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.

Four Seasons Maldives is ushering in the New Year with a vibrant festive season spread across its two island resorts, Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa, each offering a distinct yet equally engaging celebration experience. Designed to spark curiosity and delight, the festivities combine imaginative themes, immersive dining, music, and beachside gatherings, all set against the serene beauty of the Maldives.

At Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, the celebrations unfold around the mystical narrative of Ellgy Island, a once-in-a-century awakening that blends fantasy, flavour, and festivity. The island comes alive through creative storytelling, vine-draped settings, and experiences that blur the line between dream and discovery. Guests are invited to explore unique culinary concepts, including treetop dining moments, underwater-inspired flavours, and dishes that draw inspiration from the Indian Subcontinent, adding a familiar warmth for Indian travellers seeking global luxury with regional resonance.

Dining takes centre stage through a series of curated evenings at Blu Beach Club and Café Landaa, where rare ingredients, soulful music, and relaxed beachfront settings create an atmosphere of understated indulgence. From truffle-focused gourmet nights to evolving lobster celebrations and Asian-inspired feasts, each experience is designed to be engaging without being overwhelming. Craft beers from across Asia, including India and neighbouring regions, add a casual yet well-thought-out touch to the festivities.

A highlight of the season is the exclusive Japanese Omakase pop-up, led by a master chef from Kobe, offering intimate dining experiences that celebrate precision, craftsmanship, and seasonal flavours. These limited-seat experiences reflect Four Seasons’ focus on quality over scale, appealing to guests who value meaningful culinary storytelling.

Adding to the festive spirit, Landaa Giraavaru also hosts a special collaboration with a renowned two-Michelin-star chef from the Netherlands, bringing coastal European flavours to the Maldivian shores. With an emphasis on seafood, fire-led cooking, and fermentation, the experience is presented in an open-air beach setting, blending global gastronomy with island simplicity.

At Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, the New Year celebrations take on a more rhythm-driven character. Under the theme of retro glamour and throwback beats, the resort transforms into a lively celebration of music and style. From vintage-inspired beachfront elegance to energetic poolside gatherings, the focus here is on fun, movement, and shared moments.

The highlight at Kuda Huraa is a millennium-themed New Year celebration that draws inspiration from early-2000s music and pop culture. With iconic tracks, stylish décor, and a high-energy atmosphere, the evening is designed to be nostalgic yet fresh, offering guests a joyful way to step into the New Year.

Together, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa present a festive season that balances imagination with comfort, global influences with local warmth, and celebration with calm. For travellers looking to welcome the New Year in a setting that feels special yet approachable, Four Seasons Maldives offers a thoughtfully crafted escape that lingers well beyond the final countdown.

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.