Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa Mombasa

If you have been to Mombasa both north and south beaches (Bamburi or Dianai), you have heard of White sands hotel. It is the largest hotel built on the northern beaches of Mombasa. It is East Africa’s pride in service along beaches. Of course I lived in Mombasa for a little over four years and Whitesands was my playground during the years I dated my German boyfriend Peter. We moon walked and had sand run through our toes right outside of Whitesands Hotel.
By African standards it is a 5 star, but in comparison to European and American beach hotels, it would fall somewhere between a 3 and 4 star. Above average is what I would say. When I last stayed there, the hotel needed some refurbishing, it seemed they were always painting it whiter. The grounds are amazing, absolutely beautiful.

It is one of Africa’s honeymoon beach locations and many couples love it, nothing compared to what one could get in the Seychelles, but the price one pays is definitely worth it. In the months of June through end October, the humidity levels are ridiculous, it is so reassuring that all the rooms at the hotel are air-conditioned. If you are planning a business or training session here I highly recommend it. It is particularly good value during off season (anytime before summer) where the rates are much lower and its cooler – you get so much attention and service, lol!.

Hotel is clean; it has nice rooms, beds are a bit hard (but then in Kenya they do not manufacture beds using the same material used in Europe or in the US), but duvets and bed sheets are wonderfully soft and cozy. All rooms come with satellite television, hair dryers, safes, and mosquito nets that wrap comfortably around the bed. They seem to have thought of everything when it comes to the room. There is variety of activities made for a great holiday. There are five pools to explore, jet ski/reef tours, morning pool aerobics and attentive pool and dining staff.

My recommendations are for all audiences, from honeymoons, romantic getaways, Girlfriends getaway, older travelers, families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists, mention it and they will be accommodated appropriately. I’m a customer service trainer, I will tell you now that the hotel has invested money in training their staff because they are very friendly, efficient and service oriented. They like what they are doing at all times.

Peter and I stayed not too far away from the beach so over the weekends we took Helen to the beach or went for private time to walk along the beach without Helen. It was incredible when the beach was quite and the waves beach against the shore. I particularly loved the outside bars, service even while you are in the pool – awesome! If you are looking to be pampered, this is the place. In comparison to the cold service one gets in Nairobi Mombasa is a heaven for service. There is music in the evenings and traditional entertainment for guests, they have a band always singing away at dinner - (Malaika nakupenda malaika)