Nomad Beach Resort

Hotel review

Nomads hotel in Diani is perfectly positioned on a long stretch of beguiling white African sand beach that stretches goodness knows how many miles north and south. It is a busy place with joggers, fishermen, tourists and touts selling all sorts: beach bracelets, necklaces and even spears that will never make it past customs back home.

The hotel arguably has something of a split personality. The main reception, a small bar and the swimming pool are situated in one place. The main restaurant, the heart beat of the place, and the water sports centre are positioned perhaps 80 yards up the coast with the two entities connected by the beach, an inner pathway and numerous bandas with gorgeous views of the sea.

The restaurant has one of those very lengthy menus that cover the whole gamut of human cuisine, or seems to, with Mexican quesadillas tucked in beside a local Kenyan goat curry. Breakfast is a highlight, with mountains of exotic, fresh fruit, muesli, yogurt and a host of healthy goodies. A “full English” is also available for those who need it! But beware the local monkeys who stole food from the plate in front of us on more than one occasion!

Bedrooms can feel a little ‘cosy’ which is fine as you'll be spending little enough time there. The veranda and bathroom are also petite, but, again, perfectly serviceable, with an easily worked shower and the usual commodities. The property also has a range of private villas with pools for those who are travelling in a larger group. Decor throughout has a breezy vibe with plenty of white and turquoise echoing the beach, sea and sky.

The pool is 5 metres deep in places to allow for scuba newbies to practise (for free) in a safe environment, but it also meant that the water remained cool, a problem when the air temperature was in the high 30s Celcius!

The hotel organised evening events that most punters are happy to buy into; Sax on the Beach you can probably imagine, and a beach barbecue with umpteen fish and meat options were individual highlights. Meanwhile, the kids dug such an impressive hole in the sand it might still be there today!

The place grew on us the longer we stayed, which may be the single biggest compliment that a hotel can get, with thoughtful touches including a welcome Kikoy birthday present, which was totally unexpected.

A family-friendly pick with activities for all in an unbeatable coastal location.

Iain Morrison