Return to Diani II: A Regal Stay at Swahili Beach Resort

To wrap up my stay in Diani Beach, I decided to check out Swahili Beach Resort. This place has been on my radar for a long time. It was actually my first introduction to the Kenya Coast through images I’d seen online and stories from travellers who’d spent their holidays there. After an amazing stay at Furaha House, I packed my bags and travelled a little up the road to the resort.

Getting to Swahili Beach Resort in Diani

For those travelling from Nairobi, the easiest way to get to Diani is to take a short flight to Ukunda, then transfer to the Swahili Beach Resort from the airstrip via taxi, tuk-tuk, or arranged hotel transportation. However, if you prefer the train service like me, that’s an option too.

The journey via the SGR takes about six hours, starting in Nairobi and ending in Mombasa. The journey, in my opinion, is pleasant, filled with incredible sightings along the way. For this length of time, I prefer to travel in the First or Premium Class carriages and take the 8 am express service so I can get to the coast in daylight.

From Mombasa to Diani, it’s another hour’s journey, plus an extra ten to fifteen minutes to reach Swahili Beach Resort. I arrived at 10 am and was warmly received by the staff. The welcome drink was the fanciest I’ve ever had at a hotel, and I knew right away my stay was off to a great start.

Check-in time at Swahili Beach is normally from 2 pm, but I was pleased I didn’t have to wait too long. In the thirty minutes I spent waiting, I explored the beautiful beachfront and other facilities, wondering why it had taken me this long to visit, especially since they welcome day guests.

Eventually, a staff member informed me that my room was ready and led me there. The fragrance upon entry was divine, and the atmosphere so wonderful that I immediately abandoned my plans for an evening tour to the Congo River. Once I stepped inside, I knew I was never leaving.

Swahili Beach Resort Room Details…

I booked a “Superior Room” and very much loved the stone wall architecture of the bed frame and bathroom. The room was clean and spacious, with plenty of natural light streaming in.

The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the whole space felt thoughtfully designed to bring out a calm, luxurious mood. The balcony offered beautiful views of the resort grounds, and I could already imagine spending my days there with a cup of tea, watching the day unfold. Luckily, I didn’t need to imagine for long because that’s exactly what I did.

One thing worth noting is that the resort is home to plenty of monkeys and baboons who roam the property. The staff advised me to keep my windows and doors shut when I wasn’t in the room, and after the baboon incident from my trip to Diani in January, they didn’t have to tell me twice!

Between lazy moments on that balcony, cosying up with a book, jaunts to the pool and ocean, my days went by quickly.

Dining at Swahili Beach Resort…

Dinner at the resort was a buffet selection with a decent variety of options. While it was satisfying and well-prepared, I wouldn’t say it was particularly memorable. Breakfast, on the other hand, was much more my style. The spread was generous, with fresh tropical fruits, pastries, and cooked-to-order options. I found myself looking forward to it each day.

Afternoon Tea at Swahili Beach Resort

But the dining highlight of my stay was the afternoon tea service. It was absolutely splendid, served in a beautiful café with Swahili-themed finger foods that were as delicious as they were beautifully presented.

I wasn’t expecting the afternoon tea service at all. I had no idea it was included in the room rate, so discovering it was a delightful surprise.

Later, I learned that this is actually a common offering at many coastal hotels in Kenya, as I was offered the same service when I moved to my next hotel in Mombasa. It was a lovely tradition that gave me the perfect excuse to slow down each afternoon and savour the moment with a cup of tea and delicate treats.

A Sunrise Picnic at Swahili Beach Resort…

On my last morning at the resort, I woke up early to watch the sunrise on the beach. It was the most magical experience – one of those rare moments where the world feels peaceful and utterly charming.

I had the beach almost entirely to myself, save for a few people out for their morning exercise. And you know how much I enjoy a good picnic, so I’m glad I packed a light one for the occasion. It was both aesthetically perfect for the moment and delicious in equal measure 🙂

My time at Swahili Beach Resort was exactly what I needed. The combination of comfortable accommodations, attentive service, beautiful surroundings, and thoughtful touches, such as afternoon tea and sunrise views, made it a truly memorable stay. I enjoyed every minute of my stay and very much look forward to returning someday.

I would like to hear from you. Have you been to Swahili Beach Diani? What was your experience like? And if you have a favourite beachfront accommodation in Diani, please share it in the comment section below!