Kaya Mawa, A Honeymooners' Dream

*screams*

I still can’t believe I am at Kaya Mawa you guys! You have no idea how long I have been dreaming of being here. I have seen the pictures. I had fantasised of what shots I could take if I came here (sad I couldn’t do them all) but the place lived up to my expectations.

Kaya Mawa is Malawi’s ultimate Honeymoon destination. I had personally planned to come to Kaya Mawa for my honeymoon if I ever did get married. No, it was not my honeymoon yet – in case you are wondering. I did not go ahead and get married behind your backs. However, my team and I visited Likoma, particularly Kaya Mawa to give you a detailed review of what the place has to offer.

Owned by James and Suzie Lightfoot, Kaya Mawa is located on the biggest Island in Malawi, Likoma. An hour flight from Lilongwe, you will experience a true Malawian paradise here. Kaya Mawa the name translates as ‘Maybe Tomorrow’, which fits the relaxed nature of the beautiful Hotel. You could almost postpone everything to tomorrow when at Kaya Mawa. Procrastination – sounds like a good vacation!

Coming from me, you will not be disappointed, and here are the 10 reasons why:

The Hospitality is amazing!!! Simply that.

Initially, I wanted to say “On point” but I was trying to sound proffessional. Then my colleague said, and I quote ” The customer service is on point” and now I just have to say it, Kaya Mawa’s Hospitality is on point! Everyone at the Hotel is friendly, from the people to the dogs. Yes I said the dogs!!!

That is reason #2. The dogs!

Call me the dogwhisperer, I made such good friends with the dogs at the hotel. We went for runs and swims together. The joy! And I am not even crazy about pets!

The food

We all know I am a foodie. The whole of the past week I had lost my appetite, and glad to say that kaya Mawa brought in that kick to get me to start eating again!

The 5-star chef Richard Greenhall and his team will delight you with a menu that is in keeping with the local environment, using local produce and herbs grown in the hotels own garden, with a fusion of flavours that simply delights. Prior to joining Kaya Mawa Richard worked as a training chef for Jamie Oliver and since joining Kaya Mawa 7 years ago, he has been nominated for a number of awards. Combined with relaxed dining ethos, you can enjoy meals to fit in with the rest of your day, from a picnic on a private boat experience, to evening meals lit up on the beach in an unforgettable setting.

The chef prepares cuisines every day, as per his choice – and you get to enjoy a two course meal in the afternoon accompanied by tea. Then you have a lantern-lit three course dinner by the beach.

The breakfast

And how can we discuss food without thinking of the breakfast? Yes Kaya Mawa breakfast deserves a mention of its own. So much great food with a great array of choices to pick from.

The rooms

Kaya Mawa has 11 rooms that can take up to 29 guests per night. These rooms consist of honeymoon suites to family rooms. All rooms located separately across the beach, you are assured of your privacy and the ultimate feeling like you are on a private vacation.

Each of Kaya’s eleven rooms is unique and offers something very special. Serene
and secret decks for sunbathing or a romantic dinner for two, secluded lakeside
chalets with private al fresco lounges lapped by the water. You may find yourself
showering under the stars, taking a midnight dip in your suite’s private plunge
pool or simply walking hand in hand across the bridge to your very own island
after a moonlit dinner on the beach.

All the rooms are built into natural rocks, all different in shape and form, and carefully decorated with the beautiful details of polished concrete, white mosquito nets, Zanzibar chests and lamps, and elegant, beaded bed covers and cushions (produced at Suzie’s “Katundu” workshop).

The beach

I love a beautiful clear beach and this place serves just that. Given that almost all the rooms have private beaches, you are guaranteed privacy on your own side of the beach. When you want to socialise, there is also a long stretch of a beach facing the front of the hotel, restaurant and bar.

The view(s)

Did I say private pools and private beaches? Each of these scenes give you a great view of the lake. Relaxing.

Attention to detail

I am a sucker for detail. What makes Kaya Mawa the beautiful Hotel it is are the colors. The beautifully blended blues and pinks make for stunning place anyone would kill to be at.

The Bar

Combine turquoise elements and nice drinks and I am sold! The bar is calm and nothing close to loud. This is a pure vacation experience. Very relaxing.

The Spa

Located on the lake on the west side of the hotel is a spa that is simply just fabulous. Decorated in earthy elements and the calming sound of the water – could a spa be better?

Romantic nights (Dinner by the Beach)

Every night the hotel serves a romantic three course dinner by the beach and at times by the sand. The dinner each night is different and as per the chef’s choice.