Best hotels in Diani

Desperate for some tropical sunshine, long hot beaches, great water activities and the chance to explore a mind-blowing marine reserve? Throw in good accommodation, great food and super-courteous staff (and a turtle-shaped pool), and Waterlovers Beach Resort fulfils all your criteria. The lodge lies 35 kilometres south of Mombasa on Diani Beach, a stretch of unbelievably white sand and water of every shade of blue. All the adjectives used to describe a tropical beach holiday are completely appropriate here. Pure paradise.

The Sands at Nomad is a unique beach lodge on Kenya's southern coast where you certainly won't find themed nights or buffet dining. Instead, it's the long, powder-soft, picture-perfect beach that’s the main attraction: it’s clean and palm fringed and better yet, the hotel restaurant is right on the sands. We also love the well-tended gardens, ocean view cottages and the shaded swimming pool area with its north-African inspired décor.

Diani beach, considered one of the best along the Kenyan coast, has a plethora of accommodation options, but none are as unique as the Beach Villa. Designed to be a home away from home, if your home was exquisitely adorned with traditionally handcrafted Swahili furniture, Lamu doors, Ivory danish floors and a myriad of delicate African and Eastern artifacts and just as the name suggests, a few paces right from the shoreline.

​Situated south of Mombasa on majestic Diani Beach, Four Twenty South offers a paradise-like setting for some all-out relaxation. Towering palms overlook its six colonial-style holiday cottages, set on a 1.2-hectare strip of green grass and offering front-row seats to the Indian Ocean. Here, everything has been engineered to promote ease, yours! The small, dedicated personal staff keep your space tidy and you well-fed; the gracious rustic style of the cottages (furnished in that unique Kenyan blend of British and Swahili pieces) create an alluring but unpretentious atmosphere. We love the slightly old-fashioned beach holiday charm, and that fabulous ocean.

Nestled between tropical forest and white beaches, Kenyaways is ideally situated away from the main hotels in a secluded spot right on the beach. With an atmosphere much closer to a family home than a hotel, Kenyaways epitomize the famous Swahili saying "hakuna matata" - no worries. At the same time it couldn't be a better spot to get your adrenalin pumping on the little-known kite surfers paradise, Galu beach, and with H20 Extreme offering almost any water activity you could wish for right on your doorstep. Here, you're guaranteed a complete immersion into the friendly and relaxed atmosphere of the Kenyan coast. Prepare to kick your feet up on your private patio looking over the iconic white beaches and clear waters of the south coast for a truly relaxing beach holiday.

Sheltered on a coral reef fringing the coastline of Diani beach, between the ocean and the palms, Cliff Villa is the crowning jewel in the Afajiri villa trio. Hidden behind a no-name nondescript entrance is the ultimate is luxurious East African getaways, chic and tasteful with all the trimmings. Kenya's South Coast has some fine beaches and from your elevated position on the Cliffside you can really take it all in. Booked only on an exclusive use basis means that comes at a price, but if it is good enough for Brangalina and the Rolling Stones then why not spoil yourself.

Romantic, magical and totally unique, The Sands At Chale is actually a tiny island resort set 600 metres from mainland Kenya and funky Diani Beach. The only island of its kind in Kenya, Chale is covered in jungly forest and fringed by powdery white sands, coral reefs and a tidal saltwater lake surrounded by rippling mangroves. Days at Chale pass by in a haze of island dreaming; spend balmy afternoons cooling off in one of the two swimming pools, and evenings gazing at the sunset; discover the indigenous flora and fauna of the island or dive the depths of the translucent waters. We can't think of anything better.

Midway between Mombasa and Kenya's southern boundary, Kinondo Kwetu sits on a pristine beach with the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean lapping at its shore. Although the lodge can accommodate nearly 40 guests, it feels more like a boutique hotel, with an abundance of private spaces and a focus on quality, personalised service. The real luxury, however, is in the sense of crowd-free peace and quiet. Do as much or as little as you'd like, with an impressive list of activities available and some indulgent spa treatments to enjoy. Lie back on your own stretch of sand, and chill.

Almanara Resort is a small, chic resort on an exquisite stretch of Diani Beach, one of Kenya’s most exclusive tourist destinations. The setting is idyllic, with a handful of superbly luxurious rooms and villas tucked away in lush tropical gardens along the beach, far from the bustle of the busier large hotels up and down the coast. This beautifully designed resort has a magical exotic feel, blending opulent Arab-inspired architecture and furnishings with traditional Swahili touches, and world-class facilities, making this an excellent choice for a classy beach break with luxury at every turn.

Nestled amongst 12 acres of beautiful tropical gardens, Ras Kikadini is a unique, private beach house, originally built in the 60's and delightfully refurbished to retain its sense of retro style. Only 10 miles south of Mombasa on Kenya's southern coastline, this is an ideal spot to spend a quality beach holiday with a large group or family. Airy and spacious with panoramic windows designed to make the best of the beach view, you won't want to leave. Collect all your food supplies on the way from the airport and hand them over to your private chef when you arrive.

Diani beach is the go to destination when it comes to sun seekers heading to the Kenyan Coastline. Miles of perfect beachfront and a plethora of ocean activities make it the ideal destination for families and friends that are looking for something truly unique.As part of a trio of exclusive use villas in the Alfajiri family the Garden Villa, sitting amidst expansive rolling lawns and towering palms is laid back luxury at its best.The large communal living space, perfectly positioned for the view and breeze, is the spot to indulge in the stellar service that Alfajiri is famously known for.

Large open grass areas, a fantastic location along the shores of the achingly beautiful Diani beach along Kenya's south coast. After some hard times tourism is slowly starting to pick up and the long standing Leopards Beach resort, with its prime position and resident monkeys, makes for a delightful family break away. The resort extensively upgraded a lot of its accommodation and facilities, making the most of its expansive space. There are quite a few dining and drinking options, depending on the season, and some like Marcos have spectacular ocean panoramas.

Within easy reach of heaving Mombasa and overlooking the dazzling white sands of Diani Beach is a charming owner-run guesthouse called, appropriately, Diani House. One of the older residences in the area, it has a relaxed, homely feel, with a number of large comfortable guestrooms in the main house, and a separate family cottage within its five-hectare grounds. It can be booked on a self-catering or fully catered basis, and is equally geared for sole use, smaller individual groups, or couples looking for a laid-back experience in one of the quieter areas along this popular stretch of coastline.

It would be remiss to not include a few days at the beach while on safari in East Africa. Or, maybe, time spent with your feet in the warm Indian Ocean is your top priority? Either way, the seemingly endless stretch of white sandy beach 30 kilometres south of Mombasa on Kenya's southern coast is a superb option. Diani Beach has been attracting tourists for decades, and although there may be a few too many hotels at the lower end of the spectrum around, The Maji finds a way to make you feel like you have this paradise to yourself.

Located just steps off Diani Beach, accessed by your own private walkway, this large colonial style house is the perfect destination for those looking for a quiet beach retreat to share with their family and friends. Lazy Days offers you a tranquil, private escape that you can enjoy and relax in. The comfortable interior will provide you with a home from home, where you will instantly feel comfortable and start to feel your stress melt away.

Bahari Dhow Beach Villas offers a perfect setting for the ultimate and unforgettable beach holiday; offering the perfect combination of a simple and comfortable home away from home. This is the ideal get-away for honeymooners, families, friends, and groups looking to relax and soak up the African sun. The Villas are located along Diani Beach – known the world over for its pristine beauty and soft white sand, not to mention perfect conditions for a variety of water sports, created by the presence of several coral reefs off the coast of East Africa. Just 10 minutes away from the Ukunda airstrip and 40KM from Mombasa, and to make it easier for you, we provide airport transfers at your convenience. The Villas are ideally situated next to providers offering different types of activities from scuba diving to game drives to golf, and almost everything in between. Specialty restaurants abound as well as ample shopping facilities spread along the ever growing Diani Beach.

The four private villas along Diani Beach, including the breathtaking Lazy Days private house, offer a dreamlike escape for those seeking a serene retreat. Designed to provide the ultimate comfort and privacy, these villas are perfect for families or groups of friends. More than just a stay, they offer an experience that captures the essence of tranquility and luxury.

Located on the world famous Diani Beach, The Baobab Beach Resort and Spa is set within 80 acres of tropical gardens, overlooking the Indian Ocean. An oasis of tranquillity and serenity, the Resort’s picturesque location is nestled on a coral headland overlooking vast stretches of golden beach. Shaded by indigenous coastal vegetation and exotic coconut palms the resort stretches over 500 metres of golden beach front offering the ultimate luxury beach holiday.