Cardamom House, Watamu | Timbuktu Travel
Watamu

Cardamom House

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Voted No.1 in 2024 and No.2 in 2025 by Travel+Leisure

About Cardamom House

A dreamy little getaway right on the beach that quickly feels like home.
Set in a bright, wild garden on Kuruwitu Beach, Cardamom House is the ultimate escape. Created by a Swahili architect to celebrate the beauty of the land and sea, the property has been carefully woven around existing trees and enjoys unspoilt ocean views. This area includes the 7.5 mile-long Kuruwitu Marine Area, the first locally managed marine park in Kenya, which protects the incredible creatures along the coast. A whole host of water activities are available to you, but a good helping of R&R is highly recommended too. Trust us, you won't want to leave.
From $570 per person/per night
Beach
10 Rooms
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Property details

The property

On arrival, you will be greeted at Manda Toto house, which has splendid views of the sea. This is where you'll find the bar, galleria, Barrazza Lounge & dining area, which serves the freshest seafood. At Cardamom House, you can eat wherever you please, whether that's in a private barraza (an idyllic spot for sundowners too!), in the garden, on the beach, or a seat at the chef's table. An infinity pool is set in the corals alongside Manda Toto and a few steps away, there is private access to a secluded beach.

The rooms

Cardamom House is made up of 4 villas with a total of 10 rooms, which are all equipped with air-con, fans and wi-fi, and boast stunning ocean vistas. In Manda Toto, there are two penthouse with both a Master Suite and second garden-facing room. They enjoy the use of a spacious shared area including a kitchen and dining room. There are three suites in the Tower, two in Villa Shela and one in Villa Lula. Each has access to private barazzas, where you can enjoy sunrise yoga or sundowners at the end of the day.

Activities

Set on a stretch of pristine, private beach, the Cardamom House supplies snorkelling gear, SUPs and kayaks, which can be all be taken onto the beach. The staff will happily organise snorkelling, scuba diving and kite surfing excursions, dhow cruises (eyes peeled for dolphins), fishing and horseback rides right in the surf. You can also take a day trip to nearby safari spots or frequent the PGA-rated golf course. Mombasa and Watamu can both be reached in just over an hours drive as well.

What you'll love

What you'll love

The sense of seclusion cannot be exaggerated and yet, it doesn't take a lengthy drive to reach Cardamom House either. Win, win!
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

Manda Toto's penthouses can be booked together, connected by a terraced lobby, while the Lula and Shela Villas can also be booked as a three-bedroom option for larger groups.
Something to think about

Something to think about

A portion of every booking at Cardamom House goes to the Kuruwitu Conservation & Welfare Association, which was established by the community to ensure sustainable fishing and protect the marine life. Ask your host all about it.

Kenya

Watamu & Surrounds

Dazzling beaches, a world-class marine park and a dose of history – welcome to Watamu.