Seaside fun and cuisine at new spa and resort

On our most recent trip to Kilifi, we stayed at Silver Palm Spa and Resort, a beachfront property that’s one of the relatively new entrants in the coastal town.

Perched on a small cliff overlooking the sea, its neatly manicured lawns are lined with palm trees and brightly coloured flowers, complete with a statement pool that wends its way around the entire midsection of the property.

Silver Palm Spa & Resort has 38 rooms housed in chalk-white villas with distinct contemporary Swahili architectural elements. Our one bedroom executive suite had a living room, bedroom and bathroom complete with a separate shower and bathtub. The best part about the villa was that one could step from the balcony of the living room right into the pool.

Next door to us was the premier villa which had two 2-bedroom suites, a lounge and a private pool overlooking the sea, complete with its own little island marked by a palm tree. This would certainly be the best suite for a couple on honeymoon or even a family.

The resort has two restaurants and one bar. Our first stop was Forodhani Beach Bar & Restaurant whose menu features an array of freshly caught seafood, pizza from their wood-fired oven, a selection of Indian dishes as well as teppanyaki.

This is where we had all our lunches during our stay, starting with a delectable plate of crispy fried calamari followed by a fresh pan fried tuna with a tropical salad and roast potatoes on day one.

Lunch on the second day was a fun, theatrical, live-cooking affair in front of the teppanyaki grill with the chef making us everything from barracuda to chicken and prawns, prepared in a myriad of ingredients like lemon, soy sauce, black pepper, white wine and onions. Even if you’re not staying at the resort, be sure to pop in for teppanyaki!

As for the beach bar, the menu features tropical classics like the (Kilifi) sunrise and margarita all served by the ever so amiable bartender. We didn’t actually get to check out Bustani Lounge Bar, although breakfast and dinner were a buffet affair at Mambrui Restaurant.

For those looking for a wedding venue at the coast, we spotted a wedding group taking pictures on the grounds, so this spot might be worth noting.

Barizi Spa has got to be one of the best modern spas in Kilifi and is located on the highest floor of the main building, overlooking the expansive property and sea further beyond. The couple’s massage room for instance has a massive Jacuzzi on the balcony, overlooking the resort.

Using South African Theranaka body and skin care products, they offer a range of massages and grooming for anyone looking to get pampered in a relaxed and beautiful setting.