Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa, Mombasa

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa

Hayes & Jarvis Rating

Average: 4 (1 vote)

TripAdvisor Review

1525 Reviews

Guide Price £829 per person

Based on 14 November 18 departure from London Heathrow flying with Kenya Airways, staying for 7 nights half board in a Garden Facing Room (2 adults sharing) including return transfers.

Our guide price gives you an idea of how much to budget for a stay at this hotel. The price will vary based on exchange rates, and your choice of room type, departure date, airline and cabin class, and any additional extras you’d like to add to your holiday.

Refreshing African hospitality

Set in 23 acres of naturally landscaped gardens on the pristine sands of Bamburi Beach, the Sarova Whitesands truly reflects its name.

The resort has five pools, including the peaceful tranquillity pool adjoining the Tulia Spa. If you're looking for a more active holiday, choose from deep sea diving, parasailing and more at the Blue Lagoon watersports centre.

Ideal for couples and families, parents will appreciate the Ozone kids' club, children's pool with slide and children's buffets at the Minazi cafe. A range of well-appointed garden, ocean and pool-facing rooms are available and set amid gardens interspersed with palms for a truly tropical stay in Mombasa.

Hotel Features

Hotel Category

Luxury

Location Type

Beach

General Information

Check-in Time:
14:00
Check-out Time:
10:30
338 rooms
Transfer duration: Approx. 30 minutes from Mombasa Airport
Floors have lift access: No

Main Facilities

Diving
Fitness facilities
Outdoor pool
Spa facilities
Watersports
Wifi

Board Basis Options

All Inclusive
Half Board

For Families

Babysitting
Family Rooms
Kid's Club
Kid's Pool

General Information

Check-in Time:
14:00
Check-out Time:
10:30
338 rooms
Transfer duration: Approx. 30 minutes from Mombasa Airport
Floors have lift access: No

Main Facilities

Diving
Fitness facilities
Outdoor pool
Spa facilities
Watersports
Wifi

Board Basis Options

All Inclusive
Half Board

For Families

Babysitting
Family Rooms
Kid's Club
Kid's Pool

Location Highlights

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa

Beach
Approx. 30 minutes from Mombasa Airport

1525 Reviews

80% of travellers recommended this hotel

Traveller ratings

Excellent 714
Very Good 500
Average 163
Poor 77
Terrible 72

What to Expect

Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness

Reviews

Oct 16, 2018

Almost like home

We stayed here in February in a sea front room. The room was great, and all the food, bars etc very good. During this trip the entertainment team were friendly and kept looking after us whenever we were around. We stay here because we visit a small school about 1 hours drive away in the rural part past Bamburi and it is a joy and pleasure to arrive back at Whitesands. However the very best part is the staff - all of them in every department are friendly, charming and always on hand to help

Oct 11, 2018

Not recommended

I stayed at the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa for business during October 2018. I travel all over Africa so I know what to expect, but my 2 nights stay at this resort was very dissapointing. It started with a 45min wait to be checked in after they brought me the wrong person's form twice. The first evening my colleagues and I wanted to have the buffet but when we arrived around 9 all the meat and fish was gone and only vegetables remained. We timed that their average speed to get a beer is 12.5mins, nevermind the time asking for a cocktail. There was building taking place on the floor below me which caused me not being able to get a afternoon siesta. But the most frustrating part was the WIFI which was non-existant. I was there for business and could not send and receive any emails or even WhatsApp messages. When I asked reception whether there was a problem with the WIFI the gentlemen spoke to me as if I was an idiot and ask me whether I tried to switch my computer/phone on and off. He said he will report back to me but I am still waiting. My stay was overall very dissapointing especially considering the price one pays to stay here. I will certainly stay at another hotel when I am back in Mombasa.

Sep 30, 2018

Overprized for what it offers, lots of problems

London, United Kingdom

We booked a ten day stay on half board and were looking forward. However overall we were disappointed and Sarova fell short of expectations especially bearing in mind what we paid. The first impression you get on arrival is how dated the whole place is. There is work going on in places but I suspect it will be long before it is completed. Dark stains on external walls is evident everywhere. Check in was a joke with no one to give you a briefing about the hotel and facilities. We had several issues during our stay and I must point out at no stage we ever saw senior managers showing any interest in guests or going round asking - this is the norm at most resort round the world. The second quick impression you get is that the hotel is a favourite for locals and corporate bookings. Now in my understanding these corporate bookings a normally a free junket for government officials (we had a big group from 'the judiciary') and because it is free do not particularly care about service and this is reflected in what is on offer. This may explain why you do not see many guests from any of the big tours companies in Europe or North America. Who would want to send guests to a resort where the customer service is lacking when you have other options. We were also very disappointed with two incidents. First was a scam being run by Geoffrey in the Pavilions restaurant. So we ordered water and he asked if we want to pay cash, we did, and he charged Shs 200 for a small bottle but produced no bill. On another occasion we wanted it charged to the room so a bill was produced and the charge was Shs 160. Clearly old Geoffrey was stitching guest up and running some sort of scam. Outrageous. Second, every Tuesday is 'bubbly' day and on the first Tuesday we were offered a drink. On the next Tuesday, the guy serving just ignored our table as he made his way round the restaurant. What was he thinking? These incidents would not happen if senior mangers were present or keeping an eye. Finally we had issues everyday to get our room sprayed at night to control mosquitoes. We had to ring everyday to remind them and sometime more than once. On one occasion, a grumpy guy turned up at 10pm, sprayed a couple of times and stormed out slamming the door behind him - I wonder if he was woken up and resented it! Scandalous. So was there anything good? The Swahili breakfast in the Pavilion and lunch at the beach was good. Overall, our stay was a big disappointment. We have stayed in Mombasa before and the service has been top class. I would not say the same is present at Sarova which fell short of expectation. Next time we will avoid Sarova. On our return, I received a request for feedback which I did and mentioned some of the above. I got a reply from the Director of Operations which said they would look into these 'shortcomings'. I have not heard what happened as a result of them looking into these. Ah well. I normally put up photos, but on this occasion will not do so due tour experience at a very disappointing Sarova Whitesands.

View all

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa

Facilities

Tulia Spa

Tulia is the Swahili word for 'relax' and the Tulia Spa at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort is designed to help you unwind and rejuvenate.

Sports Facilities

Sports and games facilities include: tennis, beach volleyball, pool tables, table tennis, water polo, water volleyball. Facilities available at a supplement include: sailing, water scooters, para-sailing and snorkelling.

Swimming Pools

There are five free-form swimming pools at Sarova Whitesands, each offering something different. The Lido Pool has a built-in bar which serves up a selection of beverages throughout the day. The children's pool and slide is hugely popular with families and features a small baby pool also. The Palms Pool is the most picturesque of all the pools, surrounded by palms, frangipani trees and bougainvilleas and there is also a waterfall and an island with connecting bridge.The last of the five swimming pools is the Tranquillity Pool, found at the far end of the hotel and considered the quiet zone. Attached to the Tulia Spa and close to the Health bar, the Tranquillity Pool is the ideal spot if you're after a little bit of 'me time'.

Health Club

For the fitness minded, the health club offers a range of state-of-the-art exercise equipment including cross trainers, exercise cycles, free weights, multi gym, rowing machines and treadmills, all free of charge.

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa

Room Types

Pool Facing Room

The large spacious Palm Rooms are very inviting. Decorated with warm colourful hues, all of these rooms have balconies that overlook the Palms Pool, colourful bouganvillea and frangipani trees. Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided for your convenience.

Show room facilities

Air Conditioning
Bath
Hairdryer
Minibar
Safe
Satellite/Cable TV
Separate Shower
Towels included

Garden Facing Room

Standard rooms are anything but that. You will find all the comforts and details that you need to make your stay a comfortable and enjoyable one, with rooms also having either a pool or sea view. Interconnecting rooms are avaliable and complimentary Wi-Fi is provided for your convenience.

Show room facilities

Air Conditioning
Bath
Hairdryer
Minibar
Safe
Satellite/Cable TV
Separate Shower
Towels included

Sea Facing Room

All Sea Front rooms have an unimpeded view of the expansive tropical waters of the Indian Ocean beyond the landscaped greens and swaying palms. Enjoy these views from one of your deck chairs found on your balcony. Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided for your convenience.

Show room facilities

Air Conditioning
Bath
Hairdryer
Minibar
Safe
Satellite/Cable TV
Sea View
Separate Shower
Towels included

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa

Food & Drink

Cocos Beach Bar

An open-air bar and night spot situated right on the beach, Cocos is a great place for sundowners, dancing or just lounging beneath swaying palms with your toes in the sand. There is a DJ every night, special salsa nights on Friday and live dance or acrobatic performances on other days.

Pavilions I & II

Pavilions is the main buffet-style restaurant at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort serving up exceptional cuisine at breakfast, lunch and dinner for half board and all inclusive guests. The cuisines include a variety of continental, Asian and indigenous African dishes with a total of 14 themed dinners spread over a two week period which means you’re in for alternative delights every evening. Live bands, traditional dancers and acrobats also provide the entertainment whilst you dine. Dress code: Men must wear collared shirts and long trousers during dinner

Lido Seafood Grill

Lido is a Chaine de Rotisseur certified, fine dining al fresco restaurant set amid the palms on the beach with a stunning ocean view. Serving up a unique style of fresh seafood in a variety of nouvelle cuisine dishes as well as traditional favourites like grilled prawns, lobsters and crab. Restrictions: Open daily for lunch and all days except Mondays for dinner. Dress code: Men must wear collared shirts for dinner.

Lido Pool Bar

Serving up cocktails, mocktails and a variety of other beverages for you to enjoy while you relax in and around the Lido pool. No dress code.

Minazi Cafe

The Miniazi Cafe is open 24 hours a day with an early breakfast being served up between 4.00 – 7.00 if you just can't wait to enjoy a few of those tasty treats. The bistro-style restaurant and pizzeria with a wood-fire pizza oven serves up light meals, a rich variety of coffee and an enchanting selection of ice creams, milkshake, smoothies and patisseries throughout the day. Restrictions: This restaurant is not included on half board packages.

Tulia Health Bar

Tulia Health Bar serves up exactly what you'd expect: healthy light meals, salads, smoothies and freshly squeezed juices throughout the day.

Board Basis Options

Half Board

All Inclusive

Food: buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the main restaurant. Lunch can also be taken at the Minazi Café (some dishes excluded). A 20% discount is offered on food for lunch and dinner at the Sea Food Grill.

Drinks: beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks and cocktails are served by the glass from10.00-24.00.

Activities: land based sports activities and non-motorised watersports including snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaks, pedaloes and one glass bottomed boat ride per stay (park fees payable locally).

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa

Family Friendly Facilities

Ozone Kids Club & Entertainment

With a wide variety of entertainment planned for the day the large team of specially trained staff are on hand ready to keep your little ones entertained from morning until evening while all you need to do is take advantage of activities readily available to you throughout Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa. Days are filled with indoor activities at the Ozone Club which is extensively equipped with games, toys, children's films, hobby craft and more; and outdoor activities such as swimming, beach walks and nature trails. Children of all ages are welcome and appropriate activities are planned for different age groups.

Children's Swimming Pool

The resort features a children's swimming pool and slide.

TripAdvisor Reviews

1525 Reviews

80% of travellers recommended this hotel

Traveller ratings

Excellent 714
Very Good 500
Average 163
Poor 77
Terrible 72

What to Expect

Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness

Reviews

Oct 16, 2018

Almost like home

Oct 11, 2018

Not recommended

Sep 30, 2018

Overprized for what it offers, lots of problems

London, United Kingdom

View all

Hotel

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa

Hayes & Jarvis Rating

TripAdvisor Review

Refreshing African hospitality

Hotel Features

Hotel Category

Location Type

General Information

Main Facilities

Board Basis Options

For Families

General Information

Main Facilities

Main Facilities

Board Basis Options

Board Basis Options

For Families

For Families

Location Highlights

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa

Traveller ratings

What to Expect

Reviews

Almost like home

Not recommended

Beautiful beachfront resort

A great beach holiday experience!

Overprized for what it offers, lots of problems

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa

Facilities

Tulia Spa

Sports Facilities

Swimming Pools

Health Club

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa

Room Types

Pool Facing Room

Garden Facing Room

Sea Facing Room

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa

Food & Drink

Cocos Beach Bar

Pavilions I & II

Lido Seafood Grill

Lido Pool Bar

Minazi Cafe

Tulia Health Bar

Board Basis Options

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa

Family Friendly Facilities

Ozone Kids Club & Entertainment

Children's Swimming Pool

TripAdvisor Reviews

Traveller ratings

What to Expect

Reviews

Almost like home

Not recommended

Beautiful beachfront resort

A great beach holiday experience!

Overprized for what it offers, lots of problems

You might also like these

The Ocean Spa Lodge

H&J Rating

Baobab Beach Resort and Spa

H&J Rating

Serena Beach Hotel and Spa

H&J Rating

Leopard Beach Resort and Spa

H&J Rating

Sign up to our newsletter

How we tailor make your holiday

1. Browse

2. Create

3. Customise

The Hayes & Jarvis Way

Award Winning

Exceptional Service