BLOG: Experiences That Make the Perfect Romantic Couples Retreat on Lake Malawi

This week we have an excellent blog from Kaya Mawa by Green Safaris, showcasing their luxury lodge as the perfect retreat for romance.

There is an isle in the middle of Lake Malawi that might just be where the phrase ‘island paradise’ originated. Likoma Island sets the scene for an unforgettable romantic couples retreat on Lake Malawi.

And it’s from these surrounds that Kaya Mawa Lodge draws inspiration for celebrations of love. Its 10 Houses and Rooms look out onto the lake from alcoves of granite boulders and sandy beaches set against majestic, tree-covered hills. Rated by Conde Nast as one of the world’s top 10 most romantic destinations, Kaya Mawa really knows how to give honeymooners and lovebirds an experience to fall in love with.

If you want to make a bold toast to love and commitment, there are at least three experiences that will help you do that. We’ve wrapped them up neatly for you here to put you on the path to enjoying the perfect romantic couples retreat on Lake Malawi.

1. Spa massages and bubble-baths

‘You had us at massage!’ If you thought that you aren’t the only one. Pamper sessions are an absolute must when escaping from the demands of life back home. You’ll need to get rid of those stress-induced aches and pains to really disconnect with the world and reconnect with each other.

The Kaya Spa is as much about the setting as it is the massage | Photo by Green Safaris

How about a spa platform encircled by Lake Malawi? The gentle waves lap against the rocks as the therapist works their magic on you, lulling you into relaxation, maybe even sleep. It is a dreamy combination of massage and nature therapy!

Is there anything better than soaking in a lantern-lit bubble-bath, like this tub in Makungulu House? | Photo by Green Safaris

After leaving the spa, the pampering continues back at your suite. Imagine slipping into a warm bath brimming with bubbles, surrounded by soft lantern light with a magical view of the Lake of Stars at night as it shimmers under the light from fishing boats. You may never want to leave the tub!

2. Couples’ activities on and off the water

While this might seem like a no-brainer, it’s actually an important consideration particularly if you each have different ideas of what your lakeside holiday should look like. Fortunately, Lake Malawi has such a wide range of activities that even the most diverse of interests and expectations can be met. On Likoma Island, each day is yours to map out or simply take as it comes.

Lake Malawi has some of the best conditions (up to 30 metres visibility) for snorkelling and diving | Photo by Green Safaris

Snorkel or *dive in the freshwater playground of 400 species of colourful cichlid fish, explore the shoreline on a stand-up paddleboard, or head out further on the lake by kayak or sail boat. Balance it out with some downtime enjoying cocktails at the Kaya lounge, take a dip in your suite’s private plunge pool, and then end off the day back on the lake watching the sun set from a traditional dhow boat.

Not a bad view to take in from the pool at Mainja House | Photo by Green Safaris

So, what’s the marker of getting this balance right? Going to sleep each night with a heart full of happiness and a head full of great memories!

*Did you know that Kaya Mawa is the only recognised PADI resort on Likoma Island? Read more in this blog by Likoma Island Divers.

3. Private dining experiences

Kaya chef, Cephas and his team dream up exciting dishes, which they create using local produce and ingredients grown in the gardens at the lodge. The fusion of Malawian and global flavours, combined with the laid-back dining ethos, and the renowned humour of Kaya’s team of waiters, makes each mealtime special. The real treat is dinner on the beach under a clear, starlit sky.

The ultimate romantic dining experience at Kaya | Photo by Green Safaris

Laze on the beach, while enjoying a gorgeous lake view and a picnic basket filled with the day’s creation from our award-winning kitchen team. Think homemade bread and hummus, with a fresh salad and grilled fish, and washed down with a glass of South African wine, Mozambican beer or a cocktail with gin distilled here in Malawi.

Fancy a spot of lunch on the beach? Kaya puts together a beautiful boho-chic picnic setup | Photo by Green Safaris

Be treated to a spa pamper session, take a romantic bubble-bath together, and dine on the beach after a sunset stroll along the lake shoreline. Wake up to another day of relaxation on the beach and fun activities in the water just off Likoma Island.

Ready to fall in love all over again on Lake Malawi? Then it’s time to send your enquiry to our lovely Reservations Team at Green Safaris.

The Kaya Mawa Houses featured in this blog are Mainja and Makungulu.

Original Blog by Kaya Mawa by Green Safaris. Learn more about Kaya Mawa on their dedicated page here.