CHALE ISLAND RESORT, Ukunda

Chale Island Resort - A private island retreat with mangrove forests, a saltwater pool, and a luxury spa

Chale Island Resort, a 4-star property rated 9.3/10 on Booking.com, provides secluded beachfront accommodations surrounded by ancient mangrove forests and a 10000-square-meter white sand bay. The resort features Swahili-inspired rooms with sea or island views, private balconies, and amenities such as air conditioning, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. The Overwater Suite and Suite On The Rock offer unique stays with ocean panoramas and private verandas. Dining options include Baharini Restaurant, serving international and Kenyan cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, and a sushi bar specializing in sustainably caught seafood. Guests can relax at the Maisha Poa Spa, which offers aromatherapy treatments in open-air rooms overlooking the lake, or swim in the saltwater pool connected to the sea at high tide. Activities include birdwatching, whale shark sightings, and guided mangrove walks. The resort is 20 km from Ukunda, with Gazi Beach and Chale Beach within 3 km.

Pros

The saltwater pool allows direct access to the sea at high tide, offering a unique swimming experience through mangroves.

The Maisha Poa Spa features nine open-air treatment rooms with holistic therapies using organic essential oils.

Overwater suites provide uninterrupted ocean views and private terraces for sunset watching.

The resort supports sustainability initiatives, including locally sourced seafood and farm-to-table dining.

Cons

The island's remote location requires a 30-minute transfer from Ukunda.

Some rooms may experience noise from wildlife, including resident Colobus monkeys.