Mombasa

Mombasa has a long and fascinating history dating back to 200 AD. It is the main town on the coast and boasts the largest port in East Africa. Built on an island opposite a convenient gap in the barrier reef, it is linked to the mainland by bridges and a ferry in the south. The old harbour dates back to the 12th century, when spice traders arrived from Arabia by dhow, delivering frankincense, myrrh and marvellous Persian and Bokhara carpets.

Walking around, you will find the old town opens up an intriguing maze of narrow cobbled streets, overhanging balconies and mysterious doorways. This historic quarter then gives way to bustling fruit markets and bazaars, where the sounds of haggling over exotic spices and colourful fabric fills the air. The bustling traffic, beautiful mosques, fascinating architecture and endless beaches all create a cosmopolitan coastal atmosphere.

As Mombasa and its surrounding coastline is Kenya’s most popular destination, its tourism infrastructure has developed accordingly. Along the beaches are hotels to suit every style and budget. There are dance clubs that open to dawn, restaurants, casinos and some excellent water-sport facilities. However, for those seeking a little more peace and quiet, we recommend a stay out of the immediate borders of Mombasa, perhaps at a small island or exclusive retreat, of which there are many.

Baobab Beach Resort

Baobab Beach Resort is Mombasa’s leading all-inclusive resort that has recently been renovated to a very high standard. Built along fine gently-sloping sands that stretch for almost 10km, it is perfectly located in a quiet corner of the southern end of Diani. Overlooking a safe beach lined with palm trees, its gardens are lush with colourful shrubbery and buzz with the sound of birdlife all day long. There is an extensive activity programme here that includes volleyball, archery, aerobics and aqua-aerobics, shuffleboard, football, basketball, darts, tennis (three courts), table tennis, open air jacuzzi, swimming pool, a dive-centre and a golf course nearby. There is even a wellness centre. The cuisine is excellent and there are several styles of bar to relax in. With 180 spacious sea-facing rooms that are tastefully decorated and spacious, this is a highly recommended hotel to stay in.

This spa resort is set on the very edge of Diani’s magnificent stretch of unbroken soft sands and is the first of its kind on Mombasa’s coastline. Come here for charm, luxury and romance, for the hotel lends individuality, sophistication and style to this traditional coastal setting. With 144 well-equipped sea-facing rooms that range from standard to presidential, 30 acres of landscaped tropical gardens and 350 metres of beach front, it is an excellent choice. The Nirvana Health and Wellness Spa provides every type of rejuvenation and beauty treatment as well as a fitness facility. The hotel also provides animators for the children and every style of activity from swimming pools and tennis courts, to a PADI dive centre, sailing and jet skis for hire. There is even a casino and conference centre here.

The Sands at Nomads

Surrounded by 25 acres of indigenous coastal forest, the Sands is Mombasa’s first boutique hotel that looks out over more than 225 meters of stunning beach. Much of the hotel is the inspiration of local artists, whose flare and innovation is brought to life through polished mahogany carvings, soaring sail-work, classic Venetian ‘stucco’ and other traditional Swahili architecture. There are just 37 world-class rooms, cottages and suites, all extremely stylish. Some even have a jacuzzi! There are excellent water-sports facilities, a dive centre, treatment centre and the Red Pepper restaurant.

Leisure Lodge Beach and Golf Resort is a stunning hotel built on an old coral reef just above sea level. The views from here are breathtaking. The 250 rooms are split between the main hotel and golfing complex, offering sea and delightful garden views. Rooms are spacious and of a very high standard, being equipped with everything one would expect from a hotel of this class. With indoor and outdoor restaurants, several interesting bars and lounges, large swimming pools, a casino, café disco bar, 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, water-sports and a dive school, you can relax here for days.

Leopard Beach Hotel

Leopard Beach Hotel overlooks a lovely section of the famous Diani Beach. It is a 5 star hotel that mixes Swahili style and international luxury. Set amidst 30 acres of lush tropical gardens, the hotel facilities include several restaurants, a cocktail bar, a magnificent pool and a nearby 18-hole golf course. Other activities include tennis, volleyball, aerobics, water-polo, table tennis, snorkelling, windsurfing and a great dive centre. The 155 bedrooms are all modern, newly decorated and have the finishing touches of local Swahili artists.

Southern Palms Beach Resort is located on Diani Beach and has ten acres of mature tropical gardens and stunning beach frontage. With nearly 300 modern Lamu-style rooms it is a lively hotel with many international facilities. It also boasts one of the largest swimming pools in Africa. There is a wide choice of buffet and à la carte restaurants and sports facilities include squash and tennis courts, pool tables, a fitness gym, a dive centre and all you need for most other water-sports.

Nyali Beach Hotel

Nyali Beach Hotel is a popular hotel just north of Mombasa. It is full of colonial charm and provides an extremely relaxed atmosphere. There are several excellent restaurants here, including the renowned Mvita Grill where jazz is played most evenings. Extensive gardens border a superb white sandy beach where guests can enjoy a host of activities and facilities including swimming pools, jacuzzis, tennis courts, beach volleyball, aerobics, bird walks, deep-sea fishing and many other water-sports. All 175 bedrooms are modern, comfortable and en-suite.

Voyager Beach Resort

Voyager Beach Resort is built around a nautical theme and overlooks the white sands of Nyali Beach. It is an exceptionally good hotel for families with children and offers an all-inclusive service as well. With over 200 modern spacious sea or tropical garden-facing rooms, the hotel has a continuous buzz of activity. With many snack bars, coffee shops and restaurants, you can simply relax and while away the day. However, for the active, three swimming pools, a health-centre, dive centre, a volleyball court, two tennis courts, a pool table, darts, table tennis and a children’s Adventurers’ Club, are just some of the options on offer.

Whitesands Hotel

Whitesands Hotel is a large modern hotel on the north coast which is surprisingly personal for its size. The facilities are first-class, the service extremely efficient and it is situated in a popular resort area. With indoor and outdoor restaurants, snack bars and coffee shops, Whitesands is a popular meeting spot for Mombasa residents as well as international visitors. The 340 lovely rooms look out over the ocean or tropical gardens. There are several different swimming pools, an excellent entertainment centre and one of the best water-sport centres on the north coast.

Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel

Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel is set in spacious tropical gardens and tastefully designed in Swahili style. The hotel has a pleasant beach and is certainly one of the best hotels on the coast just 20km north of Mombasa. With a good mix of restaurants, a beachfront grill and snack bars, swimming pools, tennis and squash courts, mini-golf and many water-sports, Serena aims to make this a luxury experience. The 116 rooms, set within the gardens, are all exquisitely decorated, comfortable and have all the facilities you need to relax here for several days.

Hemingways

Hemingways is a member of the 'Small Luxury Hotels of the World'. It makes an ideal base for active holidaymakers or those who simply want to relax with a few post-safari luxuries. It has an international reputation for cuisine, especially for freshly-caught fish, lobster, king prawns and crab. Located within Watamu National Marine Park, about 100km north of Mombasa and 16km south of Malindi, the bay is quiet and was voted by England’s ‘The Sunday Times’ as one of the world’s top ten beaches. Everything here is built in 'native' style, with lots of palm and thatch to take advantage of cool ocean breezes. There are also many water-sports available, including big-game fishing and a scuba-diving school. With just 78 rooms, visitors enjoy modern facilities, good service and tremendous views.

Alfajiri Villas, Diani Beach

‘Alfajiri on Diani Beach is one of the best beach villas in the world,’ writes Conde Nast Traveller. ‘Possibly the loveliest private house on the Indian Ocean. The house and its tropical gardens, infinity pool and twin gazebos overlook Diani Beach, with five miles of coral sands on either side,’ The Sunday Times. Located about one hour’s drive or a short charter flight from Mombasa, facilities include an ‘infinity’ pool that merges with the ocean at high-tide, massages and reflexology, golf, tennis, squash and a health club a short walk away. There is also beach and ocean activities to enjoy. This bright and airy Caribbean-style private house is beautifully decorated, with artefacts from Africa and the Far East. With only four sumptuous villas, guests hire the home exclusively for themselves. With a chef at hand and daily fish and fruit deliveries, menus cooked to local and Mediterranean recipes are designed around your requirements.

Three nights - Tour code PT7301

Kizingo, Lamu Island

Just half an hour by boat from the airport on Manda Island, this delightful 'no news, no shoes' retreat is situated at the end of a spectacular 12km beach. There are just six spacious ‘bandas’, all with high-pitched thatched roofs, shaded balconies and uninterrupted sea views. Each has comfortable chairs and en-suite facilities and a large double bed that is romantically draped with mosquito netting. All meals are freshly prepared and seafood is a speciality. This is the place to relax, but for those guests who are active, there are coral reefs to snorkel, dolphins to swim with, turtle watching (seasonal), fishing, dhow trips, cycling and cultural tours to local fishing communities and Lamu Town.

Three nights - Tour code PT7302

Kipungani Explorer, Lamu Island

Kipungani is one of East Africa’s most simple yet sophisticated beach hideaways. It is a dream destination for those seeking a true desert island holiday. A short boat-ride from Manda Island brings you to the south-western tip of Lamu. Here the 14 spacious en-suite chalets are shaded by the palm trees that line a 600m beachfront. There is also over 14km of beach to explore here. The chalets are constructed entirely from local materials and are comfortable, rustic and simple, with giant king-size beds. The furniture is all hand-made from local mangrove and palm woods. Each verandah is ocean-facing, with Funzi sofas and chairs piled high with colourful cushions. Facilities and activities include a swimming pool, lounge, library, gift shop, many water-sports, bird walks and day excursions. Seafood and continental cuisine are specialities.

Three nights - Tour code PT7304

Kiwayu Safari Village, Kiwayu Bay

Kiwayu combines great natural beauty with exotic accommodation and marvellous food. It is perfect for peace and privacy. Located on Kenya’s mainland in the remote Dodori National Reserve, it is nearly 50km north of Lamu with access by charter flight. Facilities include deep-sea fishing, snorkelling, windsurfing and other water-sports, with good guides to assist where necessary. Bird-watching and day excursions through the surrounding forests are also possible. The 18 cottages are built in traditional ‘Bajuni’ style, using mangrove poles, palm thatching and matting. Bedrooms are all en-suite, extremely spacious and open out to the sea. Each verandah has a hammock and Lamu beds, ideal for just lounging around.

Three nights - Tour code PT7305

The Funzi Keys, Funzi Island

The Funzi Keys is stylish, romantic absolutely stunning and only 40km by road from Diani Beach. A short charter flight is also an option. Activities available include fishing, exploring the Ramisi River and Funzi Creek and perhaps swimming with dolphins. The emphasis here is on doing as little as possible. Just relax and enjoy the setting. The six spacious cottages are perched along the high-water line and are constructed from stone and thatch, with large netted windows. Rooms are furnished with locally carved wood and artefacts and have large four-poster beds. In front of each cottage, there is a jacuzzi and private relaxation area, where a fire is lit each evening.

Three nights - Tour code PT7303