African Kenya Diani Mombasa cottages – Top Mombasa cottages

Nomad

Nomad is a return to basics on Diani Beach. You pass new shopping malls, discos and high rise hotels and then turn down along, winding dirt road shaded by old trees: staggering contrast. Guests have a choice of staying in one of the three new large family cottages or in the older small Bandas. The setting is idyllic-only grass and tall palm trees between you, the beach and the ocean beyond.

Staying in the Bandas at the nomad is like camping on the beach-except the "tents" are made of sticks. The cottages, on the other hand are bright and spacious with sliding glass doors on to private verandas and the beach just steps away.

Nomad began as a restaurant 15 years ago, and is still a popular place to eat. The food is simple and excellent. There are two restaurants. The main restaurants (high thatch roof, sides open to views and breezes) serve a la carte meals in the evenings with an emphasis on sea food. On Sundays there is a curry and jazz lunch.

The ultra casual "nomad beach bar" is basically a Makuti roof supported by a tree trunk with sand underfoot. Customers are often in swim wear, and the ocean is only steps away. The menu ranges from sandwiches to wonderfully fresh seafood platters. The Diani boutique adds color and activity to the scene.

Nomad is popular with British Kenyans. It has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The staff has been there along time, there is a loyal repeat group of guests, and children are welcome. As the manager said, "this is the exact opposite of a package tour place…there are no jumping Masai for entertainment... Here you can completely relax; you don’t even have to anyone else". The only pool is the Indian Ocean. Deep sea fishing is available, and there is a diving school.

Accommodations

Nomad can accommodate a maximum of 50. The three family cottages each have one double room and a family suite which can sleep four. Two cottages have an upstairs garret which can sleep two. Rooms are bright and attractive and are equipped with an electric kettle and a large mosquito net enclosing both beds and a fan. Bathrooms are large and modern. The Bandas are small, basic and dark-some area family units with a very small second bedroom. Each has a bathroom ensuite. There is electricity, but no fans. Even if you don’t stay at Nomad, at least stop by for a meal.

Galu Beach

Situated South of Diani, Galu Beach is less built up, with fewer hotels and no shopping malls. There are dirt roads and indigenous bush. The beach is smaller and more private than Diani, and has fewer beach vendors or boating activities. Coral rock means more difficulty swimming along some portions of this beach.

Neptune Hotels on Galu Beach

Side by side are two Neptune resorts-the older "Neptune Cottages" and the bright new "Neptune Paradise". Between them they have over 250 units in two story roundavels-style cottages with very tall peaked roofs-they look like a gnome’s village come to life!

Since the plots are very deep, it’s a long walk to the Ocean. The cottages are set back in gardens, or overlooking the pool rather than the sea.

Neptune paradise, the new and smaller resort, has a clean "decorated feel to it. There are scores of chairs and loungers in pastel hues with coordinating fabrics; the bar is built in the shape of a boat with bar stools to look like dolphins. The open sided beach bar and the thatched dining area are built close to the beach, and there is a big pool with a swim –up bar. Music plays, and there is a TV and table tennis under thatch. Images of Florida and ice cream parlors come to mind.

Accommodations in Neptune Beach Hotel Kenya.

The rooms are clean, attractively decorated and well-equipped with mini bars, phone, radio, tables and chairs. Most rooms look into the backs of others. Those closes to the pool have the best views and the most noise.

Robert is a travel expert to Kenya and the East African region. He is a director to Landmark safaris ltd. At Landmark, we let you tailor your own Kenya water or animal safari-the way you want it! See your Africa safari planner here: http://www.landmarksafaris.com/planner