The Best Beach Retreat and Lodge in Malawi for a Digital Detox

There’s nothing quite like a vacation of blissful days filled with sun, sand, and splash to make you forget about your phone and the rest of civilization. Fortunately, this beach retreat and lodge in Malawi is the perfect place to do just that! Malawi is known as ‘The Warm Heart of Africa’ for its balmy tropical climate and friendly people. And, while it might be one of Southern Africa’s smallest countries, it has a rather unique destination that is its international claim to fame.

Lake Malawi is the blue gem in Malawi’s tourism crown for travelers looking for rest, relaxation, and a good helping of fun water activities on the side. Africa’s third-largest body of water is surrounded by white sandy beaches and dotted with tiny islands where the local community welcomes visitors with warmth and smiles. And the best part? This is a freshwater lake so it’s gentle on your skin and eyes.

Lake Malawi supports a wide range of wildlife, with a total fish species count of over 1000 – including at least 700 species of cichlid fish – making it one of the lakes with an impressively high number of distinct fish species. Small animals like monkeys and baboons play in the miombo woodland and baobab trees that skirt the shorelines, joined by exquisite birds like kingfishers, cormorants, and of course, the mighty African fish eagle. Being able to completely connect nature will put your phone at the back of your ‘to do’ list.  

Kaya Mawa – A laidback beach retreat and lodge

There’s no better place in Lake Malawi to get castaway on than Likoma Island. This piece of water-bound wilderness is nature therapy for the soul – you are sure to head back home with that unmistakable carefree holiday glow. From snorkeling among colorful fish to sailing on the still lake at sunset with a cold drink in hand or ‘getting air’ above the water while kitesurfing, there is a healthy balance of relaxation and adventure to be enjoyed on Likoma.

On Likoma’s sandy beaches between natural granite boulders, sits the barefoot luxury lodge of Kaya Mawa. The Houses and Rooms open out to breath-taking views across the beach and Lake Malawi, some even as far as the lake’s Mozambican shoreline beyond. Their simple, boho beach-chic vibe is complemented by modern creature comforts and extra indulgences, with some suites enjoying a private deck, plunge pool, and dining areas.

Meaning ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ in the local Chichewa language, days spent at Kaya Mawa are yours to do as much – or as little – as you like. There is at least one thing that guarantees absolute relaxation and pause from the stresses of the world – the Kaya Mawa Island Spa. It sits perched on a rocky outcrop in the lake just a short boardwalk away from the beach. Think aromatherapy and deep tissue massages with the sounds of the lake gently lapping the rocks below and African fish eagles calling from the sky above.

Does this all sound like the heavenly destination you need to digitally detox? That’s because it is! So put it on your wanderlust wish list now for when the travel hiatus ends, and you need that much-needed beach break.

All images courtesy of Green Safaris.