Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa Ukunda Mombasa Kenya Coast

My sister and I stayed at Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa in Ukunda Diani Mombasa for a two week holiday this May and had the holiday of a lifetime! Although it was the 'low' season, and the rainy season it didn't stop us from doing anything we wanted to while in Kenya.

The hotel wasn't very full, which we actually found very pleasant.

The staff were absolutely marvellous, couldn't do enough for us and were so friendly. First class service! Our room and the public areas were spotlessly clean. 

The food was excellent and because of the few guests, there were no queues and much of the food was cooked freshly for you as you waited - worth waiting for!

Other Beach Hotels and Lodges in Mombasa

Thanks to Mary in the dining room, you were so friendly and helpful Mary, and made us smile!!

The General Manager was often seen in the hotel, talking to guests and like all the staff always making sure everything was ok for us.

We took a 4 day safari while we were there with JT Safaris (Absolutely brilliant!) and when we got back, many of the staff asked if we had enjoyed it and what we had seen, some staff we'd not spoken to before we left, but had noticed we weren't there!

The pool and beach area is beautiful, although the sun loungers are looking a little 'tired', but it is the end of the busy season there, so that's probably to be expected.

Approach

It is a good 40 minute drive from Mobassa central which involves about a 15-20 minute ferry.

Our travel time from Mombassa normally was about 45-60 minutes. The drive may be a little uncomfortable sans AC + certain sections of town prior to the ferry where we were requested to keep our windows shut and doors locked - this (with the humid climate) was fairly stifling.

Resort:

A self contained resort with its spa (fairly decent, found on par with the Jiva of the Taj, to those of you who have experienced it), private beach, 2/3 restaurants, some casino/general entertainment theatre (both of which were closed when we visited), apart from the usual gym, pool, pool bar, pub, etc. Rooms are comfortable and above average -

we were checked into a suite for our first stint (we were to move on to a safari at Tsavo and then return to Mombassa again) and into a superior room during our second stay period.

The view from the latter was much better and the superior room was much cosier, in my opinion.

Food:

Overall quality and taste of the food was good though there are pesky flies around, primarily during breakfast. Spread is decent for breakfast and dinner buffets.

They had an Indian chef who cooked us stuff that we wanted to eat but that was not on the menu/buffet. The Sake restaurant is good.

Staff:

Eager to please and very courteous. The Chef and Sekaran (do not remember his desig.) looked after us very well, and enquired about the resort and the food taste and offered to help whenever we did run across them.

Overall:

A safe bet for de-stressing and a hassle free luxurious experience, should one wish to remain in the resort.

Should one wish to travel into Mombasa, bear in mind the travel related concerns, as above - also there are pockets of civilization close by (like a strip mall/highway stop) for forex, basic necessities, etc but town rates are better.

As is expected, and based on my research, the resort is a little more expensive that the other, but absolutely worth the price it demands.

All in all, if you're looking for a relaxing holiday, in beautiful surroundings and to be well treated and served by the staff you won't go wrong here!!