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The Makokola Retreat

3.0 star property
Lakefront hotel with full-service spa and golf course

Photo gallery for The Makokola Retreat

Relax on the beach under shaded umbrellas and lounge chairs, surrounded by palm trees and majestic mountains.
Traditional hut surrounded by lush greenery, offering a serene natural setting.
Relax by the ocean with a clear view, lounge chairs, and a small pool.
Two single beds with matching headboards, a bedside table and lamp, and a small table with a vase of flowers.
Dine al fresco by the pool, surrounded by serene water views and lush greenery.

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • Bar
  • Spa
  • All-inclusive
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Breakfast included

Explore the area

Map
Shores of Southern Lake Malawi, P.O. Box 59, Mangochi
  • Nkhudzi Bay Beach
    ‪36 min drive‬
  • Monkey Bay Beach
    ‪42 min drive‬
  • Lake Malawi National Park
    ‪50 min drive‬
  • Monkey Bay (MYZ)
    ‪50 min drive‬

Room options

Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, Beach View (Superior)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Free cots/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Minibar
Coffee/tea maker
  • 55 sq m
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Single Beds and 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Bedrooms, Beach View

Highlights

Free cots/infant beds
Ceiling fan
2 bedrooms
Minibar
Coffee/tea maker
  • 30 sq m
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds

Superior Room, 1 King Bed, Beach View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Free cots/infant beds
Ceiling fan
Minibar
Coffee/tea maker
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, Beach View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Ceiling fan
Minibar
Coffee/tea maker
Living room
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed, Lake View, Lakeside

Highlights

Ceiling fan
Minibar
Coffee/tea maker
  • 70 sq m
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Club Makokola

At The Makokola Retreat, you'll be 27.1 km (16.8 mi) from Nkhudzi Bay Beach and 27.6 km (17.2 mi) from Lake Malawi Museum. Highlights at this hotel include a full-service spa, a golf course and a restaurant. .A relaxing day at The Lake Spa can include hot stone massages, facials and body treatments along with aromatherapy and reflexology. The hotel's own poolside bar is a nice place to enjoy a drink. Enjoy the 2 outdoor tennis courts, outdoor swimming pool and gym plus access to boat tours. Plus you'll find Wi-Fi in public areas, a conference centre and laundry facilities. Each morning free full breakfast is offered between 7 AM and 9:30 AM. .With a stay at this 3-property class Mangochi hotel, you'll be 27.9 km (17.4 mi) from Monkey Bay Beach.

What's nearby

  • Nkhudzi Bay Beach - 36 min drive - 32.7 km
  • Lake Malawi Museum - 38 min drive - 31.2 km
  • Monkey Bay Beach - 42 min drive - 35.0 km
  • Lake Malawi National Park - 50 min drive - 49.4 km

Getting around

  • Monkey Bay (MYZ) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Zithere Pano Restaurant - ‬8 min drive

About this property

The Makokola Retreat

Lakefront hotel with full-service spa and golf course
Some rates at The Makokola Retreat are all-inclusive. These rates include on-site meals and beverages, and may include taxes and gratuities. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages and other amenities.

The Makokola Retreat offers its guests a full-service spa, a golf course, and outdoor tennis courts. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the pool bar. Free breakfast is served daily. WiFi is available in public spaces for a fee.

Event space at this hotel measures 2583 square feet (240 square metres) and includes a conference centre. An outdoor pool, a fitness centre, and spa services are also featured at The Makokola Retreat.

This 3-star Mangochi hotel is smoke free.

  • 66 guestrooms or units
  • 2583 sq ft of conference space
  • 240 sq. m of conference space
  • Full breakfast (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Conference centre
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Wedding services available
  • Garden
  • Gift shop
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
The Makokola Retreat offers 66 accommodations with a ceiling fan. This Mangochi hotel provides wireless Internet access for a surcharge. Guests can make use of the in-room coffee/tea makers and minibars. Rooms have partially open bathrooms. Bathrooms include a shower.
The Lake Spa has 4 treatment rooms, including rooms for couples. Services include hot stone massages, facials and body treatments. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and reflexology.

The spa is open selected days. Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa.

Languages

Afrikaans, English, French, Italian, Spanish

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: WiFi (MWK 5,000 per day)
  • In-room WiFi has a 1-device limit
  • Available in some public areas: WiFi (MWK 5,000 per stay)
  • WiFi in public areas has a 1-device limit

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 7 AM to 9:30 AM
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • 18-hole golf course
  • 2 outdoor tennis courts
  • Beach volleyball
  • Boat tours
  • Full-service spa
  • Gym
  • Kayaking
  • Motor boating
  • Outdoor pool
  • Parasailing
  • Racquetball/squash
  • Sailing
  • Snorkelling
  • Water skiing

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities

Guest services

  • No housekeeping service
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 5 meeting rooms
  • Conference centre (2,583 square foot of space)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On a lake
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas

Full-service spa

  • 4 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Reflexology
  • Spa open select days

More

  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Partially-open bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Minibar

More

  • Ceiling fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: midnight
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for in-room wireless Internet: MWK 5000 per day (1-device limit, rates may vary)
  • Fee for wireless Internet in public areas: MWK 5000 per stay (1-device limit, rates may vary)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

Property is also known as

Makokola Retreat Hotel Mangochi
Makokola Retreat Hotel
Makokola Retreat Mangochi
Makokola Retreat
The Makokola Retreat Hotel
The Makokola Retreat Mangochi
The Makokola Retreat Hotel Mangochi

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at The Makokola Retreat?

The Makokola Retreat offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Are there any beaches close to The Makokola Retreat?

The closest beach to The Makokola Retreat is Nkhudzi Bay Beach (19.7 km).

Is there a spa on site at The Makokola Retreat?

Yep, The Lake Spa is available for guests. You'll enjoy heaps of services like facials and body treatments, as well as hot stone massages.

Does The Makokola Retreat have a pool?

The Makokola Retreat has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying under the shade of an umbrella and with a coldie from the bar. The pool is open 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Does The Makokola Retreat serve breakfast?

Yep, complimentary full breakfast is offered daily between 7 AM and 9:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Makokola Retreat?

No, The Makokola Retreat does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at The Makokola Retreat?

Yep, they've got a poolside bar and an onsite restaurant.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Makokola Retreat?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Makokola Retreat?

No, pets are not allowed.

Is there a golf course on site at The Makokola Retreat?

Yep, The Makokola Retreat has an 18-hole golf course.

The Makokola Retreat Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 2 out of 4 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 4 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 4 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

2 star hotel in a 5 star location.

Many small things can be done to make the living quarters better. Eg cockroach prevention, clean sheets, fix the fans. Beautiful location and the staff were lovely but over priced unless you are going as a group and can share the cost.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice room, good food and excellent service

3 awesome relaxing nights at Club Mak. The homemade gelado is to die for. Amazing views over Lake Malawi

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Definitely needs air conditioning...

Lovely setting on a lovely stretch of beach. Good food. Front desk service okay, all others really wonderful. The main thing missing here is air conditioning. It is stifling in the rooms, even in the middle of the night. Also, there are major power outages constantly (as is the case throughout the country), but with the cost of a room here I would hope for a generator to run anytime the power is down.

10/10 Excellent

Jeff, Vienna, Virginia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

A very peaceful retreat!

A quiet and peaceful retreat with open spaces, great food, and quality service by friendly staff. Hotel could provide small face cloth/towel option. Long hand towels - an old English and wasteful tradition - are hard to use (especially with the mini-soap provided); they're also terrible for the environment as they require more water to wash, and more detergent! Cold shower can be uncomfortable especially morning and evening. Should provide warm water option - even if climate is warm. Overall we were greatly impressed by this world-class hotel, and would come again!