Manni Florian initially traveled to the Kenyan coast as a tourist and was captivated by the pleasant climate and the warm hospitality of the locals he encountered.
He remarked that after enjoying his holiday at the coast, he decided to relocate to Kenya before returning to Italy.
The kindness he experienced during his visit inspired him to sell all his possessions and make Kenya his new home.
“The first time I arrived, I was thrilled by the climate, the people, and everything in general. It was a spontaneous decision; I left everything behind and came here,” Manni expressed.
During his time in Kenya, Manni found that he was not satisfied with many of the accommodations he tried, prompting him to purchase land for the construction of his own house.
However, the land turned out to be larger than he had anticipated, leading him to establish his business, Palm Gardens Resort.
“It was quite straightforward; unfortunately, I did not feel comfortable in the places I stayed, which were not what I was seeking. One day, I resolved to create something for myself, and it grew larger than I had envisioned, but that was acceptable,” he explained.
Upon launching his resort in Watamu, Manni felt confident in investing his resources into the venture, which he considers his best decision to date.
The hotel has been operational for nearly a decade.
“I felt secure investing in Kenya; otherwise, I would not have done so. It was challenging, but I maintained a positive outlook. To this day, it remains my best decision, and we are optimistic for the future. It has been almost ten years, and things improve every day,” Manni added.
The hotel welcomes both guests and walk-in visitors, catering to families, couples, friends, as well as hosting workshops, retreats, and business meetings.
It features exquisite suites with separate living areas, a boutique showcasing African designs, a spa, high-speed Wi-Fi, and televisions equipped with Netflix and YouTube in all suites.
Additionally, there is a swimming pool, relaxation areas, a conference hall, and a bar and restaurant offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
The hotel is conveniently located just 950 meters from a stunning beach.
