Kaya Mawa

Experience & Activities

Meaning ‘maybe tomorrow’ in Chichewa/Nyanja, the ethos of Kaya Mawa is in its name. Relaxed lakeside living is woven into its Houses and Rooms’ style, luxury and comfort. Dinner by starlight, massage therapy at the 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 has a distinctive flair, all are designed to fit naturally into the bay’s rocks and sand. The white-washed or exposed stone interiors open to lake and beach views, with some suites enjoying a private deck and plunge pool or terrace, courtyard and dining areas. 

Whether you’re revelling in the various water sports like kayaking, diving and kitesurfing, 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. 

Kaya Mawa’s ‘maybe tomorrow’ ethos means you can do as much or as little as you like, just as long as you have the African beach escape of your dreams. 

On Likoma Island, each day is yours to plan out or take as it comes. You can stay on the warm sand, head for the sparkling water, or even relax on your private deck all day. 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. Activities include snorkelling, sailing, picnic lunches, kayaking, paddle boarding, and birding. At an extra charge, you can enjoy the spa, waterskiing and wakeboarding, kitesurfing, PADI diving, quad biking, fishing trips, and e-mountain bike safaris. 

Accommodations         

Hidden within the western tip of a rocky knoll, the 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. 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. Built higher up the rocks, Mbungu has incredible views across the lake and Kaya Mawa beach. 
• Nkhwazi – Meaning ‘fish eagle’ in Nyanja, Nkhwazi gives you a near bird’s eye view of 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 decked wooden floors that flow outside to three private decks at the front of your room. The warm sun beckons you to unwind in the infinity pool and seating area with a panoramic vista that is all yours. 
• 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 a 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 surroundings, with bougainvillea bushes adding a touch of pink and purple to the greenery. 
• 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 complete the laid-back feel of the room. This extends outdoors to the deck with three seating areas, a large plunge pool and direct access to the lake by just a short ladder. 
• Makungulu – Perched on a small, rocky isle and draped in pink bougainvillea, Makungulu makes quite an impression before even stepping 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 of 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. 

Family Houses 

• For private and spacious beach living, the Family Houses 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. 
• Hidden behind a mango tree is peaceful Yofu. The bright, airy main bedroom has double doors leading onto the wooden deck. The shared bathroom has an open-air bathtub on the second level, making for magical stargazing. The second room sleeps two kids. 
• 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 vast en-suite bathroom with double vanities, a shower and a double-ended sunken bath that looks over the deck to the lake. 
• Mainja – Indoors and outdoors, Mainja immerses you in its beautiful natural setting for an unforgettable lakeside experience. A long wooden walkway and concrete causeway lead you to where this majestic house sits on a rocky outcrop on the northern side of Kaya Mawa’s beach. Separating the two en-suite bedrooms is a gorgeous Tanzanian-style sitting area with a log fireplace and a well-stocked bar fridge. Out to the front of the house is a private plunge pool built into the rocks that look out over the lake, a private dining area, cushioned seating built into the rocks, and a wooden deck with sun loungers. 
• Ndomo 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. Three of the four bedrooms are en-suite; the other has a bathroom outside the door. 
• Also inside is a large living room with a deck, kitchen and dining area, and study and media room. Stepping outside, you will find three large terraces and a courtyard, a dining and barbeque area, and a plunge pool, all with panoramic views of the lake and beyond. You have the private beach in front of the House all to yourself.