Treehouse Watamu
Rated by the Telegraph’s Travel Site as one of the best hotels in Kenya and as one of Kenya Airways’ Msafiri Magazine’s “100 Most Unforgettable Experiences” globally. Watamu Treehouse is situated on one of the most picturesque stretches of Watamu beach. Ideally located right opposite the Coral Gardens of the Marine Park, there are no large hotels nearby – only private residences. Built high in the trees, its unique architecture affords a 360 degree panorama of the Indian Ocean coastline on one side and native forest on the other. You can book a room or two in Treehouse bed+breakfast, half board or fullboard, or if you are a larger group you can rent a whole tower or the whole house on a self-catering (or catered) basis, or come for a retreat. Either way, you will be well taken care of by the friendly, professional and experienced Watamu Treehouse Team.
Accommodation
Watamu Treehouse consists of two towers and a cool-pool which is shared by both towers. North Tower has three double bedrooms, each one self-contained with its own balcony, toilet and shower. Two of the bedrooms have beautiful 360 degree views of the sea and forest and all of Watamu including the sunrise, sunset, moonrise, stars, etc. The third bedroom does not face the sea, but has an incredible view of the forest and sunset. The house also has a kitchen, living/dining room and rooftop lounge area.
Supplementary
There are additional sleeping areas and the tower will hold a maximum of 8 people. There are multiple dining areas at all levels. South Tower has 4 bedrooms, each of which have at least 2 beds, self-contained bathrooms, balconies, and private dining. All rooms overlook the sea and sunrise, and three of the rooms also look back to the sunset. These rooms are let on a room-by-room basis, where you choose between bed&breakfast, half-board or full-board, for ultimate convenience.
Comfort
There is everything you need here for a wonderful holiday. Just bring yourselves and your toys. If you are renting on a self-catering basis, you can bring your own food for the cook to prepare, but if you choose not to, no problem. Daily deliveries of fresh seafood and produce, and anything from the local supermarket can be arranged. The kitchen is equipped with fridge, cooker, oven, blender, deep-freeze, plus a good range of utensils and cookware. As this is also a family home, you will find high quality crockery, cutlery and glassware in the cupboards, as well as fine bedlinen, mosquito-netting and towels The house also has cleaning and security staff and a really excellent cook.
The house
The house itself is situated on one of the most picturesque stretches of Watamu beach, ideally located right opposite the Coral Gardens of the Marine Park. There are no large hotels nearby, only private residences. Built high in the trees, its unique architecture affords a 360 degree panorama of the Indian Ocean coastline on one side and native forest on the other. The house consists of two towers in the trees, linked by bridges, stairways and ramps. Most of the building was deliberately set above the beautiful coastal forest – for the stunning views and the cooling breeze, and also to avoid unnecessary damage to the natural environment. The house has few windows – instead it features frames around vistas of nature in all its glory. You share the forest with the birds, insects, small mammals, reptiles and primates.
View
The forest boasts many indigenous trees common to the coastal strip, including beautiful baobabs and many examples of the remarkable bamba-kofi. Both living and sleeping areas are situated just above the forest canopy, open to the cooling coastal breezes and the scintillating views. You sleep breathing the fresh air of the forest and awaken to the early morning calls of the wildlife – especially birds and sykes monkeys! The views from the house are stunning. Unusually for the East Coast of Africa, Watamu Treehouse offers a complete 360 degree horizon, affording sensational views of sunsets over forests, coconut plantations and Mida Creek, as well as sunrises and moonrises over the Indian Ocean. You have a choice of several verandas and a sublime rooftop space, all designed to accommodate both communal activities and private retreats from which to contemplate the beauty of the surroundings.
Caution
Please note that the house is built high off the ground. If you have fear of heights, climbing up flights of stairs, would spoil your holiday, then this might not be the best house for you. It should also be reconsidered should any member of your party be prone to losing their balance after a particularly long and well-lubricated night! Watamu Treehouse was conceived by local artist and conservationist Nani Croze of Kitengela Glass, and it was she who built the original tower. A wall reaching three stories up consists purely of her signature coloured glass. New towers and extensions were added by Paul Krystall and craftsman-builder Andrew Melesi in 2002. His fantastic use of local wood and plastering techniques further added to the organic feel of the place. In 2014 the house was extended further, including 4 new bedrooms, a very popular cool-pool and a yoga room.
