Che Shale Villas Malindi

It is hard to describe Che Shale Hotel in Malindi Kenya without sounding cheesy: it is utter bliss.

The bandas are beautiful, stylish, and clean, and make you feel like you're living out your own Swiss Family Robinson fantasy.

All the staff are friendly and welcoming, and immediately make you feel relaxed.

I counted no less than 5 completely awesome relaxation places--pillows on the edge of the beach, hammocks, reading nooks, the "chill shack" where the kite board instructors hang out, the list goes on.

Paddle boarding every morning (included) was such a great way to start the day--the bay is calm, and so clear you can see turtles, fish, and even tiny sand dollars on the ocean floor!

Our afternoon of Dhow sailing, snorkeling, and beers was as "adventurous" as we chose to be on this trip, because relaxing on the beach, bandas, and eating the very tasty food (a VERY large lunch menu is offered, a buffet breakfast with made to order eggs, pancakes, bacon, etc; and a 4 course set meal dinner) was taking up too much of our time already!

Other Beach Hotels and Vacation Villas

But, needless to say, the Dhow sailing is really neat. We stayed in a deluxe banda and totally loved it--but after looking at the other lodging options we would also be very happy staying in them, too, for less $.

You are literally right on the beach, and I easily avoided wearing shoes of any kind for our three day visit. We went in March which for us was perfect--only a couple other guests because it was just before the rainy season, but the weather was a bit muggy at night making it hard to sleep--nothing to do about that though! I wish I lived closer so that I could visit every month!

Move seamlessly from your bed to the beach - Che Shale offers tranquility and quiet unassuming beauty. Isabelle and Justin are excellent hosts, who are there but never intrude.

I enjoyed the simplicity of the meals - good ingredients, freshly prepared - and beautifully presented. The wine list is limited but remedial action was taken. Chilled dry pink was available for the rest of our stay.

Being the end of the season there wasn't much wind, so a return visit is possible later in the year.