Chale Island Resort

Chale Island Resort is just what you need to get away from the world. The island is small, yet it holds a surprising range of habitats. Coral reef and white sand fringe the northern shore where the resort sits, mangroves surround a tidal lagoon, and the southern half is a sacred kaya forest, ancestral land of the Mijikenda people and home to colobus monkeys.

What makes Chale distinctive is the way it encourages guests to gain insight. A marine biologist leads tide pool walks at low tide and hosts evening talks on turtles, colobus and coral. Green turtles nest on the beach, while the resort’s coral restoration project and work with Diani Turtle Watch form part of its Thinking Green programme, recognised with a Silver eco-rating from Ecotourism Kenya.

Named Africa’s Leading Private Island Resort at the 2024 World Travel Awards, Chale pairs this natural depth with Swahili-inspired design and eight restaurants and bars, from a sushi bar to an Italian trattoria and the Mkoko Sunset Deck. Complimentary sunrise paddles, yoga and a natural sulphur mud bath let each day be as active or as laid-back as you like.

ACCOMMODATION

Rooms and suites draw on Swahili craftsmanship, with carved furniture, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and tea and coffee facilities throughout. Standard Rooms look over the gardens from a private balcony, while recently refurbished Ocean View Bandas open onto verandas facing the sea. Elevated Tower Suites suit families, sleeping up to five. The Overwater Suite sits above the shallows with views to Bird Island, Gazi Bay and the Shimba Hills, plus private beach access. Most secluded of all, the Suite on the Rock occupies its own islet, with a cliffside veranda and private pool.