Ndomo Point House: Our full report

Ndomo Point House is a private four-bedroom house which opened in 2011 on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi.

It is separate from, but part of, Kaya Mawa; it is self-contained and fully staffed with a nanny, cook, housekeeper, groundstaff and watchmen.

Ndomo Point House is located on its own private beach on the south-west corner of the island with uninterrupted views across to the neighbouring island, Chizimulu, and on to mainland Malawi 72km away. It is 15 minutes walk away from the main area of the lodge; guests have a boat and a vehicle at their disposal, and are also welcome to use all the facilities at the main lodge, have their meals there, and enjoy the activities on offer.

When we visited in May 2011, Ndomo Point was in final stages of building, with the interiors to complete. The house has four bedrooms (three doubles and one twin), with three having en-suite bathrooms, and all but the twin room overlooking the lake. Ndomo House also has its own sitting room, kitchen/dining room, study, outside dining and BBQ area, and plunge pool set amongst the granite rocks on the edge of the lake.

In the master bedroom that we saw, a king-sized bed was set on a raised base, looking out double-doors onto the lake. On one side of the room was a large moulded wardrobe and rustic-looking full length mirror. On the other was an open-plan en-suite bathroom with raindrop shower, deep moulded bath and twin sinks; there is a separate toilet room. From the bedroom two sets of double-doors opened out onto terrace, with comfy cushions, perfect for watching the sun set over the lake.

As with Kaya Mawa, Ndomo Point House uses high-quality décor throughout, including lots of bespoke pieces designed by Suzie Lightfoot, one of the owners, and made on the island by the local women and men of Katundu Textiles.

Our view

On the basis of what we've seen, Ndomo Point House will be a really lovely, large family house/villa for up to about eight people – and James and Susie are living in it for three months which should solve any 'teething problems'. Getting to Likoma Island requires a charter flight, so we wouldn't suggest it for less than 4 days, but for a group who want some relaxing time by the lake – this would be a lovely place.

Claire Scott

Country manager: Malawi

Geographics

Location: Likoma Island, Malawi
Ideal length of stay: 3+ nights – it's just not worth coming here for less.
Directions: Nearer Mozambique than mainland Malawi, Likoma Island is reached most easily from the mainland by an hour's flight from Lilongwe. It could also be reached using Danforth yachting, or we can organize an approach via Mozambique. Ndomo Point House in ten minutes by motor boat from Kaya Mawa.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Further dining info, including room service: The house has its own chef and you can eat when and where you wish to.
Drinks included: Soft drinks and local spirits.

Special interests

Private villas & houses: Ndomo Point House is part of Kaya Mawa and is a fully staffed private house/villa in Malawi for up to eight people. It is located on its own private beach and is a great spot for water and land based activities, or just relaxing beside the lake.; See ideas for Private villas & houses
Luxury: Ndomo Point House is a four bedroomed house with its own private swimming pool overlooking its own beach and stunning views of the lake. It is ideal for a large family or a group of friends travelling together who prefer complete privacy; it even comes with its own chef and housekeeper.; See ideas for Luxury

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Property’s age restrictions: There is no age restriction at Ndomo Point House although it is suggested that it's best for children above the age of about five years old.
Special activities & services: The lodge can offer special meals for children.
Equipment: Single beds can be provided for children. Have cots, but have not yet got high-chairs (that said, with a little bit of notice, they could get one made!)
Generally recommended for children: Recommended for children above the age of five.
Notes: Due to the house being near water, and having an unfenced, and deep, swimming pool, children must be supervised at all times.

Communications

Communications: There is mobile reception and a computer with dongle for internet but it is very slow, so you are welcome to use the internet access at the main lodge.
TV & radio: There is a 42-inch flat screen TV with DVD player and DSTV in the sitting room, as well as three iPod docking stations in the house.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: There is a hospital on Likoma Island, suitable to relatively minor ailments. Medivac can easily be organised to Lilongwe and then to SA – and the island's airstrip is tarmaced, although not useable at night. Most of the managers are fully first-aid trained.

We're advised by owners that they don't know of any recorded cases of Bilharzia being contracted anywhere on Likoma Island – by either anyone either in the community, or staying or working at the house or Kaya Mawa lodge. Certainly the aquatic environment is mostly rocky rather than reedy. The lodge's first owners swam in the lake here for many years, and were regularly tested for Bilharzia, and always tested negative.
Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk
Security measures: 24-hour unarmed watchmen employed by the lodge.
Fire safety: There are sand buckets in the house.

Activities

Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Kayaking
Mountain biking
Scuba-diving
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Included
Money: There is a safe in the house.
Accepted payment on location: Visa, Mastercard and Amex credit cards are accepted; when we last visited in May 2011, there was a surcharge of 4.5% for credit card payments.

Malawi KW, US dollars, UK sterling, Euros and SA rands are accepted as cash.