The Makokola Retreat
Premier
Overview
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.
Activities at the Makokola Retreat
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.
The Makokola Retreat gallery
The Makokola Retreat on the map
Rooms
Click on the Green Dot to see Room Images
Executive (Chief) Villa
The Makokola Retreat has one Executive Beach Villa, furnished in an African contemporary style and just a breath away from the beach. This 2 bedroom en-suite villa is located at the eastern end of the property and is screened by natural indigenous vegetation to ensure maximum privacy. It is perfect for families or a couple requiring a more intimate space.
The Executive Villa has the following features:
• Master bedroom with king size bed and oversize mosquito net. En-suite bathroom with shower, double vanity and an over sized bathtub.
• Second bedroom with two single beds and oversize mosquito net. En-suite bathroom with shower and single vanity
• Malawian cotton, locally embroided bed linens
• Mini bar and tea/coffee making facilities
• Fan system
• Stylish separate sitting room, inviting and comfortable
• Large beachfront garden with sun beds offering wonderful views of the lake and sunset.
• Maximum occupancy 4 people including children.
Lake Villa
The property offers 9 spacious Lake Villas. They are furnished in an African contemporary style nestled in stunning gardens with a full lake view.
Each has the following features:
• Lakefront location and views
• Hand-carved king size bed with oversize mosquito net
• Bathroom with separate shower and bathtub with double vanities
• Comfortable separate sitting area
• Malawian cotton, locally embroided bed linens
• Tea/coffee making facilities
• Fan system
• Private veranda with comfortable sun chairs
• Maximum occupancy 2 adults and 2 children.
Beach / Family Rooms
The Makokola has 26 well appointed Beach rooms, 11 family rooms, 13 twin rooms and 2 double rooms. They are furnished in an African contemporary style and are just steps away from the lake.
These rooms have the following features:
• Lakefront location and views
• King size bed with oversize mosquito net
or
• Two single beds with oversize mosquito net
• Malawian cotton, locally embroided bed linen
• Bathroom with separate shower and bathtub, double vanities
• Tea/coffee making facilities
• Fan system
• Private terrace with relaxing sun chairs
• Maximum occupancy 4 people including children in family rooms and 2 people in twin/ double rooms.
Garden Rooms
The Makokola has 12 Garden rooms, 6 family rooms and 6 twin rooms all walking distance from the Lake. They are furnished in an African contemporary style, surrounded by the tranquility of lush gardens and the relaxing nearby Lake Spa.
The Garden rooms have the following facilities:
• Full garden views
• Two single beds with oversize mosquito net and four bunk beds
• Malawian cotton, locally embroided bed linen
• One bathroom with shower with single vanity
• Tea/coffee making facilities
• Fan system
• Private terrace with relaxing sun chairs
• Maximum occupancy 2 adults and 4 children.
