Mombasa is one of the most popular beach destinations in east Africa due to its location on the Indian Ocean and pristine beaches. And if you’re looking for an idyllic place to get away from it all while lounging on the beach, there are plenty of places to choose from. Here are our picks for the best beach hotels in Mombasa, Kenya.

Serena Beach Resort & Spa

This resort located in Shanzu Beach is a true tropical paradise and features gleaming white beaches, shaded coconut palms and an extensive tropical garden. The architecture of the hotel is based on what a traditional 13th century Swahili town would have looked at, which creates an incredibly relaxing ambiance. The luxury rooms at Serena feature Maasai-inpsired hand-painted wall frescos along with great views of the grounds and the sea. After a long morning of hanging out by the pool or at the beach, visitors can enjoy tranquil relaxation at the Maisha spa. There are several wonderful restaurants, but it’s hard to beat the Jahazi Grill, where you can dine on fresh seafood right on the beach. There are also plenty of activities available in and around the hotel, including live nightly music, nature trails and a butterfly garden.

Severin Sea Lodge

Designed with a traditional African style in mind, the Severin Sea Lodge offers a true local experience while also allowing for a fantastic stay by the beach. Wood furnishing is found throughout the hotel lobby and rooms, adding an elegant touch to the surroundings. Many of the rooms are also themed with African wood carvings, fabrics and paintings. The onsite restaurants are top notch, particularly the award-winning Imani Dhow, which is built inside of a stranded sailing dhow, with food sourced from an onsite garden. The Swing Bar is also worth discovering, where guests can sit in over-sized swings while sipping cocktails. And if relaxing on the beach isn’t enough for you, the Kenbali Spa offers up fantastic massages throughout the day. The lodge was also a Kenya Eco Warrior award winner, and was the first hotel in Kenya to have a biological waste water treatment plant.

Voyager Beach Resort

Located about 10 km north of central Mombasa, this all-inclusive resort is popular with families because of all of the activities that are included for all ages. Voyager is also themed around a luxury cruise ship, and all of the rooms and restaurants are based around the idea of being out on the ocean. The resort also faces the Indian Ocean and is great for hanging out on the beach, along with having several pools to relax in. All of the rooms at the resort feature either a lovely garden view or a view overlooking the Indian Ocean. Kids can participate in the resort’s Adventurers’ Club, and there are opportunities for sailing, snorkeling, canoeing, and more. Other amenities at the resort include a large gift shop, a health center, a beauty salon and a bookstore worth perusing.

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa

The Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa is one of the largest resorts in Mombasa, with 335 rooms in five different categories including 96 seafront rooms and two presidential suites. The property is located on one of the best stretches of beach of the Kenyan coast, ensuring for a great time of relaxing by the beach. The resort also has three restaurants, two bars, along with a beach bar overlooking the ocean. For the ultimate in relaxation, the onsite Tulia spa offers ayurvedic, western and oriental treatments. And for fun water activities, there are four outdoor pools with water slides, along with snorkeling and jet skiing available.

 

Bahari Beach Hotel

Facing the acclaimed Nyali Beach on Kenya’s North Coast and overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Bahari Beach Hotel has one of the most beautiful settings in Mombasa. The hotel is surrounded by lush gardens, palm trees and tropical shrubs making for a fantastic backdrop to the already gorgeous beach. Bahari features 100 rooms with a combination of single, double and luxury rooms, all elegantly decorated with local fabrics and traditional colors. There are also four onsite restaurants and two bars, so you never have to leave the confines of the hotel. Head to the Boma Kubwa restaurant for dramatic views of the Indian ocean while dining over a cliff.

 

Nyali International Beach Hotel

Yet another hotel located in scenic Nyali beach, the Nyali International Beach Hotel is a modern hotel with all the trappings of a quintessential beach vibe. Decor at the hotel is top notch and includes white and turquoise upholstery around the rooms. Even the mosquito nets are tastefully hung from the ceiling. Rooms at the hotel include junior suites, luxury villas and several fantastic sea-facing rooms overlooking the Indian Ocean. For entertainment, there is an onsite casino and plenty of shops worth checking out. Guests will love relaxing in the spa, two swimming pools or jacuzzi after a morning on the golf course or when they aren’t hanging out on the beach. There are also five restaurants and four bars onsite to enjoy.

 

More from AFKTravel:

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Mombasa

Photo Essay: A Memorable Journey Through Mombasa, Kenya

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