Resort Overview: The Sands at Chale Island

The Sands, located on Chale Island, is a luxury resort known for exclusive private retreats. It’s surrounded by pristine white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lush coastal vegetation. The resort features luxurious accommodation facilities designed to blend seamlessly with nature.

Chale Island (1.2 km long and 0.8 km wide) is a tropical haven located 600 meters off the mainland, about 10 km south of Diani. The Island is divided into two parts, with a resort occupying the northern side and a sacred forest (Mijikenda Kaya) on the south.

The island is largely appreciated for its serene white sand beaches. The view of coral reefs and mangrove forests from the island’s eastern side intensifies its beauty. Being a private Island on the remote Kenya coast, the beaches are relatively calm and free from disturbances.

Here’s an overview of what makes The Sands at Chale Island a standout destination for nature enthusiasts. 

The Sands at Chale Island

The Sands at Chale was built with a focus on the natural beauty of the island. Great care was taken to create a strong local aura. The structures are Swahili, with Italian stucco. Furniture and other objects are Kenyan made commonly with the use of varnished mahogany.

This hotel offers different categories of accommodation to suit various tastes and demands. They include the following:

1. Bandas

Banda is a Swahili word for “small house”. The palm-thatched cottages are strategically located in secluded areas across the resort. Banda provides a peaceful retreat where guests can relax and unwind privately. They are designed with traditional coastal style, overlooking the clear water of the Indian Ocean.

Despite their traditional design, bandas are equipped with modern facilities. Inside, you’ll find fans, air conditioning units, spacious beds, and ensuite bathrooms. Guests staying in these cottages still have easy access to the resort’s main facilities including pool and the beachfront restaurant.

Personalized services can also be provided to guests in the Bandas. The friendly and dedicated staff at The Sands are tasked to ensure that guests have a comfortable and memorable stay. 

2. Overwater suite

The Sands at Chale overwater suite is unique in Kenya. Its designs allow guests to stay directly above the water’s surface. This suite is located on the northwest of the island with stunning views of the surroundings. From its veranda, guests can enjoy amazing sunsets over the Indian Ocean.

The overwater suite has a spacious bedroom with a nice bed. It also has a separate living room and ensuite bathroom. What’s more, the front veranda has a Jacuzzi and a ladder down to the ocean. From the bathroom, guests have access to the terrace equipped with a daybed for relaxation.

I had a fantastic view of the canal from this place. In the distant sunset, I could see Giza Bay, Bird Island, and the great Shimba hills. This facility has 24 hrs. power supply.

3. Suite on the rocks

Suite on the Rocks is a small cottage on a rock that acts as a separate island. It’s connected to the rest of the resort with a bridge. This suite has an exclusive bedroom and living room with a connected bathroom and bottled water dispenser. A minibar is also accessible at an extra charge.

There is also a front verandah overlooking a private Jacuzzi. A circular stairway leads to an upstairs lounge. It’s a great place for sunbathing and panoramic views of the ocean and the island’s coastline. Isn’t it great for honeymooners?

4. Penthouse suites

Two luxurious penthouses at The Sands Chale are set well above tree tops. They offer breathtaking views of both the ocean and the island. They are equipped with spacious living rooms, bedrooms, an upper floor, and a jacuzzi. You’ll also get a bottled water dispenser and a minibar.

5. Standard rooms

Standard rooms at The Sands Chale are set facing the sea with direct access to the Galana pool. All the units are furnished in traditional style with generous sunbathing platforms. Standard rooms have individually controlled air- conditioning systems, showers, and a balcony for greater views of the ocean.

Meals and Drinks at The Sands Chale

The hotel has two restaurants with the main one serving a wide range of dishes including Kenyan, Italian, and Asian cuisines. This restaurant has steps leading straight down to the center of the beach, giving a true feeling of the island. The second smaller restaurant serves à la carte meals.

The strong emphasis on seafood, live grilling, and a fresh pasta station make this restaurant an event to be looked forward to. There is a highly trained team of chefs at the resort who make sure that every meal is enjoyable. Both indoor and outdoor serving is done.

There’s also a bar in between the reception area and the big restaurant. They serve hot and cold drinks there. Guests can enjoy espresso, cocktails, and a wide variety of wines and spirits. This bar is always open but you can take your party to the Galana Pool bar. 

Other facilities at the hotel

The Sands at Chale Island has three swimming pools. The main pool is located right near the reception, the second one with a pool bar near the standard rooms, and the third salty one is next to the spa. The resort also has wellness and fitness rooms equipped with weights and a range of cardio machines.

Each room at the hotel has an electronic safe where you can safely keep your money, documents, and other valuables. Wi-Fi is available throughout with good speed. So communication with your friends and family back home shouldn’t be a problem.

Activities at The Sands at Chale Island

The Sands at Chale Island offers daily trips from the island to Diani Beach, the Nomad Beach Bar, and The Diani Shopping Center. If you are not into shopping, you can enjoy a range of activities including scuba diving, birdwatching, boat cruises, snorkeling, and windsurfing among others.

If you are into a particular interest, it’s best to carry the relevant gear. Two small boutiques on the island are well-stocked with a wide selection of clothing. This is where you can shop for souvenirs, swimwear, toiletries, jewelry, and African art.

Safety and health concerns?

Although the plumbed water is slightly brackish, all the rooms are provided with filtered drinking water. Staff are trained to handle first-aid services but critical cases can be handled by Diani hospital which is 30 – 40 minutes away. Preventive Malaria medication is recommended.

The Island enjoys tight security 24 hours a day. Askaris and private guards patrol the beaches and all the forested areas. Fire extinguishers and water hoses are located near the rooms. If you have children, it’s best to monitor them around swimming pools and the larger beach.

How to get to The Sands at Chale Island

To reach Chale Island, you have to travel to Diani Beach, located on the south coast of Kenya. Depending on your location, you would need to book a flight to Moi International Airport in Mombasa or Ukunda Airstrip in Diani. From here you can reach Diani Beach by road.

Once you reach Diani Beach, you’ll take a boat transfer to Chale Island. The Sands at Chale Island typically arranges boat transfers for their guests. The boat ride usually takes around 10-20 minutes, depending on sea conditions.

We hope your stay at this resort will be joyous and memorable. If you have any questions or suggestions, leave a comment or contact us.