NAIROBI, April 1 – CityBlue Hotels, a member of Africa’s Diar Group, has announced plans to develop Oceara Residences, a 200-plus unit mixed-use project along Watamu’s coastline in Kenya, in partnership with Sands of Darakasi Resort Ltd.
The development will occupy approximately six acres, offering more than 130 metres of direct ocean frontage. Completion is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2029.
The project combines resort-style living with branded residential offerings, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Residents and visitors will have access to a wide array of leisure and lifestyle amenities, such as multiple swimming pools, a beach club, restaurants, a spa, fitness facilities, and landscaped green spaces.
Jameel Verjee, CEO of CityBlue Hotels, said: “Oceara Residences by CityBlue represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Kenya’s coastal hospitality market. We are proud to partner with Sands of Darakasi Resort Ltd to bring this vision to life, combining world-class hospitality expertise with a unique beachfront offering that will attract both investors and leisure travellers. Our focus is to deliver a high-performing, design-led destination that creates long-term value for all stakeholders.”
Oceara Residences will be fully integrated into CityBlue’s branded hospitality platform, providing alignment with international standards and access to regional and global distribution networks. Analysts note that the development taps into rising investor interest in branded residential and mixed-use hospitality projects across East Africa, particularly in high-demand coastal destinations such as Watamu.
