Indian Ocean Beach Resorts

'Some way out on the still, black water, fishermen paddled their dug-outs to shore, the dull-red sun slipping quickly and cleanly beneath the horizon and painting  long-reflecting brushstrokes of gold across the surface of the lake. It was a scene as old as time, and was surely the closest one could hope to get to the serene uncorrupted soul of the world.' Black Moon, Jade Sea Ian Meredith Hughes

 

The Indian Ocean coastline of East Africa is one of the most beautiful in the world. Silver sands, year-round clear-blue waters and tropical palms.

Known as the Swahili Coastline, thanks to the unique mix of African, Arabic and Portuguese people who typify it, it also offers; a wide range of ancient cultural sites; mosques and ancient Swahili towns; a vibrantly colourful cuisine; a wide range of marine parks backed by coastal parks and the last remains of the African equatorial rain-forests; endless water-sports, child-friendly pursuits and nightly entertainments for all tastes; and one of the world’s most famous barrier reefs.

As for the accommodation, thanks to its long-established tourism infrastructure, the choices range from 5-star resorts and world-class spas, to simple palm-thatched chalets on the beach.

We work with only the very best hotels and resorts in this sector, all of which are listed below.

Should you wish to specify particular interests, such as; diving, family-friendly options or ‘Mind and Body’, our website allows you to tailor your choice exactly to your desires.The East African Indian Ocean beach hotels & resorts cuts across the entire Kenya Coast through Mombasa Island, reaching further south to Tanzania, highlighting at Dar es Salaam and including the Zanzibar archipelago.

The Kenya coast hotels and resorts spread across three sections:
The Northern Coast, encompassing:
Lamu
Malindi
Watamu
Kilifi
North Coast of Mombasa

The Southern Coast, region south of Mombasa runs all the way to Shimoni and beyond. South Coast hotel and resorts dot Diani and Ukunda.

 

AfroChic Retreat is a boutique hotel on Diani Beach offering just 10 charmingly presented rooms and suites. The resort is on Diani Beach - 25 miles south of Mombasa. Kenya's stunning 700 km coastline (485 kms from Nairobi) is renowned for its silken white sandy beaches, coconut palms, sheltered [ ... ]

Considered by many as some of the finest private villas on the East African Coast, Alfajiri Villas elevated position on Diani Beach along the Indian Ocean ensures privacy and stunning views. The villas are owned by a charming Italian couple, Fabrizio Molinaro and his wife Marika. Marika is a [ ... ]

Located on Kenya's most famous beach, the superb Diani Beach, Almanara Diani Beach Resort is an exclusive villa complex offering six luxury beach villas and one presidential villa. Set within secluded palm-filled gr [ ... ]

The Amani Tiwi Beach Resort is set in 20 acres of tropical gardens on its own private beach close to the famous Diani Beach Centre. Ideally suited to family holidays, the resort offers a range of facilities, activ [ ... ]

The typically Swahili-styled beach house known as Asha Cottage is located on beautiful Diani Beach within easy reach of all its many facilities. White-walled and thatch-roofed, the house stands on an exclusive stretch of private beach front, and offers five bedrooms, a private [ ... ]

Set amidst lush tropical gardens on a magnificent sweep of pure white sandy beach, the Bamburi Beach Hotel looks out over the Indian Ocean towards the coral reef of the marine parks. This large, bustling and friendly hotel makes the ideal family holiday venue - more especially because everyth [ ... ]

Banana House and Banana Wellness Centre in Shela Village, Lamu, comprise two private houses which have evolved into a friendly 'Bed & Breakfast' alternative to the range of accommodation in Shela. Banana House was designed and constructed by master builder Mohamed Ali Mbarak (alias Banana) a [ ... ]

A large (239 rooms) and friendly hotel the Baobab Beach Resort & Spa offers an all-inclusive service, inclusive of meals, activities and entertainments. Set in beautiful tropical gardens and with a sweep of pristine beach, the h [ ... ]

Set in five acres of tropical gardens, the 3-star Baobab Sea Lodge enjoys 60 meters of beach frontage. It offers a total of 20 rooms, a swimming pool with swim-up bar, a restaurant, lounge and bar, and access to numerous beach pursuits. Additionally, there are acrobatic shows, discos, live mu [ ... ]

The five-star Blue Bay Beach Resort and Spa stands in 30 acres of tropical gardens, dotted with over 1,000 palm trees and facing a wide, white, sandy beach. For centuries past, cardamom, clove and cinnamon culled from the fabled spice gardens of the enchanted island of Zanzibar have been priz [ ... ]

The Breezes Beach Club and Spa, 5-star family-run Zanzibar holiday resort is located on a pristine stretch of beach was nominated among the top five resorts in Africa and won the "Best Resort in Tanzania" at the World Travel Awards. Perfectly presented, this family vacation and beac [ ... ]

A new resort, Crystal Bay stands on an impressive bay, adjacent to the Watamu marine park. The resort offers 59 rooms, two swimming pools, two restaurants, a 'Mind and Body' treatment centre, each soccer and beach volley ball. The resort is ideally placed for visits to the Mida Adventure Cent [ ... ]

The Dhow Palace is an original house set in the heart of Stone Town (the capital city of Zanzibar Island). Economically priced and simplistically presented, it offers a roof-top restaurant, a central courtyard and a selection of large, authentic, rooms, all with enormous Zanzibari four-poster [ ... ]

North of Malindi is the boutique hotel, Dream of Africa, which is set in colourful gardens on Silversands Beach. Presented in typical Moorish fashion, the resort offers a pool, Italian restaurant, terrace, air-conditioned lounge, swimming pool and selection of bars. The Swahili coast, a glorious [ ... ]

Diamonds Malindi Beach hotel is an all-inclusive family-oriented resort just 5 mins from Malindi Town on the north Kenya coast. Standing in extensive tropical grounds, it offers 23 rooms, all of which are in double-storey Arab-style villas. The all-inclusive package includes a [ ... ]

Built by Swiss national Hans U. Wanner, the Diani Palm Hotel offers a unique combination of African hospitality and Swiss management. Offering just 22 rooms, it also offers a restaurant and bar. The hotel is just a few minutes from famous Diani Beach, 25 miles south of Mombasa. Kenya's stunning c [ ... ]

The Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa is a magnificent new hotel, which offers all the amenities of a world-class resort. There are 150 bedrooms and a dazzling selection of restaurants and bars. The hotel offers two fresh water free form swimming pools, a shaded baby pool and shaded outdoor Jacuzzi [ ... ]

Informal, relaxed and very friendly The Driftwood Beach Club was opened in 1963 and is something of a coastal institution, especially with the resident ex-pat community. A favourite place for eating and drinking (especially the Sunday curry), the resort stands on Silversands Beach, 3km south [ ... ]

Situated on one of Zanzibar's most beautiful and secluded beaches, Fumba Beach Lodge is a luxurious and peaceful hideaway, offering a perfect blend of casual elegance and friendly first class service. Just 30 minutes southwest of Zanzibar's historic capital, Stone Town, with its magnificent ar [ ... ]

Fundu Lagoon is located on Pemba Island, the sister island to Zanzibar, and is one of the top 5 diving destinations in the world. The hotel is situated on a beautiful remote beach on the south-western side of the island and is only accessible by boat. Fundu Lagoon has been designed for travell [ ... ]

Hemingways Resort is one of the world's premier big-game fishing destinations (marlin, tuna, sail-fish, king fish and more). Situated on an idyllic stretch of beach, voted ‘one of the best ten beaches in the world' by the Sunday Times magazine, it has immediate access to the beach and o [ ... ]

A tasteful, low-key but very stylish resort, the Jacaranda Indian Ocean Beach Resort lies at the most northerly (and therefore most private and peaceful) end of Diani Beach, which represents the main ‘strip' of the southern Kenyan coast. A magnificent sweep of silver sand, sapphire sea a [ ... ]

Jahazi House is one of a group of exclusive and secluded private homes set on Kizingoni Beach, on the beautiful island of Lamu off the Kenyan coast. Each house sleeps at least eight guests and is fully catered. All the houses are characterised by exquisite taste and an outsta [ ... ]

Jannat House is a Swedish family home, which welcomes guests and offers a simple restaurant and a number of equally simple but charming rooms. Situated within Lamu town, with magnificent sea views, the House dates from the 18th century and was originally built as a merchant´s house. Dec [ ... ]

Karafuu means 'cloves' in Swahili and echoes the hotel's location on the famous 'spice isle' of Zanzibar. Fronting on to a wide pure white sandy beach with fabulous views over the sapphire waters of the Indian Ocean, the Karafuu Hotel Beach Resort offers the ultimate island retreat. For centu [ ... ]

The 3-star Kenya Bay Beach Hotel , just north of Mombasa, enjoys one of the longest beach frontages in the world - the sweeping Bamburi Beach. Offering a total of 106 rooms, this relaxed family hotel is immediately adjacent to the large Sarova Whitesands complex, and offers a [ ... ]

Kijani House is a small garden hotel with four double and three triple rooms spread amongst three charming original Swahili houses. The houses have traditional coral walls with high Makuti-thatched roofs and are surrounded by large tropical gardens. The grounds extend down to a jetty, where f [ ... ]

The Kilifi Bay Beach Resort is a 4-star resort situated in Kilifi, an old coastal town halfway between Mombasa and Malindi. The property is set on 26,000 sq.meters of tropical gardens and 130 meters of sandy beach frontage on one of Kenya's most beautiful coastlines. There are no other hotels [ ... ]

Kinondo Kwetu is a small, all-inclusive luxury resort owned and operated by a Swedish family. Kinondo Kwetu, a private retreat on the Indian Ocean beach, is a home, not an entertainment centre. The retreat will accommodate only 38 guests in a selection of cottages, each of which is individua [ ... ]

Kiwayu Safari Village is situated 40km north of Lamu, off Kenya's remote North Coast. Nestled amongst the sand dunes, it overlooks a sheltered lagoon on the Indian Ocean. Situated on one of the most unspoilt reaches of coastline in Kenya, between the Kiunga Marine Reserve and [ ... ]

Kizingoni House is one of a group of exclusive and secluded private homes set on Kizingoni Beach, on the beautiful island of Lamu off the Kenyan coast. Each house sleeps at least eight guests and is fully catered. All the houses are characterised by exquisite taste and an out [ ... ]

La Gemma Dell' Est is the largest resort on Zanzibar and stands on the north-west coast near to Kendwa Rocks on a magnificent stretch of beach. An all-inclusive package hotel (all meals, drinks and entertainment), the hotel is modernistic in design and covers a large plot of [ ... ]

Lamu House is made up of two houses both of which have been restored and offer all the charm of traditional Swahili architecture while offering the ideal retreat for holiday makers or business folk alike. The hotel is ideally located in the centre of Lamu town. Kenya's Lamu Island, one of her [ ... ]

An idyllic Robinson Crusoe Island retreat, Lazy Lagoon offers the ultimate Indian Ocean retreat. Fronting on to 9 kms of pristine beach on the famous Zanzibar Channel, the lagoon lies just offshore from mainland Bagamoyo. Surrounded by indigenous forest and mangrove swamps, the sanctuary is home [ ... ]

Leisure Lodge Beach and Golf Resort stands on the cliffs above Diani Beach with broad views and its own beachfront area. It is the only hotel on the south coast to offer a championship golf course (18-hole 72 par, driving range, chipping green, bunker practice, golf professionals and Pro Shop [ ... ]

Situated on Diani Beach, 34 km south of Kenya's bustling port of Mombasa, the Leopard Beach Resort & Spa enjoys a prime location on one of the world's most stunning beaches. Tropical gardens descend through water-garden terraces to the silver sand of the [ ... ]

Built in Moorish style, the horse-shoe-shaped LTI Kaskazi Beach Hotel stands on Kenya's most famous beach, the 7km Diani beach. Backed by tropical gardens filled with coconut palms, ancient baobabs and tumbling tropical blooms, this all-inclusive hotel offers 191 rooms, two re [ ... ]

Manda Bay Resort is a small private lodge on Manda Island in northern Kenya's Lamu Kiwayu archipelago. Ten spacious cottages line the beach overlooking the calm waters of Manda Bay. Formerly the Blue Safari Club, Manda Bay has been renovated and reopened under new management. Manda Bay Resort is [ ... ]

Located on Nyali Beach, just north of Mombasa, the Mombasa Beach Hotel is a large hotel (150 rooms) perched on a cliff top overlooking the beach and set in tropical gardens. The hotel offers a lounge (with satellite TV), five restaurants, several bars, two swimming pools and a sports centre. T [ ... ]

Once a member of the InterContinental chain, the Mombasa Continental Resort is a large and luxurious hotel set in cool shaded grounds with access to the northerly Shanzu Beach. It offers a wide selection of rooms and suites, two restaurants, a number of bars and a broad range [ ... ]

Located on the waterfront of Lamu town, the New Lamu Palace Hotel has recently been refurbished. It offers a choice of an awning-covered terrace at street level, an airy rooftop restaurant for meals (seafood being a speciality) and 22 rooms, all with AC, mosquito nets and ensuite bathrooms. T [ ... ]

Nyali International Beach Hotel was Mombasa's first ‘proper' hotel on the mainland and was founded by John and Eva Noon. Opened in December 1946, is reflects the gracious style of that period while having been substantially renovated and extended to meet millennium requ [ ... ]

The Ocean Paradise Resort, Zanzibar is a peaceful and secluded resort located on one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in East Africa, and surrounded by acres of brilliantly colour tropical gardens, which fea [ ... ]

Peponi Hotel is one of Lamu's most famous and iconic hotels. First opened in 1967, it is still run by the same Danish family who originally founded it; and it retains much of its original charm. Small and personal if offers just 24 rooms, all of which are different. Long known as ‘the p [ ... ]

Petley's Inn stands on the sea front in Lamu Town, next to the waterfront museum. The oldest accommodation on Lamu Island, the Inn is presented in traditional colonial Swahili style. It offers a roof-top bar, a charming restaurant, a swimming pool and sundeck and a popular restaurant. Petley' [ ... ]

Pinewood Village Resort is a small boutique beach resort, located on Galu Beach, which is just south of the famous Diani Beach. Much less crowded and unspoiled Galu Beach also offers exceptional water sports. Set in tropical gardens with its own swimming pool, health spa and gym, the resort o [ ... ]

The glittering white 3-star Plaza Beach Hotel stands amid tropical gardens on the famous Bamburi Beach, which is just north of Mombasa. A relaxed, intimate, family oriented hotel with multiple water sports, the Plaza Beach offers a selection of 88 air-conditioned rooms, all o [ ... ]

The Sai Rock Hotel stands on Bamburi beach, just north of Mombasa. Newly constructed it offers 63 rooms, a range of restaurants and bars and two swimming pools. The Swahili coast, a glorious ribbon of silver and sapphire, crashing surf and bright coral, is steeped in a turbul [ ... ]

Sandies Coconut Village is an all-inclusive family-oriented resort just 5 mins from Malindi Town on the north Kenya coast. Standing in extensive tropical grounds, it offers 45 rooms, all of which are in double-storey bungalow blocks. The all-inclusive package includes all mea [ ... ]

Sandies Tropical Village is a family oriented all-inclusive tariff, Indian Ocean resort just 5 mins from Malindi Town. Set in extensive tropical gardens, it is presented in a fusion of traditional African style (high-vaulted thatched buildings) and Swahili style (Arab-styled, [ ... ]

The Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa is situated North of Mombasa town on one of East Africa's most stunning white sand beaches leading into the protected Mombasa Marine Park. Set over 22 acres of naturally landscaped greens with lily ponds, five free form swimming pools and Lamu styl [ ... ]

Fringed by white beaches, and shaded by coconut palms, the silver ribbon of the Swahili coastline offers the ultimate tropical paradise. Bright white against the blue sky, set in extensive tropical gardens, the architecture of the Serena Beach Hotel and Spa replicates the winding lanes and colour [ ... ]

One of the larger hotels on Bamburi Beach, which lies north of Mombasa Island, the Severin Sea Lodge is German owned and has a sister property in Tsavo West. Set in extensive grounds, it offers two or three storey rondavels, in which the circular rooms are located. Winding paths lead to the b [ ... ]

Southern Palms Beach Resort is situated on the beautiful white sandy shores of the Indian Ocean, at Diani Beach, 35 km south of Mombasa. A 4-star beach resort, it features a unique blend of traditional Swahili and Arabic architecture. The property is surrounded by over 10 acres of mature trop [ ... ]

A modern and very large hotel (300 rooms), Sun n Sand Beach Resort stands in landscaped gardens on the Indian Ocean. An all-inclusive family resort, it offers a wide range of water sports and activities plus extensive child-friendly pursuits and supervision. Offering a Chinese, seafood, Itali [ ... ]

The Tembo House Hotel stands on the seafront in the very centre of Stone Town, Zanzibar, some 10-15 minute's drive from the international airport. A magnificent building poised at the edge of this Indian Ocean island town, the hotel is a historic icon that once served as the American Consulat [ ... ]

Tucked away on an unspoilt island in the Indian Ocean, yet only 15 minutes flying time from Mombasa, The Funzi Keys unique appeal is its luxurious seclusion and beautiful natural scenery. Surrounded by water and superbly located on [ ... ]

The Majlis resort is a small luxury beach hotel on the Lamu archipelago of northern Kenya. The resort is named ‘Majlis' after the Arabic term for an exceptionally comfortable and special place, where the host traditionally entertains his most important guests. Located on the exclusive Manda [ ... ]

The stylish and excellently presented Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort lies to the north of the island, near the dhow centre of Nungwi. Magnificently located it offers four stunning pools, 3 restaurants, 4 bars, numerous activities, and is exceptionally child-friendly. Zanzibar, the spice island of [ ... ]

The Sands at Chale Island is an island accommodation. The Chale Island is a small romantic island situated about 600 meters from the mainland and 10 km south of Diani Beach, 50 km south of Mombasa and 70 km from the border of Tanzania. The term "Chale" refers to the name of an old w [ ... ]

The Sands at Nomad is Kenya first coastal 'Boutique' hotel. Set on 25 meters of pristine greensward with uninterrupted vistas over one of the most beautiful stretches of this legendary beach, The Sands is the inspiration of the celebrated local artist, Mario Scianna, who is already renowned f [ ... ]

The Swahili House has stood at the heart of historic Stone Town for 125 years. Built as a traditional Indian merchant's house, it was also home to members of the ruling Omani Sultan's family until being renovated and turned into a Boutique hotel in 2008. Built on five floors around a central [ ... ]

Tijara Beach Hotel is an exclusive retreat set on a seaside bluff in 5 acres of colourful gardens overlooking the Indian Ocean. At the foot of the cliffs is a private beach. A magnificent fresh water pool and ‘al fresco' dining area complete this enchanting resort. Owned and managed by Ian [ ... ]

Turtle Bay Beach Club, a haven of fun and entertainment for the whole family, is Kenya's first all-inclusive beach resort (inclusive of ALL meals, local drinks, sparkling wine, day and night entertainment, and a supervised Kids Club). Located on one of the world's top five beaches, the Club o [ ... ]

Situated on one of Zanzibar's most beautiful and secluded beaches, Unguja Lodge is small but very luxurious beach hideaway, offering a perfect blend of casual elegance and friendly first class service. Just 30 minutes southwest of Zanzibar's historic capital, Stone Town, with its magnificent arch [ ... ]

Voyager Beach Resort, just 7 km north of Mombasa, is located on a fabulous stretch of Nyali beach, within easy reach of the many facilities offered by this popular area. It also boasts its own world-class water sports centre and one of the most comprehensive family entertainment programmes in [ ... ]

The stunning Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski Hotel offers crystal blue waters, a wide selection of dining experiences, sumptuous suites, extensive sports, and its own spa and private beach club. To enter the world of Zanzibar, meanwhile, is to step through the looking glass into the world of a thousand [ ... ]

Idyllically situated on the sea-front of ancient Stone Town, and flanked by an exotic mix of sultan's palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbours, and bright bazaars, the Zanzibar Serena Inn is a haven of tranquility and opulence amongst the bustle of one Africa's most ancient and most encha [ ... ]

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