| THE STANDARD ROOMS | | Hidden away within the western tip of a rocky knoll, our beautiful couples’ rooms, Msekwa, Khuyu and Mbungu command sweeping views of Lake Malawi. As you step through the arched door and down the steps into Msekwa, you will fall in love with the striking combination of creamy polished floors and stone walls. Wander out of your room, down your own private jetty and straight into the crystal waters. Khuyu is the first room on the beach and while it may be the closest to the bar and restaurant, you still have the peace and privacy needed for a relaxing retreat. The lantern-lit bathtub is where you’ll want to be when the sun goes down. Built higher up the rocks, Mbungu has incredible views across the lake and Kaya Mawa beach. The bed has been built snuggly into the original beach boulders and there is space in the bedroom for a baby cot. |
| 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. |
| MBAMBA | | Whether from the comfort of the luxurious bed or plunge pool under the ficus tree canopy, Mbamba commands stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounds. The large bed with driftwood headboard and canopy of draped mosquito netting takes centre-place in Mbamba. Then, out to one side of the room is a large deck with lounging area and plunge pool, and on the other, an intimate dining area. Even though it sits at the top of a rocky knoll, Mbamba blends effortlessly into its natural surrounds, with bougainvillea bushes adding a touch of pink and purple to the greenery. This attracts some feathered visitors, like bee-eaters and weaver birds, which always provide colourful and chatty entertainment as they flit between the branches. |
| 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. |
| MAKUNGULU | | Make your way over Lake Malawi by wooden bridge and find yourself on your very own island at Makungulu. Perched on a small, rocky isle and draped in pink bougainvillea, Makungulu makes quite an impression before even stepping foot inside. The shaded stone terrace has a cosy corner seat and dining table for two, and extends to a wooden deck with loungers and a jetty. This is all effortlessly complemented by striking views to Mozambique. The room is wrapped in stone walls, large windows and a thatched roof, with the bed built snugly beside a large granite boulder. In the en-suite bathroom, a white-washed handbasin and bathtub are finished off with modern fittings and views over the lake. |
| THE FAMILY HOUSES | | For private and spacious beach living, our Family Houses – Ulisa and Yofu – sit at the back of the main beach under the shade of ancient baobab or mango trees. Ulisa is a large two-roomed house with a full bathroom between the bedrooms. Double doors in the master bedroom open to a spectacular view across the white sand to the lake. The second room sleeps three children in single beds, one of them hung from the roof! Hidden behind a mango tree is peaceful Yofu. The bright, airy main bedroom has double doors leading out onto a secluded section of the beach where your own dhow-lounge space awaits. The shared full bathroom has an open-air bathtub and shower on the second level, which makes for magical stargazing while soaking. The second bedroom sleeps two children. Both houses enjoy expansive outdoor lounging and dining areas. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
