Extraordinary Africa>Kenya > Kenya Coast>Almanara
Almanara has long been one of the most stylish options on Diani beach. With a glorious sweep of white beach in front, and the choice between both the boutique hotel and six chic villas there’s really something to suit almost every taste here.
What’s Almanara really like?
Almanara’s boutique hotel “Casa Bella” sits in the largest villa on the plot, and closest to the white powdery sand of the beach. Here there are Ocean View Rooms, with marble bathrooms, and large super king beds, and two Ocean View Suites, which also have jaccuzzi baths and a seating area. Casa Bella was originally the private holiday home of its owner, so the feel remains intimate and very exclusive, with plenty of private space to tuck yourselves away in, including a study, bar, library, gym, games room and a lovely pool around which the meals are served on a set menu basis. In addition to this, right on the beach is the excellent Sails Restaurant, which specialises in delicious local seafood. Set behind Casa Bella are the six executive villas, all set around a communal swimming pool. Each of the villas has 3 ensuite bedrooms. From the outside the style is almost Moroccan, with ochre coloured walls and open roof terraces, interiors have more of an African/European feel. When we visited we were very impressed by the high standard of the finishes here. Each villa has an in-house chef who will cook for you- meals are usually served on a set menu each day, and there’s also a waiter and maid to make sure you are well looked after. Alternatively, if you want to head down to Sails for dinner, that’s also an option at an extra charge
What can I do at Almanara?
We love this stretch of Diani Beach as you’re a little out of town, so it tends to be quieter than the more central stretches. As such, many people just come here to relax and snooze in the sunshine and take advantage of the lovely spa. However, if you must be more active, there is an on-site kite surfing and windsurfing school, a traditional sailing boat, and stand-up paddle boarding. Diving can be arranged with Diani dive school, and it is also possible to book deep sea fishing.
Giving back at Almanara:
Almanara treats grey water and reuses it on the garden, hot water in the villas is heated by solar, and the hotel is working (but not quite there yet) to reduce single use plastics. An area of beach by the hotel is protected for turtle hatching, and Almanara supports two local charities: he Swalha Children’s Orphanage & Africa Child & Women’s Centre.
Want to know more? We’ve been here, so just
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