The day is yours to unwind and enjoy the sun and sea.
If you're keen to explore the Malindi area, the reception can always suggest great excursions.
There's plenty of history and culture nearby.
The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed in Malindi in 1498, where he was received by the Sheikh of Malindi, who ruled the district at that time. However, even several hundred years prior, Malindi served as an export port for spices, gold, ivory – and slaves, and Malindi was, when Vasco da Gama arrived, a significant city on Kenya's coast.
In the late 1500s, the Portuguese began constructing Fort Jesus further south – at Mombasa – and moved their Kenyan headquarters there. Mombasa is situated on an island, and the Portuguese likely believed an island city was easier to defend against enemies, of which there were plenty during those years.
South of Malindi, you'll also find the Gede ruins, which are the remnants of a Swahili town supposedly abandoned around the same time the Portuguese moved from Malindi to Mombasa. Why Gede was abandoned remains a matter of speculation, but the truth is, everyone forgot about Gede for centuries! Today, the ruins are part of UNESCO's world heritage list for cultural preservation.
Hell's Kitchen north of Malindi is also worth a visit. A hike here showcases dramatic rock formations, apparently earning it the nickname of a smaller version of the Grand Canyon.
Hire a small catamaran to sail on the turquoise sea or book a snorkelling trip to Malindi Marine National Park. There's no shortage of things to do, unless you'd just prefer to enjoy the resort and stroll along the shore.