Serena Beach Resort and Spa, Mombasa

Location

White sand, coconut palms, glittering sea – this is the Swahili coastline at its beautiful best. Found right on the beach, it’s scenery that the Serena Beach Resort takes full advantage of, making it an ideal, relaxing end to a safari adventure. There’s also a vast underwater world to explore on scuba dives, or, turning the other way, a delightful collection of rural Kenyan villages. It’s all just a short, 20-mile hop from Mombasa.

Accommodation

Inspired by the winding lanes and colourful vibrancy of a Swahili market town, the Serena Beach Resort is resplendent in bright whitewash and tropical gardens. Rooms are equally evocative, painted in Maasai-inspired frescoes and host to delightful fretwork. All come with private verandahs, which look out over either the hotel’s exotic verdure or out to the Indian Ocean. For the finest vistas, look to the suites’ welcoming terraces, complemented by the likes of reception rooms, al fresco showers and beautiful darkwood furnishings.

Dining

After a hard day at the beach, you’ll have a number of dining options available to you. Take to the Fountain Restaurant for some international delicacies, the brasserie for its plaza shade or the dhow-boat-styled Jahazi Grill for some beachside seafood. The latter is particularly good, with everything from king prawns to lobster thermidor on offer. And, to cool off, there’s always the indulgent ice cream parlour. For something special, there’s also a 24-hour room service along with the chance for breakfast on the beach, complete with sparkling wine, of course.

Facilities

No beach getaway is complete without a spa to match. And this is no different, with a treatment oasis tucked away behind walls of natural coral. Expect everything from saunas and steam rooms to outside Jacuzzis, a spa bar, fitness centre and massage rooms. There’s also a full menu of complimentary activities, including windsurfing, aerobics and eco-trail treks. Or, spot turtles on snorkel and dive trips before returning to laps in the swimming pool, sets on the tennis court and archery on the range.