Escape to this coastal town of Kenya for the reef and the culture

Malindi, a Kenyan city on the Indian Ocean, has long been a favorite of European tourists, Italians especially. Drawn by the pristine beaches, coral reef, and Swahili culture Guia Canessa Giangrasso—a Milan-based knitwear designer and fashion blogger—bought a house in Malindi recently where she takes her sons Tancredi, four-years-old, and Brando, almost two. Just an hour ahead of Milan, Malindi’s climate (the wind keeps the area largely mosquito- and malaria-free), great food, and inspiring nature have the Giangrasso family smitten by this resort town. A typical day begins with breakfast at home followed by a quick walk to the marine park, where the kids can swim in the natural pools. Then there’s lunch at White Elephant, another dip at Watamu Beach followed by a trip to the dock at Hemingways Resort to catch the fishermen coming home with blue marlins in tow. Make sure to plan a visit to Sardegna Due, an atoll in the middle of the ocean where you can spend the day snorkeling and enjoying a lobster and seafood barbecue. Malindi isn’t just sea and sunshine though. In nearby Mambrui, a smaller coastal settlement, tourists can get a taste of Swahili culture and the Masai Mara (great for a safari with the kids, but not recommended for children under five) is just a jeep-ride away.

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