The Sands at Chale Island

The standard rooms are semicircular in shape, with floors made out of natural materials and white washed walls, the space is bright and airy with wide windows flooding the space with natural light. Large beds with draped mosquito netting are set in the centre of the room, and all rooms come with an ensuite which includes a shower. Each room has their own balcony where guests can wind down and spend time looking out over the sparkling Indian Ocean.

Banda is Swahili for ‘small house’ and these offer guests a truly unique experience. Individual bungalows which are palm thatched, the Bandas all offer a view of the sparkling Chale Channel. The rooms are furnished traditionally with natural materials being a running theme throughout the room. Four poster beds draped with mosquito netting look out onto your own terrace and the view beyond, and all rooms come with their own spacious ensuite bathroom with a walk in shower. Privacy is guaranteed with each Banda having their own private garden area which comes complete with a cosy daybed.

The penthouse suite is an elegant suite set above the treetops. White washed walls reflect the natural light coming through the windows, making the space bright and airy. A wooden four poster bed is romantically swathed in mosquito netting and traditional patterns decorate surfaces throughout the suite. A living ‘grotto’ area is the perfect space to relax with comfy cushions and is sunset facing, so guests can relax and watch the spectacular sunset over the horizon. A private balcony comes complete with a daybed and wicker chairs.

For guests wanting elegance and stunning views, the overwater suite is the perfect room. Surrounded by turquoise waters, stone floors and high thatched ceilings lend the space a rustic feel. A comfortable double bed with crisp bed linens and draped in mosquito netting is set with a view out over the sea.

A private terrace area comes complete with cushioned seating and large sun beds where guests can wind down and immerse themselves in the sights, smells and sounds of the stunning surroundings. On a clear day guests will be able to see Bird Island, Gazi Bay and the Shimba Hills whilst the sunsets viewed from the balcony are breathtaking.

A perfect honeymoon suite, the Suite On the Rock is completely secluded and separated from the main island by a stone bridge. Complete exclusivity only adds to the natural wonders surrounding the thatched cottage. Inside the space is open plan and spacious, filled with natural light and built with natural materials. A wall garden around a winding staircase and potted plants dotted around the space add to the feeling of bringing the outside in and keep the space feeling fresh and airy, as well as acting as a splash of luscious colour.

At the top of the winding stone staircase is a lounge area, with a large cushion bed perfect for an afternoon siesta. A large wooden four poster bed is romantically swathed in mosquito netting, keeping guests safe from bugs during the night. The terrace comes complete with sun loungers and a Jacuzzi which guests can relax in whilst listening to the lapping waters of the Indian Ocean and looking out over the horizon.

Located in front of Chale Beach, the main restaurant offers guests an authentic, comfortable dining experience. Guests can enjoy a glass of wine from the wine cellar or a drink from the international beverage menu to compliment their meal. The food is traditional Kenyan cuisine mixed with Oriental and Italian dishes, with the emphasis of the main restaurant being on seafood to give an authentic island feeling. Tea and snacks are offered in the afternoon to give guests a time to wind down and reflect on their day so far.

This is an open sided restaurant set underneath a high thatched ceiling. Guests can enjoy snacks from here and pizza, as well as a variety of fresh, delicious a la carte dishes.

The main bar is always open and is located between the reception and the main restaurant. Friendly and welcoming staff are always happy to fix a drink for guests, whether this be a coffee or a cocktail. There is also another bar by the pool which is complete with an excellent ocean view.

Guests can explore the depths of the seas around the island with a daily dive excursion from “Diving the Crab”, which is a world renowned PADI centre. The centre is based on the island, and guests can swim through the water with colourful fish and marvel at the beauty of the shallow coral reefs. Whale sharks are spotted frequently from November to February adding to the excitement of this activity.

With the sea on your doorstep what better way to spend your days than on the water. The Sands at Chale Islands offers beach snorkelling, boat snorkelling, kayaking, game fishing and local catamaran sailing.

Spend a relaxing afternoon perusing the items at one of the two boutiques on the island. They offer a wide selection of souvenirs, jewelerry, clothing and African art. Ask one of the wood carvers on the beach for a personalised item or join the weekly shopping trip to Diani Beach.

The on-site spa and wellness centre is called Maisha Poa, which is Swahili for ‘good life’ and is built surrounded by ancient mangroves, coral caves and a tidal lake placing guests in the heart of the island and allowing for an ambience of nature and relaxation. Whether it’s relaxation or re-energising you are looking for, Maisha Poa will be able to provide it.

Guests can take a day trip to Diani Beach, which is ranked as the fifth best beach in the world, or take a day trip to Wasini, Kenya’s top marine reserve. Guests can snorkel here and Dolphins are sighted regularly. A trip to the local fishing village of Gazi offers much more than seeing the village. One side of this village is bordered by mangrove swamps and the other is boarded by a coconut plantation, and guests can catch a glance of traditional Kenyan life by kayak, or catching the stunning sunset on a trip in the bay.

Guests who want a dip in the pool will be spoilt for choice with three to choose from. The main swimming pool is large and sparkling, perfect for a gentle swim in the heat of the afternoon. The second pool comes complete with a pool bar, a perfect place to keep cool whilst being well refreshed, and the third pool is a saltwater pool next to the spa. Being gentler on the skin, hair and eyes due to lower chlorine levels this pool is perfect for guests who want to relax after an amazing spa treatment.