Why Watamu has joined elite 2026 romantic destinations

Whale watching in Watamu-Courtesy, Watamu Marine Association

Watamu has officially been crowned one of the top ten most romantic escapes globally by the world’s largest travel guidance platform.

In its 2026 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards, TripAdvisor ranked Kenya’s Coastal destination in the ninth spot globally, rubbing shoulders with elite honeymoon destinations like Bali, Mauritius, the Maldives, and St. Lucia.

“From tropical islands and serene beaches to charming towns and scenic retreats, these destinations offer travellers unforgettable experiences, intimate moments, and the perfect backdrop for celebrating love,” the world's largest travel guidance platform, TripAdvisor, notes.

Drawing from millions of traveller reviews between October 2024 and September 2025, Watamu outperformed legendary destinations like Antigua, Venice, Santorini, and Barbados to claim its spot this year.

Described as an eco-tourist’s dream, Watamu’s allure lies in its white sandy stretches and green tourism.

“The delightful village of Watamu is an eco-tourist’s dream, lined with sandy white beaches and hotels dedicated to sustainable tourism. Watamu is a quick snorkel away from the Malindi Marine Reserve Park, and Turtle Beach is the ideal spot for a swim and a tanning session.” TripAdvisor reviews.

Each year, Tripadvisor analyses millions of reviews and ratings from its global community to uncover the most trusted recommendations, helping travellers plan unforgettable trips and uncover the world's best experiences.

This year’s awards also ranked Nairobi among the top destinations preferred by millions of travellers.

In the Africa category, Nairobi ranked second-most preferred destination after Marrakech in Morocco. The rankings celebrate the ‘Best of the Best Destinations’ that travellers around the world love most.

“Known as the safari capital of Africa, Nairobi is an energetic, modern city that serves as a fascinating introduction to both wildlife and nightlife,” TripAdvisor noted in a statement.

Travellers rated Nairobi’s top sights, which include the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, and the black rhinos of Nairobi National Park. They also rated the destinations for their nightlife, markets' bustle, and a ‘mélange of restaurants will tempt your palate in this former Maasai watering hole’.

The Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over 12 months. Out of our 8 million listings, TripAdvisor notes that fewer than 1 per cent achieve this milestone.

Best of the Best Destinations span multiple categories, including top destinations, trending destinations, culture destinations, food destinations, honeymoon destinations, and solo travel destinations.

"From iconic cities like Bangkok and London to cultural hubs, serene beach escapes, and romantic getaways across Madeira, Singapore, Bali, and beyond, the Best of the Best Destinations showcase the places that make every journey unforgettable and inspire travellers to explore the world with confidence," TripAdvisor said in a statement.

Marakech and Nairobi have also been ranked alongside Arusha, Mauritius, Zanzibar Islands, Fez, Cape Town, and Moshi.

Diani has also been rated among this year’s best beaches on the continent.

“Whether you’re looking to laze on soft sands or dive into new adventures, this year’s winning beaches promise a dreamy escape,” the travel platform noted.

Diani ranks fifth after Boulders Beach Penguin Colony in South Africa, Nakupenda Beach in Tanzania, Anse Lazio in Seychelles, and Ile aux Cerfs in Mauritius.