Kenya’s coastline is often described in broad strokes, white sand, warm waters, and Swahili culture. All of this is true. Yet, viewing the entire coast through a single beach narrative does not do it justice. Stretching along the Indian Ocean, Kenya’s shoreline unfolds as a series of distinct experiences, each shaped by its own rhythm, landscape, and history.

From refined resort towns and reef-lined lagoons to bustling port cities and car-free heritage islands, every coastal stop answers a different traveller’s question. The Kenyan coast is less about ticking beaches off a list and more about choosing the pace, mood, and experience that suits you best.

Diani Beach reflects Kenya’s most polished coastal escape, with luxury resorts, private villas, and curated experiences that blend comfort with nature. Watamu offers a quieter rhythm, defined by coral reefs, marine parks, and conservation-led exploration. Lamu slows life down entirely, revealing centuries of Swahili heritage through its lanes, architecture, and traditions. Mombasa, the cultural heart of the coast, layers history, street life, food, and trade into a vibrant urban experience.

Kenya’s coastline is not about finding the best beach, but about choosing the right experience. From leisure and luxury to heritage and everyday culture, the coast reveals many faces of the Indian Ocean. For travellers willing to explore beyond the obvious, it offers stories, contrasts, and a sense of place that stays long after the journey ends.

Chatrium Hospitality, Thailand’s leading independent hotel group, is set to expand its footprint in Phuket with the opening of Chatrium Rawai Phuket in 2026. Located along the tranquil southern shores of Rawai Beach, the upcoming resort marks Chatrium’s first property on the island and promises a seamless blend of relaxation, discovery, and authentic Thai hospitality.

Rooted in cultural values of respect, joy, and generosity, Chatrium Rawai Phuket will reflect the group’s signature approach to understated sophistication, paired with a strong commitment to eco-conscious practices. Designed as a gateway to Andaman escapes, the resort offers guests an environment where thoughtful luxury meets the natural beauty of Phuket’s coastline.

The resort will feature 304 contemporary rooms, suites, and pool villas, thoughtfully arranged in a layered layout. Most accommodations will offer balconies with sweeping views of the Andaman Sea, while interiors filled with natural light will focus on comfort, openness, and ease.

Families are a key focus of the resort, with purpose-built accommodations complemented by a vibrant kids’ club and splash pools featuring exciting water slides. Guests can enjoy a wide range of leisure offerings, from the Wellness & Spa Center to a dedicated beachside water sports hub, before unwinding on a striking pool deck that opens out to expansive horizon views.

Dining at Chatrium Rawai Phuket will unfold across multiple settings. These include a seafood-centric all-day dining restaurant inspired by a traditional fisherman’s market, where local catches meet bold Southern Sea flavours; a relaxed poolside restaurant and bar offering tropical beverages and light bites; and a welcoming lobby lounge designed for casual refreshments throughout the day.

Rawai Beach’s laid-back coastal charm makes it an ideal base for exploration. Known as a gateway to pristine coral reefs, diving sites, and nearby islands, the area offers easy access to long-tail boat excursions. Guests can also experience the destination’s strong local character, from the working fishing community to the iconic Sea Gypsy Village, where fresh seafood is sold directly by fishermen. Nearby attractions include Promthep Cape, Ya Nui Beach, and a variety of family-friendly seaside experiences.

Chatrium Rawai Phuket is conveniently located approximately 30 to 40 minutes from Phuket Old Town and around 90 minutes from Phuket International Airport, offering both seclusion and accessibility.

With its coastal setting, family-friendly design, and emphasis on meaningful, experience-led stays, Chatrium Rawai Phuket is poised to become a distinctive addition to Phuket’s evolving hospitality landscape.

About Chatrium Hospitality
Chatrium Hospitality is a Bangkok-headquartered independent hotel group with a portfolio of 11 properties across Thailand, Myanmar, and Japan. Operating under the brands Chatrium Hotels & Residences and Maitria Hotels & Residences, the group manages over 3,100 keys and is committed to delivering “Remarkable Experiences” through Thai-inspired hospitality, world-class service, and sustainable practices.

Atmosphere Core has achieved a significant milestone in experience-led luxury hospitality with the successful completion of its 100th Wine Masterclass, celebrated through the Bottega Gala Gold event at Atmosphere Kanifushi on 6 December 2025. The landmark occasion reinforces the group’s long-standing commitment to authentic winemaker partnerships and immersive guest experiences.

The centenary masterclass offered guests an exclusive opportunity to interact directly with representatives of Bottega SpA, one of Italy’s most renowned sparkling wine producers. Guests explored the stories, terroir, and craftsmanship behind the label, creating a deeper appreciation for the artistry of winemaking within a resort island setting.

Atmosphere Core’s wine masterclass journey began in September 2021 with a Champagne Guy Charbaut session at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO. Since then, the initiative has grown into one of the Maldives’ most distinctive wine and hospitality programs, spanning nine island resorts. Each complimentary masterclass is integrated into the brand’s signature Holiday Plan, allowing in-house guests to enjoy guided tastings and immersive encounters hosted by partner winemakers.

Over the past four years, Atmosphere Core has collaborated with five terroir-driven producers known for authenticity and craftsmanship. These include Champagne Guy Charbaut from France, Bodegas Viñátigo from the Canary Islands, Glenelly Estate from Stellenbosch, Martín Códax from Galicia, and most recently, Bottega SpA, whose masterclasses debuted in 2025. Each partnership reflects the evolving preferences of global travellers seeking meaningful and story-rich wine experiences.

From formal tastings and intimate vineyard-style dinners to sundowners and gala evenings, the wine experiences highlight both the diversity of the partner wineries and the growing expertise of Atmosphere Core’s culinary and sommelier teams. Notably, all 100 masterclasses have been offered as part of the resorts’ inclusive Holiday Plans, an innovative approach within luxury hospitality.

Commenting on the milestone, Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wine at Atmosphere Core, said, “We aimed to create a wine culture that allows creativity in storytelling and pairing, while maintaining discipline in selection, partnerships, training, and service. Reaching our 100th Wine Experience reminded us why we began this journey, to make wine knowledge accessible, spark curiosity, and give generously to guests and colleagues alike. The Joy of Giving has shaped every one of these moments.”

The award-winning wine program is structured around three pillars: in-resort guest experiences, vineyard expeditions for culinary teams, and in-market engagements with travel and media partners. Winemakers regularly travel to the Maldives to host masterclasses, while Atmosphere Core’s teams visit vineyards across Europe and South Africa, fostering shared learning and deeper collaboration.

With the successful completion of its 100th Wine Masterclass, Atmosphere Core is now looking ahead to an expanded calendar of wine experiences, with the 2026 program already in development. As the initiative evolves, the brand continues to be guided by its ethos of the Joy of Giving, ensuring guests discover something new and memorable with every expressive bottle and story shared.