This charming hotel lies on Shanzu Beach some 20 kms north of Mombasa with all the timelessness and harmony of an ancient Swahili town.

Set on the shining ribbon of sand known as Shanzu Beach, shaded by fronds of palm trees, with the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean before it, Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel is the quintessential getaway. Winding streets thread past fountains through tropical gardens to the lawns which fringe the ocean's edge.

Mombasa Serena is inspired by the legendary 13th-century Swahili village of Lamu - flat-roofed Arabesque houses with hand-carved doors are set amidst verdant gardens and lush lawns. Coral arches and intricately decorated walls complete the scene.

A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, it is the only property on Kenya's coastline accorded this distinction.

Accommodation:

The bedrooms are grouped, village style, in cottages bordering jasmine-scented courtyards.

All 166 bedrooms are air-conditioned.

Rooms resonate with traditional design themes. Each is appointed with native art and furniture. All rooms have private balconies with vistas of the ocean or quiet courtyards with meticulously maintained gardens.

Activities/Facilities:

Whether it is fine dining beneath the stars at Nyota Terrace, a casual but elegant ambience at the dhow-shaped Jahazi Beachside grill with its sand floors, informal snacking at Makuti Bar, or sunset cocktails at the Mashua, the choices are always exceptional.

An abundant selection of watersports and recreation facilities is available - scuba diving, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, mini-sailing, coral reef snorkelling, tennis, squash, beach volleyball, and more. Professional instructors are available for lessons.

Evening entertainment in the form of bands, discotheques, film shows and traditional dancing is nightly. Guests can dance by a floodlit pool, enjoying exciting African entertainment spectacles.

The standards of service, food and facilities are entirely geared to the demands of the most modern, discerning traveller.

There's something for everyone at Serena Beach Hotel.