The Makokola Retreat
Premier
Premier
The Makokola Retreat is one of the best-known Lake Malawi hotels. It lies on the southern lake shore near Mangochi. The hotel is spaciously laid out in 10 acres of well-tended gardens. But it is the private beach that will draw your attention. The vast expanse of pale sand (600 metres) is dotted with low palms, thatched sunshades and sun loungers with padded cushions.
Most rooms face the warm Lake Malawi, which looks like a sea but has no tide or salty water. There are a range of rooms to choose from including the Chiefs Villa, 9 lake villas, 26 beach rooms and 12 garden rooms. They have locally sourced wooden beams, hand-crafted furniture and traditional artwork. However they are also open and spacious with a contemporary Africa style.
The lake villas have a hand-carved king-sized bed, full bathroom, separate sitting area, locally embroidered bed linen, fan & a private veranda. The beach rooms have similar facilities but are smaller. All have beach front or garden views. The Family beach rooms have two bedrooms sharing one bathroom.
The Makokola Retreat is perfect for water-sports such as sailing and windsurfing. Diving and snorkelling are possible at a stunning little offshore island, where tropical fish abound beneath the surface and fish eagles are ever present above it.
The lodge has an enormous swimming pool - 44 metres by 16 metres wide. You can get some serious exercise in this pool! Alternatively you can just paddle up to the pool bar for some cocktails and ice cold beer.
Optional water-sports include snorkelling, para-sailing, water-skiing, wake-boarding, knee-boarding, sailing, tubing, para-sailing and boat cruises. All at extra cost. There are plenty of land activities as weel. Choose from golf, the Lake Spa, bowls, floodlit tennis, squash & beach volleyball.