The Sands at Chale Island
Kenya's exclusive island resort
Intimate, picturesque and situated just four degrees south of the equator, Chale Island is the perfect place to truly unwind and get away from the world. Although the island is only 600 metres off the mainland, it feels a world away due to its turquoise Indian Ocean surroundings, abundant with coral and fish.
The tranquil resort is located within 15 acres of indigenous and tropical forest with a breath-taking secluded white sandy bay protected by a vibrant coral reef. In addition to its exclusive location, the real standout feature of the island is its two over-water suites – the only place in Kenya with this type of accommodation – which offer a unique experience, ideal for romantic getaways and honeymoons.
The rustic yet elegant hotel has three swimming pools, including a saltwater pool with waterfall connecting to a large Jacuzzi; the restaurant offers a blend of traditional Kenyan cuisine with Italian touches and a hint of the Orient and a wonderful selection of afternoon tea and cakes; and there's also a choice of bars, including the poolside Galana bar which serves chilled Champagne and cocktails.
The Maisha Poa Spa and Wellness Centre (Maisha Poa, meaning 'good life' in Swahili) offers numerous treatments in a peaceful spot in the middle of the island. If you're feeling active then head for the fitness centre or take part in one of the many activities, such as PADI scuba diving, snorkelling, glass bottom boat rides, kayaking through the mangroves, game fishing and catamaran sailing. The resort even has its own app that details the times of all activities and outlines what there is to do.
The Sands at Chale Island offers something that no other resort in Kenya can, making it a must for a stay – either after a safari or as a standalone holiday.
Top Tips from our Experts
Lucy
Destination Specialist
"Are you looking for somewhere unique and stunning in Kenya? This is the only place where you can stay in an over-water suite, giving you the feeling of being in the Maldives but with more accessibility after a safari."
Hotel Features
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The Sands at Chale Island
Facilities
Scuba diving
The island has its own dive centre, called 'Diving the Crab', and is a certified PADI and SSI centre. On a daily basis one or two tank dive excursions visit an array of dive sites around the island. Diving here offers coral reefs dropping to depths of 30 metres which are full of marine life but the real star of the show is the frequently spotted whale shark (from November to February).
Watersports
Available activities included: - Snorkeling from land or boat; - Glass bottom boat rides; - Kayaking; - Game fishing (half and full day tours); - Catamaran sailing;
Spa & Wellness Centre
The centre is built at the heart of the island – close to the ancient mangroves, tidal lake and coral caves to provide the perfect ambiance in which to relax – with nine open-air treatment rooms offering a range of treatments to pamper and re-energize. The fitness room is close to the wellness centre and is equipped with cardio machines and weights.
Excursions
There is a huge variety of boat excursions offered weekly, including: - Twelve kilometres north to Diani Beach (ranked as the fifth best beach in the world) - Twenty kilometres south to Kenya’s top marine reserve, offering great snorkelling and regular sightings of dolphins - Two kilometres west to a local fishing village, where you'll catch a glimpse of traditional Kenyan life
Shopping
There are two small but well-stocked boutiques with a wide selection of clothing, souvenirs, African art, jewellery, swimwear and toiletries. They also have local wood carvers at the beach who can produce customised carvings to order. Shopping trips to nearby Diani Beach are also arranged on a weekly basis.
The Sands at Chale Island
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