Serena Beach Resort and Spa

Set along Shanzu Beach 13 kilometres north of central Mombasa, Serena Beach Resort & Spa occupies single-storey whitewashed buildings arranged as a 13th-century Swahili village, with carved doorways and lanes that wind through gardens planted with bougainvillea and coconut palms. One hundred and twenty rooms and suites range from 35.7 m² Superior Rooms with king or twin beds to duplex Garden Suites on two levels; every room includes a private balcony or terrace. Eight Family Rooms link two bedrooms via a shared entrance corridor. Two Lamu Suites face the pool and ocean with four-poster beds and separate sitting rooms. All bathrooms carry twin sinks; Superiors add a bathtub and separate shower.

The Jahazi Grill, shaped as an Arabian dhow, serves seafood caught the same day and overlooks the Indian Ocean. Fountain offers buffet breakfast and themed international dinners. Sokoni, beside a fishpond, runs a wood-fired pizza oven and hosts evening acrobatic performances. A swim-up pool bar operates within the main pool; Mkungu Beach Bar sits under thatch on the lawn. Maisha Spa occupies a pavilion built around a water feature and offers massages and facials with Healing Earth products. PADI certification and guided dives depart year-round; snorkelling gear is available for lagoon use. The resort has protected sea-turtle nests since 1993 and released more than 40,000 hatchlings; guests may observe the hatchery and participate in releases. A butterfly pavilion nurtures indigenous species. Four tennis courts, two squash courts, and a gym are on site. Sunset dhow cruises leave from the beach.