Chale Island Resort
![Private beach, white sand, sun loungers, beach umbrellas](https://vr-thumbs.vacationrenter.com/480/expedia/9807194/c0d4e3.jpg)
![Penthouse | In-room safe, bed sheets](https://vr-thumbs.vacationrenter.com/480/expedia/9807194/6c12aa.jpg)
![Standard Double Room | View from room](https://vr-thumbs.vacationrenter.com/480/expedia/9807194/1147cb.jpg)
![Suite on the Rocks | Bathroom | Shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, bathrobes](https://vr-thumbs.vacationrenter.com/480/expedia/9807194/838702.jpg)
![Suite, Overwater | Living area | Books](https://vr-thumbs.vacationrenter.com/480/expedia/9807194/5cc507.jpg)
About this lodge
While you're here, you can enjoy all the comforts of home and more, including free WiFi and a billiards table, as well as a bidet and a garden. Other amenities include laundry facilities, towels, bathrobes, and tour/ticket assistance.
Amenities
Pool
Air conditioner
Internet / Wifi
Laundry
Hot Tub / Spa
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Kenya
Lodge in Kenya
Reasons to book
People love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Includes essentialsGarden, Pool, Air conditioner and more
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental
RRRR
Reviews
4.7/5.0
Outstanding(110 Reviews)
10.0
Beautiful location that felt very private.
3.0
What an amazing and absolutely gorgeous place! You will enjoy the solitude and peace offered here!
4.0
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
5.0
Very comfortable and quiet place to get away from it all and enjoy the coast. Good food and great hospitality.
4.0
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.
3.0
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.
3.0
This is one beautiful place.
One of a kind.
5.0
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
2.0
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.
4.0
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.
5.0
great hotel!
3.0
This island is truly a magical place, with its dense vegetation, stunning ever changing beach, the local animal population from monkeys to colorful coral fish.
We stayed in a bungalow, and if possible I would recommend it as you get the best out of you stay on this little charming island.
The staff was friendly and professional, the food was delicious and with daily catch of the day.
We are looking forward to returning to this special place as soon as possible
5.0
Amazing location, fantastic hotel, awesome staff!! Andrea the General Manager genuinely cares about the guests.
Highly recommended!
5.0
Weak WiFi
3.0
Beautiful island and beach !! This was our second visit and we’ll certainly be back again.
3.0
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! ❤️❤️❤️
5.0
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!
5.0
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!
3.0
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.
3.0
The secret pearl of Africa. A place of magic. You arrive with a small boat to a "Caribbean like" island where they welcome you with joy. The bungalow is situated with a fantastic look across the white beach to the Indian Ocean. You can swim among turtles and fish of all colours.
The staff will assist you 24-7 you can only relax and enjoy the love an harmony while the small monkeys plays in the tree tops over your head.
If you are looking for a perfect place to spend with one you love GO - go now
The manager and his staff is there with out you notice it to secure top service
5.0
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.
2.0
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.
4.0
Amazing location, beautiful bungalows. Unfortunately the cocktails were not very good
2.5
Amazing stay! Super unique environment and friendly staff. The food and spa were to die for!
2.0
Overall we had a great stay. Its a beautiful place with some incredible views. They actually have done a phenomenal job in ensuring the buildings fit in well on the island. Its 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.
2.5
Beautiful islands and ocean, great staff, great food, peace and quiet! We will be back!
4.0
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.
5.0
It’s a little slice of paradise, staff are so friendly and the food is excellent.
5.0
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!
5.0
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!
5.0
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.
4.0
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.
4.0
Nice hotel, lovely setting, good for lazy holidays.
Down side too many local beach boys hassling you to tour the island. Needs to be sorted. Don't expect to be hassled every time you walk to the water!
4.0
Fantastic hotel! Enjoyed a 3 day stay, would definitely recommend.
FAQs
How much does this lodge cost compared to others in Kenya?
The average price for a rental in Kenya is R 1,201 per night. This rental is R 7,147 above the average.
Is parking included with this lodge?
Parking is not specified as an available amenity at Chale Island Resort. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this lodge?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at Chale Island Resort. Enjoy the water!
Is Chale Island Resort pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this lodge is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Chale Island Resort?
We found 7 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, air conditioner, internet / wifi, laundry, and hot tub / spa.
Kenya travel inspiration
Read our blogGuides
Ski Trip Packing List: What to Bring Skiing or Snowboarding
Trends
VacationRenter Holiday Travel Trends 2023
Featured Rentals
Architectural Vacation Rentals: Experience the Beauty of Unique Properties
Featured Rentals
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Vacation Rentals Around the World
Featured Rentals
Our Favorite Vacation Rentals With Unique Experiences
Featured Rentals
Amazing Cabin Rentals Across the Globe
Featured Rentals
Have You Ever Wanted to Stay in a Dome Rental? Now You Can
Featured Rentals
Jaw Dropping Treehouse Rentals All Over the World