Malindi’s coastline will host a women-only retreat from April 30 to May 3, 2026, bringing together style, movement and connection in a relaxed coastal setting.
Dubbed the Dera & Dance Weekender, the four-day experience will take place at Mwembe Resort, offering a space designed for women to unwind, interact and express themselves freely.
Organisers describe it as a curated cultural retreat that blends dance, music, conversation and leisure, with a focus on creating an environment where participants can feel at ease and fully present.
The concept was developed by Wanjiru Mbiyu, founder of Ginga Bella, who says the idea is rooted in community and self-expression.
“Dera & Dance was born out of a simple conviction that when women come together to move, to dress beautifully, and to be in their bodies without apology, they remember something powerful about themselves,” she says. “The dera is more than a garment; it’s an invitation to soften, to flow, to feel feminine and free. And dance is how we let that feeling speak.”
The programme will include activities such as a sunset dhow cruise, movie nights, guided conversations on love and relationships, as well as makeup and henna sessions and live performances.
There will also be time set aside for rest and leisure.
Jean Githinji of Malindi Afro Latin, a collaborator on the event, says women-focused spaces remain important.
“There’s something deeply special about a space curated entirely for women,” she says. “Women need places like this where the space holds you, the music moves you, and the company reminds you that you are not alone in any of it.”
Set against Malindi’s coastal backdrop, the retreat promises to offer participants a chance to slow down and connect in a shared space.