The Maji: Our full report

The Maji is a small, well managed beach hotel in a quieter part at the northern end of Diani Beach.

Built by the same people who constructed Afro Chic, nearby, it attracts a good range of international guests, many of them from Europe.

The Maji has 15 rooms in no less than seven categories, but no two rooms are alike: there's really something for everyone here. The whole house has been nicely converted, with this family home converted into a 3-floor, 15 room hotel. Interesting music (not hotel muzak) plays throughout. Fun and bright, this hotel is about freedom and flexibility. They have no meal times at all and meals are all à la carte, though guests tend to stay on a half- or full-board basis. Typical guests include parents (getting away for a break from the children), honeymooners and older couples.

Rooms
All the rooms at The Maji are very well equipped: air-conditioning, minibar, telephone, coffee- and tea-making, digital safe, mosquito net and balcony or terrace all come as standard. They're furnished with a double bed (various sizes) and a full-sized single sofa bed. Room #3, the Ocean Suite has direct access to the pool, right outside. Room #4, a Garden View Suite (of which there are two) has a particularly large double, 2m x 2.5m in size. There are three other Garden View Rooms, one of which, #8, is normally taken as a single. Room #7, the Jacuzzi Suite has a natty, stripey sofa and a jacuzzi on the deck outside and is often booked for honeymooners as it also has a bathtub, as do several other rooms.

On the top floor, room #15, the Ocean Suite, has a revolving mirror/TV console and interconnecting doors to #14, a deluxe room.

Activities
The very large pool ("118 metres long" - we had to take their word for it) has a pool attendant on full-time duty.

This part of the north side of Diani Beach is just a little quieter than the central area a mile or two to the south and the hotel employs one or two beach boys to guide and chaperone any guests who want to explore the beach without being hassled by… other beach boys. Turtles nest here right by the main central area of the hotel, and you may be able to witness the babies hatching and assist with the relocation process.

Our view

We have enjoyed several visits to The Maji over the years, and were particularly impressed by the lively and informative staff who showed us around. The Maji is a good-value option, with a very nice atmosphere and an excellent variety of rooms.

Jessica Plumb

Kenya expert

Geographics

Location: Kenya Coast, Kenya
Ideal length of stay: 4-nights plus, to really enjoy the relaxing beach atmosphere.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board
Food quality: The main influences are Mediterranean, Swahili, Indian and Italian.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included: Drinks are charged separately, but prices are reasonable.

Children

Attitude towards children: The hotel welcomes children.
Notes: The atmosphere is fairly adult so we don't recommend The Maji for very young families.

Communications

Power supply notes: There are also backup generators and solar water heaters with built-in backup for cloudy days.
Communications: Fast Wi-Fi works throughout the property.
TV & radio: Each room has satellite (DSTV) television and a DVD player.
Water supply: Mains
Water supply notes: They are in the process of acquiring their own borehole. Drinking water is brought in in 20-litre bottles and decanted.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: There's a first-aid kit and four first aid-trained staff. And the hotel is close to Diani Beach Hospital, one of the best on the coast.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: There is good security around the clock using a contracted service.
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are scattered around the property and fire training is regularly carried out.

Activities

Boat trip
Canoeing
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Itemised billing system for all laundry.
Money: There are digital safes in every room.
Accepted payment on location: Credit cards accepted are Visa and MasterCard, plus cash in major currencies.