As promised here is part two of my review of The Sands at Chale. If you missed part one you can check it out here.

The Sands at Chale Resort_pool

 

When in Chale you can laze about on the beach all day or take part in the host of activities offered by the hotel.  These are: Kayaking around the island, viewing marine in a glass bottom boat, diving, snorkeling, visiting a fishing village or mangrove forest reserve. Unfortunately I did not partake any of these activities, I had planned to go kayaking round the island but I took a nap and by the time I woke up it was too late.

The Sands at Chale Resort_Mariano's officeResident Marine biologist’s office with daily activities written on blackboard

 

The one thing I did manage to do was go for a mud bath. I couldn’t take any photos due to the nature of the activity. The time for the mud bath coincided with the low tide. The resident marine biologist Mariano led us to the front of the island and as we walked out into the ocean, he would point out different marine life and explain what they were and how they lived etc.

The Sands at Chale Resort_low tide 2

 

The Sands at Chale Resort_e starfish

 

We got to the muddy part, sat down and started slathering mud onto our bodies. If you decide to do the mud bath and feel something crawling on you, don’t worry, it is probably just a tiny crab.

After the mud bath we walked back to the main beach and washed off the mud. It was at that point that I started itching like mad. Mariano had warned us about this because the mud contains a lot of organic matter. As advised I went and took a long shower making sure I had washed away every bit of mud, the itching subsided in about an hour or so.

The Sands at Chale Resort_beachThe main beach where we went to wash off the mud.

 

The Sands at Chale Resort_beach 2

 

The Sands at Chale Resort_beach 3

 

The Sands at Chale Resort_beach 4

 

Of all the staff I encountered Mariano was my favorite, he was really friendly and more than willing to answer any questions I had. I also learnt quite a bit about marine life from him.

If physical activity is not for you and you just want to shop then you can visit the gift shop on the island.

The Sands at Chale Resort_gift shop

 

After I was done cleaning up I decided to take a short walk to the pool. The one closest to me is located near the reception.

The Sands at Chale Resort_reception Reception

 

The Sands at Chale Resort_pool1

 

The greenery surrounding the pool makes the experience all the more relaxing.

The Sands at Chale Resort_pool 2

 

The Sands at Chale Resort_ pool 3

 

Having missed out on kayaking I decided to take a walk around the island. Mariano had suggested that I watch the sunrise from one of the penthouse suites so I set out do just that. I stopped by the reception to ask for the keys, luckily for me the suite was unoccupied and I was escorted by a member of staff who was to show me around.

The Sands at Chale Resort_ pool next to rooms

 

The Sands at Chale Resort_rooms

 

The penthouse suite is located at the very top of the building containing the standard rooms so I had a good workout climbing up the stairs.

The Sands at Chale Resort_corridor

 

The view from the penthouse was totally worth the climb, the suite offers breath-taking views of both ocean and island.

The Sands at Chale Resort_rooftop

 

The Sands at Chale Resort_rooftop 2

 

The décor in the suite is very similar to the ocean side banda that I stayed in and there is a Jacuzzi on the veranda in the back of the suite. I imagine relaxing in the Jacuzzi watching the sun set would be a wonderful experience.

The Sands at Chale Resort_verandah

 

The Sands at Chale Resort_jacuzzi

 

The Sands at Chale Resort_sunsetI spent a few minutes enjoying the sunset, I wish I had taken better photos this one was the best of the lot.

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There is another pool located right next to the standard rooms so if you’re staying there you don’t have to trek all the way to the reception to take a dip.

The Sands at Chale Resort_view from above

 

The Sands at Chale Resort_pool from above

 

The Sands at Chale Resort_ pool from above 2

 

After my little tour I went back to my room to get ready for dinner but I had to make a stop by the beach to take photos of the moon. The moon looked huge and was orange.

The Sands at Chale Resort_honeymoon suite

I took this with a DSLR but I wasn’t able to get a proper photo.

 

The Sands at Chale Resort_orange moonThis photo I took with my phone (Samsung KZoom). I set the camera on manual and zoomed in.

 

The next morning I was up bright and early to catch the sunrise. The clouds obscured my view but I was able to get a few good shots.

The Sands at Chale Resort_sunrise

 

The Sands at Chale Resort_sunrise 1

 

The Sands at Chale Resort_sunrise 2

 

Before I left the island I decided to visit the Suite on the Rocks, it is located on separate islet and is connected to the main Island by a bridge. Guests staying at the in the honeymoon suite need not concern themselves about going to the restaurant for meals. The cost of accommodation covers room service.

The Sands at Chale Resort_honeymoon suite 2

Path to Suite on the Rocks

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The Sands at Chale Resort_honeymoon suite 4

 

The Sands at Chale Resort_bridge Bridge

 The Sands at Chale Resort_honeymoon suite 5

 

The Sands at Chale Resort_honeymoon suite 3 Suite on the Rocks

 

The Sands at Chale Resort_beach at dusk

View of suite at the rocks from the main beach

 

The Sands at Chale Resort_ view from honeymoon suite

View of beach from Suite on the Rocks

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In comparison to The Sands at Nomad, (its sister property) there were very few beach boys. I ran into a few when I was walking to go view the honeymoon suite but they were respectful and did not pester me.

The Sands at Chale Resort_ low tide Low tide

 

Overall I enjoyed my stay at Chale. Would I go back? Yes, but with company. If you’re looking for exclusivity and want to get away from everything then The Sands at Chale is the perfect location. Apart from going for meals you can spend a whole day without having run into anyone. It is perfect getaway if you really truly want to feel alone.

I can’t help but compare The Sands at Nomad to The Sands at Chale; I personally preferred the The Sands at Nomad to the Sands at Chale. The Sands at Nomad is more pocket friendly e.g.  if you want to take part in an activity you are not limited by what the hotel has to offer, if you ask around you can get a better deal on activities such as excursions to the marine park.

Please don’t get me wrong, The Sands at Chale is wonderful and I would recommend it to anyone. I personally preferred The Sands at Nomad simply because I felt that it was a better fit for me.

Disclosure: I am grateful to the management at The Sands at Chale for facilitating my stay.  All the opinions in this post are my own, I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review.

 

How to get there:

The resort is 12 km away from Diani Beach and 65 km from Moi Airport. There is no public transport available so you have to take a taxi from either Ukunda or Diani.

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19 Comments

  1. March 29, 2015 at 1:45 am — Reply

    Wow and wow. This is such a beautiful resort and your photography is amazing

  2. March 29, 2015 at 4:21 am — Reply

    I loved the pool side ambiance and the whole place seems gorgeous. Your sunrise photo with the light rays shooting up from behind the clouds is wonderful.

  3. March 29, 2015 at 5:00 am — Reply

    Honestly it looks like paradise. I had no idea there were places like this. I can see where it would get a bit lonely, but for a night or two, I think I could be very happy. Although “If you decide to do the mud bath and feel something crawling on you” that would freak me out.

    • April 2, 2015 at 12:21 pm — Reply

      Yup, for lone travllers a night or two would be fine any longer than that and I would have started longing for home.

  4. March 29, 2015 at 10:20 am — Reply

    This really would be a perfect place to relax for a few days after some busy time in Nairobi. The seclusion is amazing and I would love to take part in the kayaking around the island.

    • April 2, 2015 at 12:20 pm — Reply

      The seclusion made me feel as if I had left the planet altogether. Definitely ideal for a getaway.

  5. March 29, 2015 at 9:15 pm — Reply

    Beautiful! Gorgeous! Your pictures are always so cool. The hotel looks really nice.. I cracked up at the itchiness after the mud bath. I have done a few mud baths in Calistoga , mineral ones, thank God no itchiness, but the mud does get EVERYWHERE doesn’t it? 🙂

    • April 2, 2015 at 12:18 pm — Reply

      Yes. EVERYWHERE! LOL. I kept finding bits of mud throughout the day.

  6. March 30, 2015 at 10:31 am — Reply

    Rachel, I was just thinking how I would love a mud bath, then wham! No thanks. I do like kayaking, though! Yay! WeekendTravelInspiration!

    • April 2, 2015 at 12:14 pm — Reply

      I really wish I had done the kayaking. Oh well, more reason to go back.

  7. March 30, 2015 at 1:18 pm — Reply

    These views are just gorgeous and I love that those staying in the honeymoon suite get room service at no extra cost! As for the mud bath, it sounded so intriguing – until you mentioned that crab!!

    • April 2, 2015 at 12:14 pm — Reply

      I seem to have put people off the mudbath. It is an interesting experience and I would do it again

  8. March 31, 2015 at 5:21 am — Reply

    how scenic and relaxing and low key. Sort of the unresort. I’d go!

  9. March 31, 2015 at 1:00 pm — Reply

    Wow – truly stunning place!

  10. March 31, 2015 at 4:21 pm — Reply

    Beautiful pictures – especially your sunrise shots! I think I’d skip the mid bath though because of all of the post-bath itchiness!

    • April 2, 2015 at 12:12 pm — Reply

      It was not that bad actually. I would do it again.

  11. March 31, 2015 at 11:40 pm — Reply

    I simply wish I could stay there for a day or two!! Ahhhh! Absolutely beautiful!!

    • April 2, 2015 at 12:10 pm — Reply

      I know what you mean. If I was asked to pack my bags and head there right now I wouldn’t hesitate

  12. April 8, 2015 at 7:04 am — Reply

    I repeatedly said Wow while reading your post. This resort looks like a wonderful place for a retreat and just to enjoy the surroundings. It’s beautiful! How great that they have all those activities to keep guests busy. I would have passed on the mud bath though. I’ve got very sensitive skin 🙂 Glad you enjoyed your stay!

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