that might seem incongruous – like thatch and concrete – but which work wonderfully together. The flat roofs tell a tale of low rainfall, and so too do the cloudless skies above and the gently waving palm fronds. Our suite is an upstairs one, with a breathtaking ocean view. Inside – when we can tear our gaze away from the ocean – the décor speaks to the maritime environment while neatly sidestepping the trap of cliché that so many seaside properties fall into. Just like the beach outside, the suite is light and airy. The white mosquito nets ripple in the breeze, but otherwise all is calm and restful. My eye is caught by several pieces of furniture that clearly have stories to tell, and my partner is delighted by the quirky wooden fish on the dresser. The current of calm continues through the open-plan bathroom and large walk-in wardrobe. We exchange a smile at this, as we’ll be dressed only in beachwear – a kikoi is the most substantial garment we plan on wearing.

The Ocean Spa Lodge’s location on Kenya’s far southern coast quite literally sets it apart fas one of Kenya’s best beach lodges. There’s a sense of belonging too; relations with the local community go far beyond window-dressing for the sake of the brochure. This is a genuine partnership. As the owner comments, with a smile, ‘A rising tide lifts all boats.’ The wellbeing space is a delightful addition. We had of course anticipated relaxing here, but we hadn’t expected to be able to take advantage of a well-thought-out and beautifully executed wellness philosophy. The Ocean Spa Lodge offers all three of these elements in abundance, and it’s hard to see how anyone could not feel revitalised and refreshed after spending time here.

• A luxury Kenyan beach lodge set among palm trees on a long stretch of white-sand beach, with six villas (comprising 14 suites) each with private garden. Beach and ocean views, a unique wellbeing space and a large infinity pool.
• Private beach, one complimentary massage per suite and flexible schedules with no set meal times.
• Snorkelling, body boarding, scuba diving (additional cost), kayaking (additional cost), windsurfing (additional cost), kitesurfing (additional cost), deep-sea fishing (additional cost), swimming, spa treatments (additional cost), yoga and meditation lessons, game drives in Shimba Hills National Reserve (additional cost) and excursions to Funzi Island (additional cost).
• Children of all ages welcome. Portico suites include adjoining kids’ room. Babysitting service (additional cost).

• Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
• It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
• Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you.  Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
• However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.