Serena Beach Resort and Spa: Coastal Paradise in Mombasa

SERENA BEACH RESORT AND SPA

The holiday season is here with us; a vacation in the coastal region to enjoy sunbathing and the beach is one of the ideas I had to make my holiday memorable. Looking for the best hotel where your vacation will be memorable is always a task. We all want a seamless vacation to get rid of the fatigue and get a break from our day-to-day hustles.

A place that you will rejuvenate and refuel for yet another year. Serena Beach Resort and Spa was the hotel I settled for. This is a hotel in the coastal region. The hotel welcomes you with beautiful coconut palms, lush gardens, and the white sand of the beach. I only needed the view of the white sand to know my vacation had started.

The hotel is warm, with a farm-friendly tropical paradise. The hotel boasts a 13th-century Swahili village with stunning guest houses, restaurants, and a social area. The hotel has a range of activities and a beautiful beach to make your vacation memorable.

The hotel has 110 rooms, wonderful service, and hospitality. They have a range to choose from, restaurants, bars, a spa, a swimming pool, and everything you look forward to in a vacation.

Serena Beach Resort and Spa location

The hotel is located in Serena Road, Shanzu, Mombasa County. Attractions that are 5 miles away are Haller Park 3.7 miles away, Nguuni Nature Sanctuary 4 miles away, and Jumba La Mtwana 2.5 miles away.

I looked forward to exploring these attractions. There are rental cars at the airport and train station to take you to the hotel. I had no trouble getting to the hotel.

Moi International Airport and Vipingo Airport are approximately 12 miles away.

Checking-in process at Serena Beach Resort and Spa

This is one of the top 10 best hotels in Mombasa; therefore, during this peak season, the hotel is crowded. To avoid any trouble, book early. The hotel has professional staff who are kind and ready to help. Despite it being the peak season, everyone was served well and fast.

I was lucky to find available rooms and settle down early. I was really tired from the journey.

Room quality at Serena Beach Resort and Spa.

The hotel has 110 guest rooms and suites with privacy and tranquility. The building depicts Swahili architecture with landscaped paths and gardens, creating a feeling of a traditional Lamu village. I loved the feeling the rooms gave. It gave me an illusion of a fantasy story in my novels.

The rooms and suites have beautiful Maasai-inspired hand paints, supremely comfortable beds, and private balconies or terraces with an ocean view or garden view.

The rooms have wireless internet, minibars, and flat-screen televisions with cable and satellite programming. They also have a serene environment to relax and enjoy. I loved the vibe that came along with the rooms; it gave the feeling of a vacation due to its comfort and a sense of assurance.

Types of rooms

1. Garden room

There are 48 garden rooms surrounded by lawns, palm trees, and a view of the ocean down across the grounds.

The rooms are decorated in cool sea blue and white and have a twin bed or a queen bed. Two doors open either to the private balcony or the terrace, which accesses the grounds.

2. Superior room

These are 36 rooms designed in Swahili style with traditional niches, fretwork cabinets, and brightly colored coastal cotton soft furnishings in red, white, yellow, or cool blue. There is a king-size bed or 2 twin beds. There is a bathtub, a separate shower, and two sinks. The rate is from $142.80.

3. Superior sea view room

There are 8 rooms with the same architecture and design as the superior room. The only advantage of these rooms is the stunning view of the ocean. The rates are from $275.

4. Family room

There are 8 family rooms, 2 of which have a stunning view of the ocean. These two rooms have ocean views and have a common entrance corridor leading to two separate rooms, one for the children and the other for the parents.

The children’s room has a bathroom, twin beds, a digital multi-channel TV, and a minibar. The adult room has a king bed and twin bathroom. It can accommodate two guests. The adult’s room has access to the children’s room.

5. Lamu Suite

There are two Lamu Suites with a direct pool and ocean view. There is a master bedroom with a four-poster bed and a spacious living room. The room depicts comfort.

6. Zanzibar suite

There are 6 rooms with garden views, spacious bedrooms with four-poster beds, separate sitting rooms, and private terraces. The rates are from $265.20.

7. Luxury suite

There are 2 such suites, famously called Shella and Tundwa. These are duplexes located on the first floor of the garden wing. There is a patio leading to the sitting room, which opens to the bedroom.

There is a spacious bathroom with a bathtub and a massage shower. The patio has a guest bathroom and staircase leading to the sitting room and a private sun terrace.

The private terrace has two sun beds, an umbrella, and a shower. A true definition of luxury and comfort.

Dining options at Serena Beach Resort and Spa

One of the things I look at before visiting any hotel is the dishes they offer and the flexibility of the menu. Serena Hotel is no exception.

The hotel offers authentic flavors and a Swahili cooking style. They have dishes from all over the world, giving you a feeling of home away from home. These dishes will be chased by a well-mixed cocktail.

You can enjoy your meals with the stunning view of the ocean, which was my favorite dining area, especially while having dinner. The dishes are high quality and fresh.

I love seafood, and the range of seafood to choose from was wide. I had a chance to try new seafood dishes. I love trying new dishes; that has been my major goal on all my vacations.

The hotel had a wide range of restaurants and bars.

1. Fountain

It has a stunning view of the Indian Ocean and locally inspired cuisine and décor. It depicts the Swahili style. You can discover new flavours here and enjoy the international-themed buffet at night or during the Swahili banquet. This was my favorite spot to try new dishes and enjoy the Swahili dishes.

2. The Jahazi Grill

It has a stunning view of the ocean with an Arabian dhow theme. You can enjoy freshly caught fish here.

3. Sokoni

This restaurant overlooks the fishpond, with blooming bougainvillea and coconut palm trees, which are home to weaver birds. This restaurant is home to a traditional brasserie-style café. In the evening, you can enjoy acrobatics and traditional dance.

4. Mkungu Beach Bar

This is a relaxing, open-air thatched beach bar. You can enjoy your drinks with friends with the view of the beach lawns and the Indian Ocean.

5. SWIM-UP Pool Bar

Sparkling pool surrounded by palm trees. It has a stunning view.

6. Nyota Bar and Terrace

It is located on the rooftop. They offer cocktails, beers, and whiskies. You can enjoy the stars and stargaze from here.

7. Ice Cream Parlour

I love ice cream, but like, who doesn’t? The temperatures here made me visit this parlor often. The best thing about them is their wide variety and cool drinks.

8. Lounge

Are you a coffee lover? Then this is your area. They offer Swahili teas, coffees, and beers. I found the place favorable for working while enjoying your drink or passing time in the evening.

9. Pizzeria

Fast food lovers are also well catered for.

Facilities at Serena Beach and Resort

The hotel has a wide range of recreational facilities to choose from:

1. Kitesurfing, which was my favourite
2. Darts
3. Catamaran sailing
4. Pedal boating and kayaking
5. Beach volleyball

Water activities at Serena Beach and Resort include:

1. Water aerobics

2. Deep sea fishing, which was also my favourite

3. Glass bottom boat rides

Other activities are

1. Golfing on the nearby course

2. Butterfly Center and Turtle Watch program

3. Maisha mind, body, and spirit spa

4. Modern fitness centre

There are dedicated world-class events and a conference center. There is also a business center, travel desk, taxi, and limousine service.

Services at Serena Beach Resort and Spa

The hotel has professional staff who are well-trained, kind, and responsive. They are keen on details and respond fast to complaints.

My stay here was seamless.

Value for money at Serena Beach Resort and Spa

The quality of the rooms, dishes, views, and amenities was worth it; the only challenge was paying extra for some activities like tennis, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, and boat riding.

Pros and cons of Serena Beach Resort and Spa

Pros

1. The hotel is easily accessible
2. The views of the garden and the ocean are stunning
3. They have top-notch services with value for clients.
4. Wide range of activities to engage in.
5. I loved the room decoration, the colour combination, and the touch of Swahili and Maasai traditions.

Cons

1. Premium pricing.
2. High demand during peak season makes the rooms unavailable.

Booking tips at Serena Beach Resort and Spa

If you are planning to go on vacation during the holidays, book earlier to avoid inconveniences. Booking during the off-season has the best rates and discounts.

Travel tips to Serena Beach Resort and Spa

You can travel from Nairobi to Mombasa by air, road, or train. But the most efficient is by air. It is fast and efficient. There are rental cars at the train station and the airport. Therefore, your journey to the hotel is fast and efficient.

Conclusion

I enjoyed my stay at the hotel. One thing I loved is how they got me out of my comfort zone to explore and try new things. I had a chance to explore new seafood, new dishes, and new drinks.

The environment is serene and relaxing. Comfort starts from the rooms to the garden and the facilities.

Have you ever been here? Share with us your thoughts and comments and book a memorable experience at the hotel.