Chale Island Resort

Location: Diani Beach Road, Chale Island, 80401, Chale Island, KE

Star Rating: 4 Stars

Property Type: Lodges

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 02:00 PM - Anytime

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Amenities & Facilities

• Full-service spa
• Books
• Boat tours on site
• Free WiFi
• 24-hour front desk
• Garden
• Luggage storage
• Designated smoking area
• Concierge service
• Wheelchair accessible
• Outdoor furniture
• Gift shops or newsstand
• Personal motorized watercraft on site
• Safe-deposit box at front desk
• On private beach
• Full-service spa
• Pool umbrellas
• Golf lessons available nearby
• Billiards or pool table
• Tours/ticket assistance
• Snack bar/deli
• Motor boating on site
• Scuba diving on site
• Snorkeling on site
• Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
• Beach umbrellas
• Beach sun loungers
• Pool sun loungers
• Beach towels
• 24-hour fitness facilities
• Boat tours on site
• Books
• Games
• Golf lessons with a pro
• Tasting room
• Golf clubs (equipment)
• Handrails in stairways
• Accessible airport shuttle
• No accessible airport shuttle

Rooms Available

• Overwater Suite

  1 King Bed

  592-sq-foot room with sea views

  
  

  Layout - Bedroom

  Internet - Free WiFi 50+ Mbps

  Food & Drink - Room service (limited) and free bottled water

  Sleep - Turndown service and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shower, bathrobes, and free toiletries

  Practical - Safe and desk

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Need to Know - No cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Desk
  • Bidet
  • Bottle of water
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Turndown service
  • Free WiFi
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Bedsheets provided

• Tower Suite

  1 King Bed

  969-sq-foot room with ocean views

  
  

  Layout - Separate sitting area

  Internet - Free WiFi 50+ Mbps

  Food & Drink - Room service (limited) and free bottled water

  Sleep - Turndown service and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shower, bathrobes, and free toiletries

  Practical - Laptop workspace, safe, and wardrobe or closet; cribs (free) available on request

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Accessibility - Tile flooring in room

  Need to Know - No rollaway/extra beds available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Desk
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Bidet
  • Bottle of water
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Separate sitting area
  • Turndown service
  • Free WiFi
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • Free cribs/infant beds
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Laptop-friendly workspace

• Deluxe Room

  1 King Bed

  377-sq-foot room with partial ocean views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi 50+ Mbps

  Food & Drink - Room service (limited) and free bottled water

  Sleep - Turndown service and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shower, bathrobes, and free toiletries

  Practical - Day bed, safe, and desk; cribs (free) available on request

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Need to Know - No rollaway/extra beds available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Desk
  • Bidet
  • Bottle of water
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Turndown service
  • Free WiFi
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • Free cribs/infant beds
  • Day bed
  • Bedsheets provided

• Ocean View Banda

  1 King Bed

  592-sq-foot room with sea views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi 50+ Mbps

  Food & Drink - Room service (limited) and free bottled water

  Sleep - Turndown service and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shower, bathrobes, and free toiletries

  Practical - Safe and desk

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Need to Know - No cribs (infant beds) or rollaway/extra beds available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Desk
  • Bidet
  • Bottle of water
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Turndown service
  • Free WiFi
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Bedsheets provided

• Suite on the Rocks

  1 King Bed

  1722 sq feet

  
  

  Layout - Bedroom

  Internet - Free WiFi 50+ Mbps

  Food & Drink - Room service (limited) and free bottled water

  Sleep - Turndown service and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shower, bathrobes, and free toiletries

  Practical - Safe and desk; cribs (free) available on request

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Need to Know - No rollaway/extra beds available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Desk
  • Bidet
  • Bottle of water
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Turndown service
  • Free WiFi
  • No rollaway/extra beds
  • Free cribs/infant beds
  • Bedsheets provided

Guest Reviews

• Vaaaaa2016 (10/5): Great resort with lots to do - The resort was great, I enjoyed the food, the beach, the bars, and the facilities. There were a few miscommunication issues - e.g. whether I had desert included or not in my half board package, and the reception staff weren't as friendly as I'm used to in other Kenyan beach resorts on check-in/out. Otherwise, everything was smooth and I had a great time. The highlight, and what I think really makes the resort special is the excellent diving school staff, and the marine biologist. Super friendly, approachable and patient. I had a great time and would happily come back again. Thank you team.
• juliedW361RV (10/5): Beautifull - Perfect , great place , great food , met some lovely people , staff here cannot do enough for you and are so happy and friendly , a beautiful place , so relaxing !
• Rafiki99 (10/5): a dream come true - What an amazing place - from the extraordinary staff , the cuisine, the room, the beach and the quiet tranquility. Admittedly, we opted for a rather expensive room rather than the de -lux room we had booked, but for a short stay, it was worth it. Fabulous bed , terrace overlooking the sea , coffee machine ( very important for me) , space ( enough for yoga and pilates), light and great service. The food was lovely- fresh fruits, juices salads fish etc. Dont miss sunset at the sunset bar and watch the birds coming back to roost, the beach walks with the young biologists and observing ( quietly) the family of colobus monkeys. As in other reviews, Elizabeth in the shop was a gem, so helpful and kind. Thank you everyone!
• Coastal39288785963 (8/5): Scenic views, beautiful property, multiple water sports activities average spa.Very limited vegetarian options - It’s a beautiful property to begin with. It has its own clean beach and multiple water activities 2 swimming pools. Beautiful views from the room, an average spa . The staff is nice and helpful. It was my husband‘s birthday. They were sweet to get a cake and do some arrangements in the room. They have nice restaurants and alcohol. Only limitation. I felt was the limited vegetarian options. They don’t have any Asian food. They do have a small sushi bar, so if you are a vegetarian and non-alcoholic keep your stay because the property is beautiful, but the food options will tire you out. They can’t anything much on a demand. The Indian Patient are also just below average overall a scenic, beautiful property and great Staff.
• karinbV646HM (10/5): Paradise island stay for family - A magical stay at this private island reserve that has everything: good snorkeling, reef walks, mangrove kayaking and a lovely beach. Beautiful rooms and surroundings with several pools, exquisite food and excellent service. We enjoyed our guided walk around the island during low tide with the experienced biologist who taught us lots about the marine life. We enjoyed the special ‘tractor limo service’ that took us from the mainland out to this special sanctuary. A truly 5 star experience in the middle of nature.
• H9397JHjenniferb (10/5): Paradise off the Kenya coast - After looking at the website and following their socials, I was so excited for our stay at Chale Island — and it lived up to the hype. What a beautiful place. We stayed in an ocean view banda and enjoyed the comfort, privacy and view. The outdoor shower area was a handy and surprise addition to the beautiful bathroom, the bed was comfortable, and the coffee options were plentiful. It was hot and humid outside (especially by California standards), so the AC was appreciated. The front desk and housekeeping staff were all lovely. I wish we had stayed longer to be able to do more activities. A true highlight was the snorkeling by boat (I did it two days in a row) and the mangrove boat tour, both with Paul from the water sports center. He is a gem. He takes good care of everyone on board the small boat, shares interesting information, and is just a cool guy. He was so helpful with another guest who was nervous about snorkeling, and she had the best time, thanks to him. Other highlights included a wonderful massage in the spa and chatting while shopping with the lovely woman who runs the boutique. The breakfast buffet was full of interesting and delicious options. We found the three restaurants to be good for dinner, but nothing outstanding. We loved the sunset bar. And yes, the tractor ride at low tide back to the mainland is fun. As I said, this place lives up to its hype. This was a great add-on to our Maasai Mara safari adventure. If we are ever in Kenya again, we will be back!
• 532pennyf (10/5): An enchanting paradise - Outstanding in all areas of customer care . Every member of staff was totally dedicated and professional. Their genuine friendliness and fabulous standards of service were a delight. A special mention for the lady that runs the boutique shop who was incredibly helpful . The lady that runs the bar at the pool with the sushi facility was lovely and encouraged my efforts at Swahili ! Fabulous choice of catering facilities available and the standard of Cuisine was exceptional . The accommodation was beautiful and housekeeping to be congratulated on their high standards of cleanliness . The venue is paradise. Loved the fact we were joined on several occasions by the Colobus monkeys. The mangrove forest walkway and the snorkelling were highlights of our visit. Sincere thanks to the management and staff for an unforgettable and magical 70th birthday.A stay beyond my wildest dreams.Asanti sana
• G7565MXkateb (10/5): Perfect, understated, boutique luxury in a stunning oasis of beauty and quiet. - This is an enchanting, beautiful, friendly, immaculately run boutique, luxury experience. We cannot praise this place too highly. After ten days we feel so relaxed and restored but still would like to stay longer! It represents great value for money also. The two main pools are stunning and the large, white sand beach is clean and well served by the efficient and polite waiting staff. The greatest bonus is that they play NO music by the pools or on the beach and in the restaurants it is only on for lunch and dinner - a low volume, pleasant play list that is unobtrusive. Silence in order to hear the waves and the birds. Bliss. Our cottage was beautifully decorated and housekeeping do a great job each day. The views from every room are gorgeous. The food and drinks are so well thought out and every dish has been delicious, with a lot of variety - vegan, fresh seafood, salad bars, evening BBQs and even pizza. The wine is also very good. There is fishing, kayaking and diving on tap at the on site water sports centre, that is very friendly and well run. The sunset bar out to sea is a wonderful way to end the day here and the spa is excellent also for massages. The local wildlife is well looked after by a conservation project and the eco rating of the hotel is high. For instance, they do not serve lobster currently as stocks are low. They support the local population and Chale village well. How Andrea, who has run this oasis for 19 years, provides such understated but high end attention to detail and lavish hospitality on a small island, that is only reached by boat at high tide, is extraordinary and impressive. Every member of staff has made us so welcome and they all deserve high praise. I needed medication and they had it with me from a pharmacy over an hour away within a few hours. Nothing is too much trouble. To top it all it feels like a big, happy family of a. community.
• MaxStL (10/5): Would not hesitate to return! - It was a perfect way to end a safari. Stayed in an ocean view banda for 4 nights. Staff was always helpful and friendly. Steps from the beach. Sometimes preferred to just enjoy the view and privacy from our own patio. I really appreciated and enjoyed the simple quiet around the entire grounds. No loud pumped in music here just the sound of the surf especially at high tide. Approximately 40 minute drive from Ukunda airport.
• chunkyCheshire (10/5): 4th visit, just gets better. - This is our 4th visit and we just love it. We have always stayed in one of the beach cottages which are excellent. It is immaculately clean, the service is excellent. Food is very varied with a variety of specials in the main restaurant. We love snorkelling and that is really good too. Andrea remains the most hands on Manager I have ever met and this is surely why the standards remain so high. Special thanks to Dave, who runs all things food and drinks, we love the sunset bar. However, all the staff are just brilliant, so friendly and nice. We would love to stay again and if we are on safari this is where we will stay for relaxation at the end.
• 1965Potter (10/5): Beautiful place to spend a few days on the beach - We stayed in the tower suites. Lovely big suites with balconies looking out to sea. Really high quality accommodation. We stayed in September and it was very quiet at the hotel, so can’t comment on what it is like when full, but it is not overdeveloped or especially big, so I wouldn’t imagine it ever feels crowded. It was a really relaxing place to stay. Our package came with breakfast and dinner, and we had plenty of drinking water provided in our rooms. We didn’t need to buy water, which we had anticipated would be the case. Breakfast in the main restaurant is excellent with a very impressive buffet of cereals, pastries, fruit, juices, cakes etc in a separate air conditioned room - and table service for cooked dishes. Freely flowing tea and coffee. Evening meals anre available in the main restaurant without a reservation. Alternatively the Italian restaurant or poolside barbecue can be booked. Actually our best meals were in the main restaurant (try the snapper if you love fish). Staff, including table service staff and chefs were all delightful and happy to share information about the food on offer. Drinks are very reasonably priced given the location. (Eg $7USD for a beer - a bit dearer than our safari hotels but still much cheaper than restaurants at home!) The gardens are stunning and beautifully maintained, and there are several species of monkey including baboons and colobus monkeys. Also lots of birds. There is an area of mangrove in the grounds too. The beach is beautiful, with white sand and very little plastic waste. The garden/beach staff worked very hard to keep it looking beautiful and were very attentive arranging sun beds and shade. No shortage of sun beds when we were there. The sea is lovely (reef shoes are available and helpful at low tide.) There is a spectacular sunset deck with bar where you can sit with a drink and watch the sun go down. They bring canapés at no extra charge. We felt incredibly relaxed and well cared for by the team at Chale Island. A wonderful place!
• agnieszkak268 (10/5): Beautiful place with great service - Beautiful island with great service.We have just spend 4 days at Chale and it exceeded our expectations. We stayed in one of the towers the room was spacious and nicely decorated with huge terrace with sea view...wonderful.Staff was always very helpful and nice. We had a small issue with the airco but it was taken care of immediately even though it was Sunday...thanks to the management for their great attitude and pleasant treatment we greatly appreciated. We can easily recommend Chale for a nice and peaceful stay. Thank you
• adamjohnsonphysio (10/5): Honeymoon Stay - We have just finished our week long stay at Chale Island for our honeymoon. We stayed in the overwater suite which was a stunning place to watch the sunset every evening. The food at the resort was fantastic and we loved eating at the BBQ restaurant in the evening and the main restaurant as well. Good wine selection to complement the food. The management were very attentive with both the hotel manager and the food & beverage manager always walking around to ensure that the guests were happy. The whole resort was very clean and well kept with very polite and friendly staff. We had a great stay thank you
• svdp1990 (10/5): An island paradise - This was my first time at Chale Island but not my first time at the coast or with this The island is stunning, there are so many activities, you feel like you are in your own world. The rooms are clean and beautiful. We were there for new years which was fantastic! We danced on the beach, enjoyed a great barbeque and the staff joined the party which was so much fun. The highlights were paddle boarding, yoga, snorkelling off the beach, and the Mkoko bar! Huge shoutout to the staff, wow so incredible and kind! Paul and Fadilli at the dive shop where we got our paddle boards every day, so helpful and knowledgeable. Sophie the resident marine biologist taking us through the reef teaching us about marine life and the effects of the environment. Dave who came to check on us at every meal to ensure everything was to our liking. Frances our favorite server who always greeted us with a smile. Elizabeth at the gift shop, so warm and welcoming. And Andreas the GM who greeted all his guests daily to make sure we were enjoying. We will be back!! Thank you!
• scubamikey (10/5): wouh - A beautiful place in an awesome setting, my little paradise for 17 days of diving, meals were delicious especially in the Italian restaurant with it´s breathtaking view across the bay and the lovely beach, their crew is exceptionally friendly and helpful at all times, they are environment conscious and do a great job preserving their surrounding, next vacation I bring my mermaid
• K5822ZXalinat (10/5): Paradise on earth - Wow. Don’t even know where to start. This place is literally paradise on earth 🥰 All the staff is extremely nice and polite Customer service is 10/10, food is 10000/10 everything was just perfect for our honeymoon 🥰 Thank you to everyone. We are completely recharged to carry on our travels around east Africa 🥰
• 139philk (10/5): A taste of paradise in the Indian Ocean - Sands Chale Island We’ve just completed an amazing week staying at Sands Chale Island near Mombasa and our words can only fail to do it justice. Chale island is a real haven of peace located far away from the hustle and bustle of the main Mombasa coastal resorts. The hotel has everything you need and is an ideal get away from it all holiday location and it is by far the best hotel we have stayed in during our current travels in East Africa. The staff were exceptionally attentive and looked after us well at all times. They are friendly and highly professional and nothing is too much to ask. There is a good choice of restaurants which are superb and the choice of food and drink is extensive and excellent quality. Our accommodation was well laid out and comfortable providing everything we needed. The decor on the island is beautiful with so much attention to detail and the furniture and fittings are beautiful. There’s a peaceful ambience and plenty to enjoy if you just need some time out or if you want to take part in some of the activities available. We can’t recommend it enough and we will return.
• leilanti (10/5): Our heavenly experience at Chale Island Resort - Everything at Chale Island is 10/10 from the ocean view rooms to the amazing staff to delicious meals including the best home made ice creams and healthy, organic breakfast options ! Ngala is the best waiter in the entire Kenyan Coast ! This is going to be my number 1 holiday destination in Kenya !
• z0el0uises (10/5): Beautiful barefoot chic island resort - We visited Chale as a day excursion and were not disappointed. It’s absolutely stunning. Barefoot chic Swahili styling, a gorgeous beach, lovely food, accommodating staff… a fabulous day out. For 120$ you get island entrance, a tractor or boat to and from the mainland, 3 course lunch, towels, sunbeds, access to the 3 pools. Drinks are extra. It cost approx 70$ for a return taxi from our hotel in Diani. Slightly pricey but a lovely experience nonetheless. The accommodation looked great with a mix of apartment style rooms and bungalows. We shall return!
• VIHSC3 (10/5): Wonderful stay! - We went to Chale Island at the end of our exciting and intense Safari trip and it was such a wonderful place not only to relax and enjoy evenings in the sunset bar and excellent restaurant but also to participate in a number of activities offered. The design and state of maintenance is stunning and the staff super friendly and helpful. There was a discrepancy between the pick up time back to the airport but reception had already sorted it with the driver when we came to clarify. They also have active engagement programs with the local community which we think is an important item!
• narnee2017 (10/5): Heaven with sunsets beyond your wildest dreams - You see the pictures and the instagram stories and then sometimes it’s just not that amazing BUT this place was beyond all my expectations. From the moment we got on that tractor towards the Island we were blown away, the staff, the food, the wildlife all faultless. We stayed in an ocean view Bandas, loads of room and two verandas, Omari looked after our room and spoilt us with beautiful floral displays. The managers of the hotel are constantly visible and come and chat to guests, Dave head of the restaurants spoke to us daily asking if everything was ok, the general manager also would come and chat. Seeing turtles hatching was a real treat and the hotel is so respectful with all of its wildlife and that it’s their habitat. We visited all of the restaurants and enjoyed a wide variety of food all of it delicious.The sunset bar is an experience you will never forget and each day is different. The bar staff waiters and waitresses are all so friendly, Brian and Ali to name just two of the great staff they have at Chale. I thought a week maybe to long on a small island but after a weeks safari it was just what we needed and we are very thankful and will be back.
• Richard (10/5): - Wonderful
• Eilidh Louise (10/5): - Beautiful location that felt very private.
• Tyrone (10/5): Tranquility... - What an amazing and absolutely gorgeous place! You will enjoy the solitude and peace offered here!
• simon (8/5): - Beautiful setting with excellent staff. Minor issues were ran out of tonic, shouldn’t really happen in a quality place. Also most of the civilised world doesn’t allow smoking in standard bar/food settings so don’t think they should
• Brian (10/5): - Very comfortable and quiet place to get away from it all and enjoy the coast. Good food and great hospitality.
• Rita (8/5): - Beautiful island and wildlife. The bandas are pretty and comfortable. Nice pools. Food was mediocre at best. There was a lack of variety and the quality wasn’t that good.. Staff was okay but some services were lacking e.g no kettle in the rooms, no phone to call room service, and no slippers. I had higher expectations considering the beauty of the island and how much potential it had.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Heaven On Earth - This trip might have ruined the Kenyan coast for me because I don't know how I'll find anything even remotely close to being as wonderful! The rooms are luxuriously comfortable and the three pools are each lush and pure bliss. The management was personal and friendly and even though I was traveling alone I did not feel lonely as they went out of their way to greet me and remember me by name. Worth every penny: I will be back.
• Yana (10/5): Beautiful hotel - This is one beautiful place. One of a kind.
• Abby (10/5): - If you are looking for a beautiful place to visit at the coast and also feel relaxed this is your place. The staff are very friendly, efficient and ready to help and make sure you have a great visit. This is a small Island so there is not much to do, but if you are looking for a place to disconnect for a few days it's perfect. They do over a few activities within the Island and you can also arrange for trips outside the island. The is Amazing food . Fresh fish everyday . They use a generator to power the place so you don't have power during the day. Its turned off about 10am-5pm. Wifi available if needed. Beautiful place. We had a great time. Thank you
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Great place. We were pleasantly surprised by the food— great taste and variety. The beach is great during high tide, and there are plenty of swimming pools to keep you busy during low tide.
• Demetris (8/5): - The property is magical.Great experience.Unfortunately a 2hr return to Mombasa city turned into 6hr traffic jam.I would advise you to leave way before your outgoing flight as you would possibly miss it.The BIG problem is the ferry to cross over.Normally there are 5 ferries crossing but today there were only 2..... Besides this ,everything else was perfect.
• Alejandro (10/5): - great hotel!
• Alnoor (10/5): - Amazing location, fantastic hotel, awesome staff!! Andrea the General Manager genuinely cares about the guests. Highly recommended!
• Vincent (10/5): - Weak WiFi
• Audrey (10/5): If you’re looking for relaxation. Look no further. - Beautiful island and beach !! This was our second visit and we’ll certainly be back again.
• Lisa (10/5): FABULOUS! - I can’t recommend this place enough! The views were once in a lifetime! Security was excellent and so was the food! Beware of the baboons but absolutely go to the spa every day! This was truly the hotel of a lifetime and we couldn’t have enjoyed ourselves more! ❤️❤️❤️
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Amazing once in a lifetime...Until you return again! I cannot begin to say enough about this resort, island, staff and stay. It's all amazing. The ambiance and atmosphere are just the beginning. The staff are as friends and family. The food is outstanding. Every dish made to spec... in taste and appearance not to mention the vast selection. FYI- I now have 10 lbs to take back off! :o) We stayed a week before going to Zanzibar and immediately realized Zanzibar was a waste and headed back to Chale for another week stay. I can't begin to tell you how much I miss this place since returning to Montana, USA. I hope to be back very soon!
• Verified traveler (10/5): - A one of a kind -amazing place! We liked it so well we extended our stay in Kenya to return for another week. The location, property, food, staff and atmosphere make this place a once in a lifetime experience- well at least until you return again. The beaches and reefs are perfect for exploring, snorkeling etc. The rooms- bungalows are very clean, private and well kept with amazing views. The staff is extremely friendly and I can’t begin to tell you about the quality and assortment of food offered throughout the day. I am so glad to have found Sands of Chale! It clearly is now on my top list of places to stay again future. Thank you!
• Verified traveler (10/5): Great location ideal for couples! - It’s a great island resort and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The staff are understanding and ready to help. They even went so far as to do something special for my birthday! Very nice personal touch, which is much appreciated! Just one thing to remember is that they shut off the electricity (which could be good for a holiday without devices!) between 10-5 everyday, except in the penthouse and the suite on the rocks (please correct me if I missed any others). So, bear this in mind when you book.
• Mark (10/5): - The staff made us feel like we were at home. And went out of there way to accommodate us in every way. Will definitely be returning.
• MArk (6/5): Good, but not $225 a night good. - Overall, this was an okay place. For an average of $225 per night, I would have expected much more. Service was above average. Food was about what I would expect on a cruise ship. Pretty good, but nothing that will blow your socks off. It is a buffet, and how many buffets have you been to that you've said "this is one of the best meals I have had!"... likely none. On the island, it is beautiful. That said, there isn't that much to do beyond beaching, handing by the pool. Which is if it your thing that works, yet it is rather limited. The rooms are again, just okay. For $225 I would have expected much more. They had a musty smell to them and with no air conditioning for 10 am - 5 pm, it leaves little place to escape the heat during the day. The bathroom isn't fully sealed to the outside, which leaves room for bugs, and you will get them. Hot water didn't work for us, we followed the instructions and left the red switch on for 15 minutes, and got nothing. For $225 a night: I would expect a flawless memorable experience. I would expect a super spectacular greeting with coconut drinks, red carpet rolled out, all the amenities, and best in class meals. Unfortunately you aren't going to get that here. I would recommend finding a property on Diani beach for half the price, and opening yourself up to other beach options and restaurants of your choosing.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Amazing location, beautiful bungalows. Unfortunately the cocktails were not very good
• Melissa (10/5): Great trip overall! - Amazing stay! Super unique environment and friendly staff. The food and spa were to die for!
• Verified traveler (8/5): Beautiful Romantic resort on wild island. - Overall we had a great stay. It's a beautiful place with some incredible views. They actually have done a phenomenal job in ensuring the buildings fit in well on the island. It's peaceful and a great way to disconnect from the outside world as there is wifi but the connection is very poor. This being said, the rooms and some of the buildings are a bit tired and could do with renovation including updated lights in the rooms which can feel quite dark at night. paint jobs in places, etc... (this being said the idea is that you would normally never be in your room as electricity is off 10am - 5pm as the island runs on a generator) The staff however are very friendly and will definitely go out of their way to help you or make your stay more enjoyable. The food was overall pretty good with some good variety at the buffets including local Kenyan food which was great. All activities (Kayak, snorkeling, etc) come at extra cost so be mindful of that. Take some entertainment with you in case of rain as there are no TVs in the rooms and they have no board games at the hotel. Avoid the spa, as the treatment rooms though technically in the rainforest are actually quite close to the generator which makes a LOT of noise. Apart from the minor elements above, we had a great stay and would probably stay again at the right price. Please note that I would rate this . hotel more like a 3.5/4 (at a push) by European standards.
• Brenda (10/5): Beautiful. - Beautiful islands and ocean, great staff, great food, peace and quiet! We will be back!
• Verified traveler (8/5): - This is a cool property. Staff was friendly. The bandas/ bungalows (20,21,22 are the best) are worth the money spent. The spa had very good treatments - got 2 when I was there - and has a very nice location over the mangroves.The only real minus point was the food. Besides the live cooking stations, everything was repetitive. I visited in Nov 2017 and now in May 2019. The food was identical during both my stays across the years. The food remained the same every day I was there in May as well. Please add variety. Definitely worth a visit just for the seclusion.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - It’s a little slice of paradise, staff are so friendly and the food is excellent.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - The resort is peaceful and quiet. The views from the beach bandas are serene and this alone could justify your stay. We stayed 4 days, 3 nights. If you stayed for longer than 1 week I think the lack of terrain, activities and food might leave you feeling like you are missing out. However, for 5 days I think you leave feeling utterly refreshed, like you've just spoiled yourself in a luxurious location. Would come back
• Carsten (10/5): Cozy little paradise - Very cozy place and perfect for some romantic days. Good food, most staff is very attentive and especially the se view bandas are amazing.
• DeanCowles (10/5): - We have stayed many times on Diani Beach area and this ranks up with the best of them. Secluded, not as many beach boys, great meals, large standard rooms, wonderful smaller intimate pools and the island says it all.. will come back. Oh and the two tank dive trip was excellent
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Beautiful setting. Lovely staff. Responsive management. Food a bit bland and repetitive after a few days.
• Sam (10/5): - This was the best experience I ever had for vacation. All the staff were super friendly and professional. Manager, Andrea, would come to our table to make sure everything is okay. Every spot in Chale island was beautiful, well maintained, and natural. Food was very fresh and delicious. I just can't find anything bad about this place. I told Andrea we would come back very soon. My girlfriend and I loved it. Thank you guys!
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Amazing holidays, love that place. We were looking for similar place like Maldives with my husband and this is exactly the place - you can have your own villa with private garden, food is amazing and fresh every day. Staff from hotel was very helpful and in great mood every time, offering help anytime we needed. Beautiful island, I definitely come back one day. Thank you.
• angela (10/5): Paradise - You can’t beat the location. Beautiful beach beautiful nature and wildlife. Really authentic experience. Staff were fantastic The manager talked and mingled with all the clients. Very professional. Expected the drinks to be expensive as your on an island but they were reasonable. Food was very good and fresh but it’s a buffet so a little bit limited. Overall loved it .
• Verified traveler (8/5): Idyllic location - Chale is in an idyllic setting and offers peace and relaxation. Small selection of activities, ok buffet food but fresh grill was the best. Afternoon tea was included in the half board with cakes and tea/coffee available. Beach was amazing, but sea was a bit difficult to swim in as it had shallow water above seaweed and reef mainly, with a few urchins. Great for exploring rock pools for starfish and the occasional sea snake ! We loved our room, no 58, as we were high above the tree canopy - less bugs, and had some protection from the strong southerly wind. We saw some great sunrises and Moon rises as well. All in all a great unique location.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - A slice of paradise. My husband and I had a great time doing a mix of activities they offered and simply relaxing by the beach or one of the 3 pools!
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Nice
• Li (10/5): - Most stunning hotel, best staff and incredible spa!
• Stella (10/5): Spectacular One of a Kind Island in Kenya - Had an amazing weekend at the Sands. The Island is spectacular!
• Balazs (10/5): Beautiful island and hotel - I spent 7 nights there with my wife and we are very satisfied. The hotel had organized excursions so we could see nice and interesting places. We could see the true African life. Management and staff are also very nice. Thank You
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Absolutely astonishing in every aspect.
• Sophie (10/5): Beautiful eco conscious resort - The resort is gorgeous and right on the beach. Very quiet and relaxing. The rooms are nicely appointed. Our room had a rear patio facing the beach with direct access to it if you so pleased. The room was clean and spacious, although we did spend most of our time at the beach or pool. There is a basic gym there with an elliptical and bike, a few free weights and benches, if you are so inclined. The food in the restaurant is good, it had a small selection of Kenyan, Indian, and European dishes. And the staff was very accommodating and friendly. The only thing you should know before you go, I guess as with any resort, there are excursion vendors on the beach and while they don’t acost you while you are lounging, they will approach you as you make your way to the water. I normally don’t have a problem with them, but one was unnecessarily aggressive on our last day. But overall, we did have a wonderful stay. We will be back again.
• chris (10/5): Fantastic location and staff - From the moment you arrive, you feel welcome and well cared for. Nothing is too much trouble and the friendly staff go out of their way to ensure your stay is the best. The scenery, food and facilities are excellent and it is the first destination I definitely would return to.
• Karen (10/5): a little gem in paradise, wonderful holiday - If you love nature and animals, peace and quite, white sandy beach with crystal waters this is the place for you. We stayed at Chale Island for one week, 1 adult and 1 teenage boy. It has been a wonderful holiday for both of us. Everything on Chale Island has been perfect for us. ROOM We stayed in a standard room, at ground level overlooking the pool and the ocean. The room has been kept clean and tidy during all our stay. It was spacious and comfortable, lovely kingsize bed with mosquito nest prepared for us every evening. Nice patio to relax and enjoy the sound of the ocean, with armchairs and a coffee table, plus a wooden tool to hang wet swimwear and accessories. bathroom was kept clean and the shower was spacious The power is available in the rooms from 6pm to 11am and for us it hasn't been an issue. There was also a safe in the room so it was quite practical. RESTAURANTS Main restaurant: good choice of Swahili, Indian Italian and international cuisine. Great choice of breads freshly baked. Breakfast with omelettes and pancakes was great. Bars well stocked. Lovely afternoon tea at the chapateria with homemade cakes and croissants. POOLS/BEACH We enjoyed the very quite pool near the SPA, peaceful and overlooking the sea and mangroves. The beach is very spacious and well equipped, towels are supplied and waiters come round to bring your drinks, excellent. LEISURE Nice evening soft entertainment, optional activities daytime really nice with walks, kayak tours, snorkelling
• jessica (8/5): Beautiful views - Probably one of the most beautiful places we've ever stayed. (And we've been all over) Definitely a unique place. Overall I would recommend. Pros: -incredible beach -private and very quiet -awesome staff -daily activities -multiple pools and bars -many options for lodging, rooms, bandas, pent house suites, suite on the rock. -nobody bothering you on beach -walkable and safe to wander Cons: -drive in for half hour on a super bumpy unkept road (if you're prone to motion sickness plan ahead and take dramamine!!) - No included shuttle service. Plan to pay around 7000ks to take a taxi from Mombasa airport. We talked our taxi driver down to 6000ks. Their shuttle is 8500ks. -no electricity during the day (Generator can't support island for the whole day, Kenyan govt. doesn't have electricity out there yet. Alas from 11-5 no electricity) not a deal breaker but the rooms got a bit uncomfortable during the day and was really only an issue when my husband and I had stomach aches and were resting in the room, a fan and it AC would have been nice. Also bathroom was veryyyy dark during electricity outages even with small window. -bathroom window has no screen -rooms had a musty/wet smell -"Chale Time". I get it. They are last to see sunset so they bump the time ahead an hour. Only one clock in the entire resort displays "Chale Time". So don't use your phone to check the time, you'll just end up confused or missing things. It's unnecessary.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Amazing location and excellent hotel - We had a Banda for 6 nights and it was incredible. Although a long way to get to it's entirely worth it. The island is magical, the staff were great, friendly and attentive. The food was superb. We will definitely be back!
• Verified traveler (10/5): Lovely Hotel in a Superb Location - A really lovely hotel on an idyllic tropical island. Excellent beach and snorkelling; Three different pools; Very helpful and accommodating staff and a good standard of food with a wide range of choices. I would certainly recommend this place to all as an example of how resorts should be run and managed.
• Verified traveler (8/5): A unique hotel - definitely give it a try - We have just got back from a fab holiday at Chale (pronounced Charley). Chale is like nowhere else, beautiful and stunning but at the same time a little drab. Mostly this is because it is a lava rock island so whilst the sea is azure blue and the sand is pristine white the island itself is hard and granite grey. This makes growing and keeping flower gardens and tropical plants difficult and I felt it therefore lacked colour and an exotic feel. I know that having a garden in these conditions is hard work but worth the effort I feel. The island also sits at a river estuary which means it is left high and dry twice a day when the tide goes out. This I felt gave a poor view for those bunda rooms on the mainland side of the island. The views from the standard rooms particularly on the higher floors and the penthouse rooms were stunning though and well worth having to trek up the stairs. These rooms were also spacious with a fab large balcony which couldn't be overlooked. On a personal note I thought the attempt at whitewashed furniture and decor was poorly done which for me smacked of shabby rather than shabby chic. Overall this was a minor issue though. Most hotels I have stayed in Kenya in have offered buffet type meals, which I am happy with, I did think the quality of choice and food here at Sands was good. If you like the sea, snorkelling off the beach is interesting enough to make it worthwhile too. Don't expect hectic, go to chill and you'll have a whale of a time
• sabih (10/5): - Super relaxing and breathtaking
• Zainab (10/5): Beautiful just like the photos - Stayed at Chale Isl for my birthday for 4 nights in December. The resort photos absolutely match reality. The beach was beautiful. The staff were friendly and service was quick and efficient. The food was great and varied each night. This is not a place for young families, everyone on the island were there to relax quietly. I will definitely be back !

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