Name: Chale Island Resort
Address: Diani Beach Road, Diani Beach, Ukunda, Chale Island, 80401, KE

10/10

Exceptional

07 Apr 2026

Anne

Amazing place!

10/10

Exceptional

18 Mar 2026

Monique

The staff here is amazing. The rooms are always immaculately clean everyday. When I go back in my room it smells amazing and looks amazing. Location is great if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. It’s literally on a private island so no stores or anything is close by (about a 30/40 minute drive) and it’s extremely hard to get an uber because they uber drivers don’t want to go all the way to Chale. But the resort does have transportation for an extra fee so no worries. Overall an amazing experience, amazing people, amazing amenities. The drinks are so fresh. I’d visit again!

8/10

Excellent

19 Oct 2025

Susan

Lovely place for a couple of nights. Rooms lacking in comfortable chairs just to sit though.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jun 2024

Richard

Wonderful

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2024

Eilidh Louise

Beautiful location that felt very private.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Feb 2024

Tyrone

Tranquility...

What an amazing and absolutely gorgeous place! You will enjoy the solitude and peace offered here!

Self

8/10

Excellent

25 Nov 2023

simon

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

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Oct 2023

Brian

Very comfortable and quiet place to get away from it all and enjoy the coast. Good food and great hospitality.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Dec 2022

Rita

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.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2022

Verified traveler

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.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jan 2022

Yana

Beautiful hotel

This is one beautiful place.
One of a kind.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jan 2022

Abby

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

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Dec 2021

Verified traveler

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.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 Dec 2021

Demetris

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.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Dec 2021

Alejandro

great hotel!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 Sep 2021

Alnoor

Amazing location, fantastic hotel, awesome staff!! Andrea the General Manager genuinely cares about the guests.
Highly recommended!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Sep 2021

Vincent

Weak WiFi

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jul 2021

Audrey

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.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2021

Lisa

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! ❤️❤️❤️

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Mar 2021

Verified traveler

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!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Mar 2021

Verified traveler

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!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jan 2021

Verified traveler

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.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Feb 2020

Mark

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.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

15 Dec 2019

MArk

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.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

11 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

Amazing location, beautiful bungalows. Unfortunately the cocktails were not very good

Friends_and_family Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Oct 2019

Melissa

Great trip overall!

Amazing stay! Super unique environment and friendly staff. The food and spa were to die for!

Self

8/10

Excellent

09 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

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.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2019

Brenda

Beautiful.

Beautiful islands and ocean, great staff, great food, peace and quiet! We will be back!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 May 2019

Verified traveler

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.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

13 May 2019

Verified traveler

It’s a little slice of paradise, staff are so friendly and the food is excellent.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 May 2019

Verified traveler

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

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2019

Carsten

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.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2019

DeanCowles

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

Friends_and_family Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Beautiful setting. Lovely staff. Responsive management. Food a bit bland and repetitive after a few days.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Dec 2018

Sam

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!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

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.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Sep 2018

angela

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 .

8/10

Excellent

01 Sep 2018

Verified traveler

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.

10/10

Exceptional

11 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

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!

8/10

Excellent

22 Jul 2018

Verified traveler

Nice

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2018

Li

Most stunning hotel, best staff and incredible spa!

10/10

Exceptional

27 Apr 2018

Stella

Spectacular One of a Kind Island in Kenya

Had an amazing weekend at the Sands. The Island is spectacular!

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

15 Mar 2018

Balazs

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

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jan 2018

Verified traveler

Absolutely astonishing in every aspect.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Nov 2017

Sophie

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.

10/10

Exceptional

06 Oct 2017

chris

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.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Sep 2017

Karen

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

8/10

Excellent

31 Jul 2017

jessica

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.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Mar 2017

Verified traveler

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!

10/10

Exceptional

19 Feb 2017

Verified traveler

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.