For the ultimate beach getaway; somewhere sophisticated with exceptional service but with the added delight of being in an unusual destination where there’s more to explore and the intrigue of going somewhere new; check out The The Sands at Nomad Hotel in Kenya.
Location
This beautiful boutique hotel is situated right on Diani Beach, one of Kenya’s premier destinations, on the south coast of the country in the Indian Ocean. You are 45km southwest of Mombasa International Airport and as you are only 4 degrees south of the equator you can pretty much guarantee gorgeous weather! The hotel is wrapped in 26 acres of tranquil, pristine coastal forest – perfect for a relaxing retreat, but your beach location means there’s tons to do here too if you’ll feeling active! The coral seas are abundant with fish life and the safe waters are perfect for diving (the hotel has their own PADI dive centre); the 25km long stretch of tropical white sandy beach dotted with swaying palms and the inviting turquoise waters are ideal for an afternoon dip or watersports – kitesurfing, in particular, is popular here. You can golf literally a few minutes away, take a guided forest walk or a boat excursion, and of course, you’re in Kenya, home of the world-famous safari parks!
Style & Character
The hotel is divine with a charming mix of the contemporary and the natural world. The traditional Swahili buildings are spread through the forest giving the place an intimate, private feel. The interior combines beautiful Italian décor with ornate Arabic antique furniture.
Service & Facilities
The pool is a picturesque treat; a cosy freeform pool, 5m deep in parts with a central private gazebo, a pool bar and a shaded Jacuzzi terrace – leaving will be the tricky part! Deep in the forest, you’ll find Forest Breeze Spa; it would be hard to find a more unique and relaxing place to have a massage than in one of the open-air forest huts; bliss.
The service here is so fabulous that you literally feel like a celeb, they treat you with respect and there’s a genuine spirit of kindness about the place. Swahili warmth oozes from everyone you meet and your welcome is simply wonderful; with a cocktail, cool flannel and tropical flower garland to make you feel instantly at ease and in the holiday spirit.
Rooms
There are 18 rooms, 12 suites and 7 exclusive beach cottages. All the rooms are individually interior designed and furnished with Swahili objects d’art, the suites are more luxurious than rooms and the Ocean View Suites, in particular, are about as close to the sea as you can get without actually getting wet! But the Beach Cottages are something else; uniquely Kenyan and very romantic, they are created with palm thatch “Makuti” roofs that sweep up from floor level cocooning the verandas to give you a feeling of complete privacy. Their position on the beachfront lawn is quite special; waking up and walking straight onto sand makes you feel like you’ve found your very own paradise gem.
Food & Drink
A delicious tropical breakfast is served at the main al fresco restaurant, which is also open for lunch and dinner and serves a la carte dishes. There is also a sushi bar and a pizzeria, as well as a beach bar and that pool bar. If you wish to explore locally, Diani’s most elegant restaurant, Leonardo’s, who specialises in Italian cuisine, is literally 5 minutes up the road.
Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2024. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.
Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.
