Mombasa, Kenya, is renowned as a premier beach destination in East Africa, offering a diverse range of attractions for tourists. Among its many gems is Nyali Beach, known for its high-class hotels, beautiful residential houses, and long white sand beaches. Situated in Mombasa County and connected to Mombasa Island by the New Nyali Bridge, Nyali is the perfect place for tourists who want to mix business with pleasure during a safari.
The Historic Nyali Beach Hotel
The first resort built in Kenya, Nyali Beach Hotel, exudes colonial charm. It is in a beautiful spot on Nyali Beach just north of Mombasa.
Architectural and Design Features
The three-storey hotel has whitewashed walls, tiled and dark wooden floors, ceiling fans, wicker furniture and potted plants.
All rooms have double beds with sea views, ensuite bathrooms with bath and showers, balcony and small sitting area. The more luxurious Palm Wing rooms are closer to the beach and have dark wooden floors. The Palm Wing rooms are newer and have nicer furnishings and accents.
Dining and Entertainment
Nyali Beach Hotel offers a variety of dining options to cater to every palate.
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Restaurants and Bars
- Bistro Mchana: Located on the ground floor, it features a menu for kids.
- Pizza Place: Near the pool, offering pasta, pizza, and ice cream.
- L’Orangerie: Serves breakfast and dinner.
- Mvita Grill: Guests can dine to the sound of waves.
Guests can start the day with a champagne breakfast, lunch on pizza, have an afternoon pick-me-up of pancakes at tea and dine to the sound of waves at the Mvita grill. There are 5 bars and the most highly recommended is the Harry’s Pub which has dark wooden paneling, African artifacts and the ambience of an old English pub.
Snorkeling for the First time in Nyali beach
Leisure and Activities
For recreation, the hotel provides numerous options:
- Two large pools, one with a beautifully tiled jacuzzi.
- Kid’s pool.
- Tennis, squash, and table tennis.
- Aerobics, snorkeling, scuba-diving, and deep-sea fishing.
- Windsurfing, kite-surfing, glass-bottom boating, and catamaran sailing.
The hotel can arrange golf at the nearby Nyali Golf and Country Club. A resident jazz trio provides dinner entertainment at the Mvita Grill.
Location and Accessibility
Nyali Beach Hotel is conveniently located 10 km north of central Mombasa and 15 km from the Moi International Airport.
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Other Beach Options in Mombasa
Mombasa offers a variety of beaches, each with its unique appeal.
- Diani Beach: The biggest beach in Mombasa, known for swaying palm leaves and soft white sand.
- Shanzu Beach: Perfect for both day and night adventures with many entertainment clubs in the area.
- Watamu Beach: Located near the Watamu National and Marine Reserve, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
- Tiwi Beach: A favorite for snorkeling opportunities.
- Bamburi Beach: Easily accessible and close to Mombasa city.
- Lamu Beach: Perfect for relaxation and scenic palm-lined walks.
Serena Beach Resort & Spa
Serena Beach Resort & Spa is a tropical haven on Shanzu Beach, Mombasa, offering the perfect blend of modern luxury and traditional Swahili charm.
The resort’s luxury suites offer the ultimate in comfort and privacy. With spacious living areas, modern amenities, and private patios, these suites provide a perfect retreat. The Standard Rooms are ideal for those looking for comfort with a touch of elegance. Located in the main resort building, these rooms feature modern amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private balconies with views of the garden or the ocean. The Deluxe Rooms are perfect for guests who want more space and extra luxury. These rooms offer serene garden or sea views, along with spacious interiors and large bathrooms.
Jahazi Grill specializes in freshly grilled seafood and traditional Swahili dishes. Set against the backdrop of the beach, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience. For a more laid-back dining experience, the Fountain Restaurant serves a variety of international and local dishes. Enjoy a breakfast buffet, a leisurely lunch, or an intimate dinner while gazing at the beautiful ocean. Sokoni Café offers light meals, coffee, and snacks throughout the day.
The Maisha Mind, Body & Spirit Spa offers a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate both the body and mind. From traditional African healing therapies to modern wellness treatments, the spa provides a serene escape. For those who love the water, Serena Beach Resort & Spa offers plenty of options. Enjoy snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, go deep-sea fishing, or try catamaran sailing. Stay active with land-based activities such as beach volleyball, padel tennis, and a fully equipped fitness center.
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From the butterfly center to the Turtle Watch Programme, the resort offers educational and fun activities for kids. Serena Beach Resort & Spa is also an ideal location for events, conferences, and weddings. With versatile event spaces and a dedicated events team, every detail is handled with care, ensuring a seamless experience.
Serena Beach Resort & Spa offers luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining, a wide variety of activities, and world-class service. The resort is located 30 kilometers from Mombasa, a scenic one-hour drive from the city center.
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa
Get ready to soak in the sun, sea, and ultimate luxury at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, consistently ranked among the top 10 hotels in Mombasa. Nestled along the stunning Indian Ocean coastline, our resort is one of the best luxury beach hotels in Mombasa. With 340 luxurious rooms and suites featuring breathtaking views of the ocean, pools, or gardens, Sarova Whitesands is the ultimate beach hotel in Mombasa.
Sarova Whitesands has been recognized as one of the best hotels in Mombasa by the prestigious World Luxury Hotel Awards, winning accolades such as Africa's Best Luxury Family Beach Resort and East Africa's Best Luxury Beachfront Resort.
Ideal for both families and solo travelers, each spacious room is thoughtfully designed to offer style and relaxation by the beach. Enjoy a private balcony with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, sparkling pools, or lush tropical gardens.
Embark on a global culinary journey at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa. Whether you're craving a hearty buffet, freshly baked pizza, or the finest seafood, our diverse dining options have something for everyone. Indulge in authentic Continental, Pan-Asian, Indian, and Swahili flavours, crafted with a modern twist to satisfy every palate. For an unforgettable seafood experience, visit Lido Lounge, renowned as the best seafood restaurant in Mombasa.
Unwind at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa with a drink in hand and the perfect coastal vibe. Relax by the beach with your toes in the sand, or catch up with friends under swaying palms as the sun sets. Enjoy your favourite cocktails, wines, or spirits while soaking in the lively atmosphere of our themed nights. As one of the leading conference hotels in Mombasa, Sarova Whitesands provides exceptional facilities and versatile venues tailored to your needs. Whether you’re hosting an intimate business meeting or a grand event, our Johari Convention Center can accommodate up to 1,200 guests, making it one of the largest event spaces in Mombasa.
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa offers a magical seaside setting for your special day. Whether you envision exchanging vows on our lush beach lawns, beside the serene palms pool island, or even aboard a glass-bottomed boat for a unique twist, we bring your dream wedding to life. As Mombasa's premier wedding destination, we handle every detail, ensuring your celebration is as effortless as it is unforgettable.
"Tulia" means relax, and at Tulia Spa, you'll experience the ultimate relaxation at the best spa in Mombasa. Nestled in lush tropical gardens with tranquil ocean views, our spa offers a serene retreat with treatment rooms overlooking the calming sea, a peaceful pool, and a soothing jacuzzi. Whether you’re seeking a rejuvenating solo escape or a complete mind, body, and soul reset, Tulia Spa provides everything you need for total relaxation.
Welcome to Sarova Ozone Kids Club, the ultimate kids' paradise at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa! If you have children aged 4-12, they'll have an unforgettable experience. From indoor activities like board games, PlayStation, and movie sessions to exciting outdoor adventures such as treasure hunts, nature trail walks, and water games, there's always something to keep them entertained.
Mombasa North Coast Beaches
Linked to the mainland by the Nyali Bridge, Mombasa’s north coast is a haven for seaside and water lovers alike. The white sand beaches extend as far as the eye can see and just below the surface of the azure blue waters is a breathtaking coral reef that is teeming with marine life, making Mombasa’s north coast an internationally-recognized location for reef and wall diving, as well as wreck diving on the MV Dania. The four beaches on the north coast - Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu and Kikambala- draw thousands of visitors each year, as do the large sea-front hotels and resorts that overlook the Indian Ocean.
The suburb of Nyali is home to the world-famous Tamarind Restaurant and Dhow, as well as the cement silos of English Point, show grounds of the Agricultural Society of Kenya and Mamba Village, and the historic Nyali Golf Club offers squash, tennis and an 18-hole golf course that are accessible to you when you stay at one of the north coast hotels or resorts.
When visiting the north coast beaches on low tide, the retreating waters allow you to walk out to the fringing reef, an almost surreal aquatic experience. The northern seashores also allow you to swim during the high and low tides. The beachfronts on the north coast are open to the public with the highest concentration on the Bamburi and Nyali strip since it is easily accessed by the bridge.
Voyager Beach Resort
Voyager Beach Resort has lush tropical gardens and is located right on the beach. The resort is built to resemble a fort with whitewashed turrets but it has an amazing array of facilities including a shopping arcade and a hair salon.
Had a fantastic stay with my team at Voyager Beach Resort! The staff was friendly and attentive, the food was delicious and the pools and beach were perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun.
Mombasa: A Cultural Melting Pot
Mombasa is a melting pot of cultures, influenced by Arab, Portuguese, British, and African traditions. Explore historical landmarks like Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Experience authentic Swahili culture through local markets, music, dance, and cuisine.
Day Trips and Excursions
From Mombasa, numerous excursions are available:
- Watamu Marine National Park: Renowned for its sparkling bays and underwater coral wonderland.
- Tsavo East National Park: Embark on a remarkable safari to witness diverse wildlife and captivating landscapes.
- Old Town Mombasa: Explore the history and culture with a guided tour.
- Culinary Tours: Engage with local food producers and vendors while exploring Swahili history and culture.
Planning Your Visit
The best times to visit Mombasa are during the two dry seasons from July through October and January until February, offering abundant sunshine and clear skies. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Mombasa and its surrounding attractions promise an unforgettable experience.