Beach Palace

Beach Palace is one of the most glamorous houses on the East African coast. Set in three peaceful acres of beachfront between Malindi and Watamu on Kenya's north coast, it looks straight out over the Indian Ocean from almost every room.

The house is dramatic in scale and rich in character. Furniture and objects gathered from around the world sit alongside Italian fabrics, Oriental carpets, antiques and pieces by local artisans. A wide veranda with frameless folding glass opens the living spaces to the sea breeze, and an upstairs Moroccan terrace is made for aperitifs and buffet suppers as the sun goes down.

Nine air-conditioned en-suite bedrooms sleep up to 18 guests, and every one overlooks the ocean, with its own terrace, garden or direct access to the pool. That pool is the centrepiece: a 40-metre elevated infinity pool that seems to run into the sea beyond. Below, a private white-sand beach has tented gazebos and a dining area for barbecues, seafood grills and bonfire dinners.

A site manager and ten staff, including two chefs, look after the house. Dhow sunset sails, snorkelling over Malindi's reefs, kitesurfing and visits to the sandstone canyon of Hell's Kitchen can all be arranged.

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