The Majlis Resort
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Hotel Details
Location
The Majlis Resort · Lamu, Kenya
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Key Highlights
- ✓Views: Many rooms offer stunning sea or garden views, and some include private terraces or balconies.
- ✓The service and staff at The Majlis Resort consistently receive exceptional ratings (9.5 on Booking.com). Guests describe the staff as:
Expert Review: The Majlis Resort
The Majlis Resort, Lamu, Kenya: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property
The Majlis Resort in Lamu, Kenya, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise from guests, offering a luxurious and serene escape on Manda Island. It is frequently described as a "slice of paradise" where Swahili charm meets Italian elegance, providing a unique blend of refined comfort and authentic coastal experience.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for The Majlis Resort is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 8.9 out of 10 on Booking.com and 9.0 on Kayak based on numerous verified reviews. Guests frequently use terms like "perfect," "memorable stay," "serene beauty," and "marvelous" to describe their experiences. The resort is highly recommended, with 97% of guests indicating they would recommend the hotel.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud several aspects of The Majlis Resort:
- Stunning Design & Ambiance: The resort features understated architecture, blending seamlessly into its surroundings with unique buildings, lush gardens, and white sand floors. It's adorned with beautifully curated art and decor, creating an atmosphere of calm and serenity.
- Exceptional Location: Situated on Manda Island, it offers a luxurious beachfront escape with incredible views of Ras Kitau Bay, Shela village, and Lamu Island, providing a tranquil and secluded setting.
- Personalized Service: The staff's attentiveness, friendliness, and dedication to ensuring a pleasant, personalized stay are frequently highlighted.
- Amenities: The resort boasts two (or three, depending on interpretation) swimming pools with breathtaking views, a wellness center/spa offering various treatments, and a range of water sports and cultural activities.
3. Room Quality
The 25-40 individually designed rooms and suites, spread across two or three beachfront villas, are noted for their spaciousness, comfort, and elegant design. Key features include:
- Design: Hand-crafted furniture, original artworks, and traditional Swahili touches, complemented by high-beamed ceilings and white coral blocks.
- Comfort: Rooms are air-conditioned, bright, and breezy, designed to maximize natural light and ocean breezes.
- Views: Many rooms offer stunning sea or garden views, and some include private terraces or balconies.
- Facilities: En-suite bathrooms, mosquito nets, mini-bars, and safes are standard.
4. Dining Experience
Dining at The Majlis is a significant highlight, described as a celebration of fresh, local flavors with international flair.
- Cuisine: Menus emphasize daily caught seafood, organic produce, and a fusion of international (predominantly Italian, Indian) and Swahili dishes.
- Variety: The resort offers three different restaurants and bars, allowing for varied dining experiences. Meals can be enjoyed in the beachfront restaurant, at a bar, or in private beach setups.
- Breakfast: Guests particularly praise the breakfast for being "good" and "abundant" with a varied mix of local and international specialties. Portions are often described as generous.
5. Service & Staff
The service and staff at The Majlis Resort consistently receive exceptional ratings (9.5 on Booking.com). Guests describe the staff as:
- Friendly & Attentive: Going "out of their way to be friendly and helpful," even when the resort is at full capacity.
- Professional & Welcoming: Providing personalized care and attention to each guest.
- Proactive: Anticipating guests' needs while remaining unintrusive.
6. Location & Accessibility
The Majlis Resort is uniquely situated on Manda Island in the Lamu Archipelago, just across a channel from Lamu Old Town.
- Accessibility: It is only accessible by boat or plane. Guests typically fly to Manda Airport (LAU), from where the resort provides complimentary 10-15 minute speedboat transfers.
- Neighborhood & Attractions: The location offers a secluded, peaceful environment while still being a short boat ride away from cultural excursions to UNESCO World Heritage Site Lamu Town and Shela Village. Manda Island itself is described as a "beachy, breezy alternative" to the busier streets of Lamu.
7. Value & Pricing
While considered a luxury property, The Majlis Resort generally receives a "Very good" rating for value for money (8.3 on Booking.com). Room rates can start from approximately $321, with prices varying based on the season and day of the week (cheapest in January and November, most expensive on Tuesdays). Many guests feel the experience justifies the cost, describing it as a "dream holiday" and a "beautiful and comfortable haven."
8. Common Complaints
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring minor issues or criticisms have been noted:
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Some guests have reported "very poor WiFi," with it dropping off and experiencing long lags.
- Walk-in Guests: One significant complaint mentioned by a guest was the resort allowing walk-in visitors to use facilities, which led to overcrowding of sunbeds and sometimes "badly behaved" individuals.
- Minor Room Amenities: Isolated feedback mentioned the lack of coffee or creamer in rooms (though plenty of tea was available) and issues with regulating shower water temperature (either boiling hot or cold).
Overall, The Majlis Resort stands out as a highly recommended luxury destination in Lamu, celebrated for its exquisite design, idyllic setting, outstanding service, and culinary delights, making it a truly unforgettable retreat.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring minor issues or criticisms have been noted:
- •Wi-Fi Connectivity: Some guests have reported "very poor WiFi," with it dropping off and experiencing long lags.
Google Reviews
645 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Karan Manek
Extremely disappointing experience and complete lack of empathy from this hotel. We had stayed at Majlis Resort a few months ago and had a pleasant experience, which is why we chose to book again. Unfortunately, this visit completely changed our opinion of the hotel. Due to a flight delay, we were unable to catch our domestic flight to Lamu. Because it was New Year’s period, there were no alter...
Mugzz Ek
Majilis resort is AMAZING 🤩. From the moment I checked in I could feel the warmth of the staff starting with Eva who was soooo lovely. The landscaping and architecture of Majilis is top notch. This place is a gem. I loved the three restaurants but my favorite was the Mediterraneo. The waiters were lovely and I especially remember Masha who was polite and attentive. On my last day I decided to tre...
Jen W
We ended at this hotel after an unpleasant night at another hotel. The staff gave us a tour of the entire property before we booked a couple of nights here with a half boarding plan (breakfast and dinner included). It was amazing. The people who work at this hotel are friendly, professional, and welcoming. They attend to all of your needs. The location is gorgeous and they have beautiful pools, in...
Stephen Trimble
Outstanding service! Friendliest people ever :). Masha, Eva, Fatma, Colson and Kennedy in particular made our visit memorable and special. The food was outstanding at all 3 restaurants. Our day out for BBQ on a Dhao was amazing. Constructive comments… The towel game is stressful and annoying. Our room was somewhat dark and short on towels. We were full board but still had to pay for water....
Idah Achiume
This place is so serene. The resort itself is so relaxing and quiet. Great destination for solo, couples or groups even. I loved the spa, had 3 massages (thanks Elizabeth). Thanks Shirley and Florence for being great hosts. To Chef George and George N at hospitality. And all the pool and room service guys. I wish I could come back really soon. Kenya is amazing!
Nandi M
The Majlis: An Unforgettable Return to Paradise! This was my second time staying at The Majlis, and once again, it has far exceeded any expectation a traveler could possibly have. From the moment I was collected at Lamu Manda airport until the very last farewell as I was whisked back, every detail was executed with flawless perfection. The entire team is incredibly friendly, professional, and ge...
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