We stayed at Turtle Bay in August with our daughter and two small grandchildren aged 2 and 4. Many people at home were worried about security in Kenya but we have been there many times and knew that Watamu would be safe. It was perfect in every way. Turtle Bay is very well managed with delightful and helpful staff in every department. We had two interconnecting rooms with plenty of space, clean and airy. The food was excellent, freshly cooked, often before our eyes, with enough choice and plenty of delicious Kenyan fresh fruit, served in the dining room next to the pool. The hotel had somehow eliminated all signs of mosquitos, in the rooms, by the pool and throughout the complex, even by the pond near reception. The children settled in quickly and were very happy there, soon getting to know the staff and making small friends round the pool. There is a completely separate adults pool for those who want peace and quiet or a 'proper' swim. The grounds are beautiful and well looked after - even the gardeners couldn't have been more friendly - and the same is true of the many security men who presence was discreet but reassuring. As we were there at spring tide, we spent many happy hours exploring the reef with the lovely men from the beach. They found so many creatures which we would never have found for ourselves and were just lovely with the children, holding octopuses for them, helping them to feed the moray eels on sausages and showing us so much else besides, large and small, all for a few 100 Kenya shillings. At high tide the swimming is not for small children but the many teenagers and adults had a great time.
For us this week was the ideal start to a month in Kenya.