On the white sandy beaches of Likoma Island sits Kaya Mawa, a boutique lodge that welcomes honeymooners, families and friends for an indulgently carefree getaway. Meaning ‘maybe tomorrow’ in Chichewa/Nyanja, the ethos of Kaya Mawa is in its name. Relaxed lakeside living is woven into the style, luxury and comfort of its Houses and Rooms.

Dinner by starlight, massage therapy at our spa, and snorkelling in turquoise waters – it’s just another blissful day at Kaya. Built by local hands and as Malawi’s first resort run solely on renewable-energy, Kaya Mawa is firmly grounded in sustainability, community empowerment and ethical trade.

While each of the 11 Houses and Rooms have distinctive flair, all are designed to fit naturally into the bay’s rocks and sand. The white-washed or exposed stone interiors open out to lake and beach views, with some suites enjoying a private deck and plunge pool or even terrace, courtyard and dining areas.

Malawi is fondly known as the Warm Heart of Africa for its friendly people and sunny days, which you find in abundance on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi. This is one of the world’s deepest lakes and its freshwater teems with aquatic life, including 400 species of cichlid fish.

We work closely with local people in building healthcare, education and sustainable livelihoods within Likoma as well as protecting Lake Malawi’s precious ecosystem. We would love to have you join us in building a better future for our community, wildlife and environment.

THE HISTORY
On the dramatic shoreline of Likoma Island, in the middle of the great Lake Malawi, lies a beach paradise like no other. We call it Kaya Mawa, meaning ‘maybe tomorrow’, which is what guests often say when it’s time to leave.

Here in the Warm Heart of Africa, beach holidays meet African hospitality and ultimate indulgence. The Wall Street Journal once described Kaya Mawa as ‘the most relaxing beach holiday in the least likely destination.’

Kaya Mawa first opened her doors in 2004 and has done nothing but dazzle guests since. From being listed as one of the ‘Most Romantic Places in the World’ by Conde Nast to hand-written letters from happy children before they leave, being named the Leading Hotel in Malawi 2020 by the World Travel Awards, to the guests who return time and time again – every bit of recognition brings our team an immense amount of joy.

Especially since almost all of them are hired from the tiny Likoma Island and these accolades make them hugely proud of their home.

HOUSES & ROOMS
Encircled by coves of beach sand and shaded by mango and baobab trees, our 5 Houses and six Rooms have been built into boulders, with stone walls and teak-framed thatched roofs. Each is imaginatively designed with an individual flair inspired by Swahili décor and statement pieces from local artisans.

The beautiful lakeside setting, relaxed atmosphere and luxurious style make them all characteristically Kaya Mawa. Celebrate your honeymoon in dreamy Ngani or have a romantic retreat in one of our Standard Rooms.

Each of the Family Rooms has an outdoor chill area and, like Madima and Mainja, you can spend hours enjoying the view from your private pool. Then there is Ndomo Private House, which is the ideal group getaway as it is private, spacious and has its own team of staff.

NDOMO PRIVATE HOUSE
Completely exclusive and secluded from the outside world, Ndomo Private House is the ultimate group retreat in itself or as a spot to wind down after a safari. Inspired by the architecture of Zanzibar, Zambia and Kenya’s Lamu Island, along with hints of Morocco and India, Ndomo is a melting pot of design ideas.

The interior style has been imaginatively paired with African antiques and contemporary bespoke pieces created largely at Katundu Workshop.

Located on the south west corner of Likoma island, the House has been built around boulders, with rough rock walls contrasting dramatically against smooth-plastered rooms that meander intriguingly around the rocky hill. Three of the four bedrooms are en-suite; the other has a bathroom just outside the door.

Also inside, there is a large living room with deck, kitchen and dining area, study and media room. Stepping outside, you will find three large terraces and a courtyard, dining and barbeque area, and plunge pool, all with panoramic views of the lake and beyond. You have the private beach in front of the House all to yourself.

Ndomo is fully staffed with a nanny, cook, housekeeper, ground staff and watchmen. You also enjoy all the facilities and activities that Kaya Mawa has to offer and are welcome to spend as much time as you wish at the lodge.

MAINJA
Whether indoors or outdoors, Mainja immerses you in its beautiful natural setting for an unforgettable lakeside experience spent with friends and family.

A long wooden walkway and concrete causeway leads you to where this majestic house sits on a rocky outcrop on the northern side of Kaya Mawa’s beach. In usual Kaya Mawa style, Mainja is tastefully decorated with statement art pieces and splashes of colour amidst white linens, natural furnishings, stone walls and polished floors.

The house works well within its natural surrounds, fitting snugly around large boulders and opening out to remarkable views over Lake Malawi. Separating the two en-suite bedrooms is a gorgeous Tanzanian-style sitting area with log fireplace and well-stocked bar fridge.

Out to the front of the house is a private plunge pool built into the rocks that looks out over the lake. Also outdoors and on different levels are a private dining area, cushioned seating built into the rocks, and wooden deck with sun loungers.

MADIMBA
Designed with love and luxury in mind, Madimba is well-deserving of its title as the ‘Honeymoon House’. This grand house lies at the far west end of the Kaya Mawa beach.

Opening out in front of the large, split-level bedroom is your own infinity pool with magical views across Lake Malawi to Mozambique. Indulge in romantic, starlit dinners and relax on sun loungers under the African sky from the comfort of your private deck.

To one side of the bedroom is a huge en-suite bathroom with double vanities, shower and double-ended sunken bath that looks over the deck to the lake. On the other side of the room, the sitting room with bar beckons you to relax in the cool, stone-walled interior.

NGANI
With views across the lake to the Mozambican coastline, Ngani nudges you into unplugging from the world and surrendering to Africa’s peace, quiet and beauty.

White-washed floors, fabrics in blues and creams, locally sourced furnishings and modern fittings are part of Ngani’s claim to barefoot luxury. A ‘galley’ style bathroom and indoor lounge looking out to the lake completes the laidback feel of the room.

This extends outdoors to the deck that has three seating areas, a large plunge pool and direct access to the lake by just a short ladder. So, whenever you wish, just hop into the lake, enjoy a swim and even snorkel with the fish. Don’t worry if you haven’t brought your own snorkelling gear as this is all provided in your room.

NKHWAZI
Meaning ‘fish eagle’ in Nyanja, Nkhwazi gives you a near bird’s eye view out to Nkhwazi Island and the south of Lake Malawi from the top of a rocky knoll.

There is an understated elegance to Nkhwazi. The white-washed bedroom area steps down onto wooden decked floors that flow outside to three private decks at the front of your room. Here, the warm sun beckons you to unwind in the infinity pool and seating area with a panoramic vista that is all yours.

The fish eagle’s call is fondly referred to as ‘The soundtrack of Africa’. Not a day goes by on Likoma Island without hearing it and yet you never grow tired of the sound. It has become part of the natural rhythm at Kaya Mawa.

PICNIC LUNCH
Laze on the beach, while enjoying a gorgeous lake view and a picnic basket filled with the day’s creation from our award-winning kitchen team. Think homemade bread and hummus, with a fresh salad and grilled fish, and washed down with a glass of South African wine, Mozambican beer or a cocktail with gin distilled here in Malawi.

SPA
Indulge in a massage treatment at the Kaya Spa, which is perched on a rocky outcrop in Lake Malawi with a wooden boardwalk connecting it to the beach. Relax, meditate or even drift off to sleep as one of therapists work their magic on you to the soundtrack of lapping waves and African fish eagles. This is part of the Kaya antidote to niggling aches, pains and stress!

A PROUD LIKOMA LOCAL
We didn’t get here on our own; far from it, in fact. At the beating heart of this barefoot luxury lodge lies the local people and culture. From laying bricks and mortar to build all the rooms entirely by local hands to creating chic interior fixtures and fittings through the Katundu Workshop, local people have steered the way and made Kaya Mawa what it is today.

Kaya blends into its natural surroundings and draws on Likoma’s vibrant culture. The aquamarine, beachy colours drift their way from Lake Malawi and into rooms that are stylishly designed with upcycled interiors.

Glass beads, chandeliers, photo frames and fabrics are all handmade from sustainable and recyclable materials mostly from the lodge and the lake itself. Most of this work is thanks to the creativity artists at Katundu, which is found directly behind Ndomo Private House, our exclusive use house available for groups.

Katundu was founded in 2006 around a passion for designing and creating luxury items in an ethical environment, empowering women and through them the local community. These jobs provide a sustainable income and instil pride, dignity and purpose, giving people the skills and knowledge to improve their circumstances.

ART THAT INSPIRES AND EMPOWERS
Katundu has the privilege of working with artisans with inimitable skills. Each individual piece is crafted meticulously by hand, a process of creation where beauty and soul are connected through each item.

Recycled and sustainable materials add another important dimension to Katundu – respecting the environment and utilising what it has to offer. Katundu has grown from just a small workshop to a successful company with an extremely creative and diverse product range.

Their signature range of hand-beaded textiles are complimented with statement chandeliers and interior pieces including wall art, rugs and baskets made from baobab and maize string, as well as frames and furniture made from old fishing boats.

Kaya Mawa supports the empowering work done by Katundu by buying their flawlessly crafted, awe-inspiring pieces and in return, Katundu designs have made Kaya Mawa a haven of design inspiration.

uests from all over the world love to take statement pieces home with them, and luckily Katundu designs can be bought in our onsite shop. Guests from Kaya Mawa are always very welcome to visit the workshop and see the artisans at work.

ACTIVITIES IN MALAWI
Whether you’re revelling in the various water sports like kayaking and diving, indulging in a spa treatment overlooking the lake or just chilling on the beach with your loved one, Kaya Mawa shows you the best of lakeside living. Our ‘maybe tomorrow’ ethos means you can do as much or as little as you like, just as long as you are having the African beach escape of your dreams.

On Likoma Island, each day is yours to plan out or simply take as it comes. You can choose to stay on the warm sand, head for the sparkling water or even relax all day on your private deck. Sometimes, just walking along the beach at sunrise or watching the lake glisten at night is all you need to feel the magic of the island.

SNORKELLING
Explore the pristine waters of Lake Malawi in an underwater adventure, no matter your skill level. The only requirement? To leave the water with a bunch of great memories! No need to bring your own goggles, snorkel and fins as each House and Room at Kaya Mawa has its own snorkelling gear.

SAILING
Hop aboard one of our Taz or Topaz for a sailing safari on Lake Malawi. Conditions for sailing are excellent here since there are no tides or currents, but there’s always a light breeze for sail boats.

KAYAKING
Grab a kayak and paddle before setting off to explore the waters and other parts of the island beyond our bay. Watch as colourful fish flash in the clear water below you and look out to the Mozambican coastline beyond. The only sounds are those of nature – birds calling to each other and waves lapping against the kayak’s bow – and you leave the water feeling rejuvenated.

PADDLE BOARDING
Enjoy the warmth of the sun on your back and the cool breeze blowing off the water as you glide across the lake on one of our stand-up paddle boards. It doesn’t matter if you’re not a pro because you will soon be balancing, paddling and having fun, all at the same time. Paddle along the shoreline, enjoying the beauty of the beach from a different perspective.

WATERSKIING & WAKEBOARDING
Try your hand at one or both of these exhilarating water sports. With skis that fit ages 5+ and a trained instructor give handy tips and pointers, you will be on your feet or knees in no time.

PADI DIVING
Go on an underwater adventure in Malawi’s giant freshwater aquarium, which has more species of colourful cichlid fish than any other lake in the world. We are a recognised PADI Resort and our in-house Divemaster knows the best spots to experience the lake’s diverse aquatic life.

FISHING TRIP
Enjoy a blissful day out on the lake and see what freshwater species you can reel in. Our boatmen were all fishermen in their past lives so know where all the best fishing spots are. Here at Kaya Mawa we promote a catch and release policy to ensure the populations are kept healthy and growing.

E-MOUNTAIN BIKE SAFARI
Sightsee the island at your own pace and along the route of your choice on our solar-powered electric mountain bike. Which path will you take? Perhaps something off the beaten track or a little closer to civilisation. Make a stop to watch a troop of vervet monkeys, identify the bird behind that beautiful call or chat with a friendly Likoma local.

BIRDING
Head out into the forests to spot some of the island’s colourful birdlife or simply enjoy what feathered friend comes to visit while sipping your morning coffee.

Likoma is home to over 100 different birds species, including huge colonies of white-breasted cormorants, black-shouldered and yellow-billed kites, and four types of kingfisher. And the cry of an African fish eagle is a sound you can never grow tired of.

Rooms: 12

Price: from 694 EUR per night

Source: www.greensafaris.com

Situated on the west side of the Nankumba Peninsula on the Southern end of Lake Malawi you can find Pumulani subtly nestled in the lush hills amongst the trees and craggy outcrops. The ten villas provide the ultimate in space, design, comfort and privacy.

David Livingstone famously named Lake Malawi “The Lake Of Stars” and for good reason, during the day the light dances across the deep blue water and once the sun has set the stars twinkle brightly both in the sky but also on the lake as the fishermen light up their hurricane lamps for their night on the lake.

Guests can relax on the sandy beach or enjoy an elevated view of the lake from the stylish infinity pool. For those seeking some activity we offer waterskiing, sailing, kayaking, walks in the hills, sunset cruises on our hand built dhow and snorkeling and diving. Under water activities never fail to amaze as the diversity of fishlife is very surprising and experts say that this lake is home to more native fish species than any other in the world.

Pumulani offers the perfect mix for a memorable holiday. Enjoy being active or simply relax in the beautiful and tranquil scenery.

THE LODGE
Luxury accommodation, friendly personal service and stunning views over Lake Malawi combine to make Pumulani the perfect African beach lodge.

Dutch architect G. Hooft Graafland designed each of the ten villas individually adapting them to their own unique location to ensure they blend harmoniously into their different surroundings. The gently curving lines of the very spacious villas reflect the patterns and movements of the lake along with the interior design, which is directly inspired from the surrounding nature.

Each villa has a large bedroom, which opens out onto a private deck where early risers can enjoy the morning’s first rays. The bathrooms also offer splendid views and are well equipped with a bathtub, double shower and double sink, and the spacious lounge area offers further comfort for those wishing to relax in the room.

The central area consists of a spacious open restaurant with an undercover area, bar and a cosy fire area. One of our infinity swimming pools is on a lower terraced deck. Three raised walkways with steps lead off from the central area to the villas and down to the beach and our second infinity swimming pool.

The name Pumulani means “rest well” in the local Chichewa language, and that’s exactly what we offer – the chance to unwind in a beautiful and tranquil setting.

ACTIVITIES

On the water
· Our 40ft traditional, hand crafted dhow is a slow and relaxing way to enjoy the tranquillity of Lake Malawi. Whether it be on a early morning breakfast cruise or a magical sunset cruise.
· Our speedboat can whisk you around the lake with various water activities such as water-skiing, wakeboarding and tubing. Or an exhilarating drive to secluded spots where you can jump out the boat and snorkel or dive taking in the clouds of tropical fish that inhabit the water.
· For the more experienced sailors we have a dhingy which is great fun to nip around the lake in.

Land excursions
· Take a guided walk from the lodge up into the hills enjoying the views and beauty as well as the wonderful birdlife. Coming down from the hills to the lake shore a kayak will meet you there for a gentle paddle back.
· Cycle down the hill from the lodge through the village and around the point where the kayaks will meet you for your paddle back.

Beach
· Enjoy the peace and quiet and relax under the shade of a parasol or tree on the beach with a good book.

Village Tours
· Take a guided walk through the village seeing and having the local traditions and rituals explained.

After Dark
· Revel in the joys of the night sky with our incredible star gazer, it will revolutionise the way you look at the stars.

FAMILIES
Pumulani is the ideal retreat for families welcoming children of all ages, the family villa specifically designed and positioned under the hillside on the lake shore allows children to play on the lawn under the mango trees in complete safety. Let our experienced team look after the children whilst mum and dad relax on the beach or go for a walk in the hills. There is not one minute for boredom, we can take them out on the speed boats, tubing, learning to water ski or simply wander around the property with one of our guides showing them the many birds and fantastically coloured skinks and igamas.

Children’s activities and services:
· our staff can look after the children in the villa and help supervise them during activities.
· cot and bedding available for younger children.
· meal times are flexible and can be fitted to your child’s needs. We have a selection of delicious child friendly food on the menu to choose from.
· swimming pool and beach ball.
· we have several fishing rods available and the rocky shoreline is a wonderful spot to test your skills.
· water sports – wakeboarding, water skiing and fun tubing, snorkelling kayaking.

The family villa is the closest to the beach and all activities are easily organised from this point. Just off the master bedroom is a twin room with a large spacious bathroom with double basins, showers and a bath. The sitting area has plenty of space for the whole family to relax.

WHY STAY HERE
Located privately within Lake Malawi National Park on the edge of the water is the beautiful and exclusive lodge Pumulani.

The spacious villas blending into the environment and the various spread out communal areas ensure that you are always able to feel alone. Take in the views from the dining room whilst enjoying a perfectly prepared meal or relax down at the beach and have lunch at the beach bar listening to the water lapping up against the beach.

Pumulani offers a range of activities from the enjoyment of a good book by the infinity pool or down at the beach to racing around the water with some waterskiing or wakeboarding. When the day starts to draw to a close enjoy a sail out in the dhow for sundowners in the middle of the lake and after dark take a closer look at the magic of the night sky through our stargazer.

Each villa has fans as well as air conditioning and all the windows can be closed making it perfectly safe for young families or first time travellers to Africa.

The team is welcoming and friendly and enjoys welcoming you into their home.

Website: www.robinpopesafaris.net

Rooms: 10

Price: from 271 EUR per night