The Makokola Retreat

Hotels
•
Independent
8.4 (4 reviews)
Shores of Southern Lake Malawi, P.O. Box 59, Mangochi , Mangochi , MW
265-15-80244

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Facilities

Free breakfast
Full-service spa
Fitness facilities
Boat tours on site
Parasailing on site
24-hour front desk
Garden
Fitness facilities
Gift shops or newsstand
Conference space
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Clean rooms
Friendly staff
Great location
Comfortable beds
Cons:
Limited parking
Expensive breakfast
No spa services

Categories

Cleanliness
7.5
Guests consistently mentioned cleanliness as a positive aspect.
Service
8.3
Service was generally appreciated, although a few guests had complaints about wait times.
Location
8.1
The hotel is located in close proximity to many key landmarks and public transport.
Room Quality
7.8
Rooms were spacious and comfortable, although some guests mentioned minor maintenance issues.
Amenities
7.2
The amenities provided were satisfactory, with some guests highlighting the gym and pool, while others mentioned the lack of spa services.
Value for Money
6.9
Some guests felt that the price was a bit high for the services offered, while others thought it was reasonable given the location.
Food and Beverage
7.3
Breakfast and restaurant services were generally well-received, although a few guests thought there could be more variety.
Overall Experience
8
Most guests had a positive overall experience and would recommend the hotel to others.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-06-30 06:35

Property Description

Spa Treatments and Recreational Amenities
Indulge in massages, body treatments, and facials at the spa or enjoy outdoor tennis courts, an outdoor pool, and a round of golf at the hotel.

All-Inclusive Dining and Bar Services
With all-inclusive rates, savor meals at the onsite restaurant and have a drink at the poolside bar. A complimentary full breakfast is served daily.

Event Spaces and Guest Rooms
Featuring a conference center, 5 meeting rooms, and 66 guestrooms with minibars, The Makokola Retreat ensures a comfortable stay for all guests.

Important information:

  • Pool access available from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: LLW

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets not allowed

  • Children and extra beds

    No rollaway/extra beds available

  • General

    Professional property host/manager

Location

Guest Reviews

8.4
Based on 4 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.5
Service: 8.3
Location: 8.1
Room Quality: 7.8
Amenities: 7.2
Value for Money: 6.9
Food and Beverage: 7.3
Overall Experience: 8
V
Verified traveler
6
2 star hotel in a 5 star location.
Pros:

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.

2018-03-10 • via Nuitee
V
Verified traveler
10
Nice room, good food and excellent service
Pros:

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

2017-04-22 • via Nuitee
V
Verified traveler
8
Definitely needs air conditioning...
Pros:

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.

2016-09-17 • via Nuitee
J
Jeff
10
A very peaceful retreat!
Pros:

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!

2015-09-04 • via Nuitee