Cottages in Diani beach are elegantly designed taking different shapes and decors, Shambani doesn’t disappoint at all.  Apparently Shambani is Swahili for countryside and is totally apt a name for cottages set in Diani Beach, ensconced in serene tropical settings invoking a true country feeling.

Shambani comprises five cottages and 2 villas (flamboyant and baobab). The villas have a lounge area, dining room and a kitchen that is well equipped.

Tembo cottage at Shambani

The cottage concept is no different here whereby guests have the option of doing their own catering in the well equipped kitchens or asking for the services of a cook.  All the seven stand alone units at Shambani have a kitchen that is equipped with a refrigerator and oven among a host of other handy catering equipped.

Shambani Highlights

The bedrooms are well ventilated to ensure natural air conditioning in the warm conditions at Diani beach. The cleaners here are prompt and efficient in keeping the place sparkling. Laundry services are also offered.

Inside tembo cottage

If you want to relax by the pool or take a dip in the well maintained swimming pool, a cool breeze that normally sweeps across Diani Beach will definitely catch your attention.

The Shambani pool

Furthermore the villas have a balcony that affords you a spectacular view as you either enjoy sunrise or sunset accompanied by either a scrumptious meal or refreshing beverage.
Getting there for first time visitors shouldn’t be such a hussle since airport transfers are available with prior arrangement although you still can use the taxis at the airport or fly to Diani airstrip that is five minutes from Shambani.

Shambani is recommended for family stays and people in pursuit of private holidays at Diani Beach. However you are not limited to the access of numerous activities around Diani Beach including a horde of water sports like snorkeling or a safari to either of the reserves and national parks.

The establishment facilitates safari arrangements when called upon. This is a place worth staying in.

Forest Dream Diani Beach Resort.

Luxury, privacy and quality… Being an eco-friendly establishment, we have a very exclusive resort in the midst of nature.
Forest Dream Cottages sits in 25 acres of subtropical forest, located in Diani beach on the South coast of Kenya. Forest Dream is about finding peace in nature. Having a selective number of rooms, private villas and cottages spread out over a large forest area. This is what makes Forest Dream a unique spacious boutique resort.

Forest Dream Cottages Animals, birds & indigenous plants

Our large indigenous forest ground is home to diverse indigenous birds, plants and monkeys. This lush green scenery meets the white sands and turquoise waters. Diani beach has the finest bounty beaches of East Africa, a mere 10 minutes walk from our lodge through the forest.

Forest Dream Cottages Style & design, to fit the natural colors, forms and shapes of the forest…
Our wide range of high quality accommodation is designed to fit the natural colors, forms and shapes of the forest. With Swahili and Zanzibar stylised rooms while maintaining all the comforts of a modern resort in Diani Beach.
Forest Dream Cottages Coral islands, wild elephants & magical forests…
Our facilities are in service of offering our guests the possibility to see our amazing surroundings. This is why we organize a variety of day trips from local safaris, forest walks and sailing trips to our many beautiful surrounding islands.

Our accommodation capacity is 30 rooms, double occupancy.  The categories and rates of rooms are:

• BED&BREAKFAST
• SUITES
• STANDARD ROOM
• LUXURY ROOM

A little more about Forest Dream Cottages
Forest Dream is a luxury resort set in a tropical forest garden, walking distance from the ocean. We are situated opposite the Baobab Hotel off the Diana Beach road, about 3km from the main Diani Shopping Centre.  Six accommodation complexes are scattered throughout the resort.  Each complex has an inside/outside lounge created in a relaxing Swahili style.  Guests can enjoy the centrally located swimming pool with diving board, slide, underwater massage jets and pool bar.

Highlights of the Forest Dream Cottages:

1. Swimming pool with jet water slide, underwater music pool, sunken pool bar and massage jets;
2. Activities such as tennis court, volley ball, billiards, jogging grounds, massage, bike rides and local nature walks;
3. Garden restaurant;
4. Satellite TV connection;
5. High speed internet connection;
6. Free shuttle service to the beach locations and shopping centers;
7. Backup generator for electricity outages;
8. 24 hour security system with Security Group;
9. Efficient, friendly and capable staff to make sure your guests have a very pleasant stay.

Forest Dream Cottages  Picture Gallery

SUNSET VILLA

About 33km from the Moi International airport and only a stone throw distance from Diani beach lies this gem, Sunset Villa. This is a haven that offers exclusive 5 star treatment in true African style.

Comprising of 3 ultra-private villas surrounded by 6 acres of lush-tropical greenery, Sunset Villa is designed to give guests a memorable Diani treat that won’t just fade away in a long while.

Sunset Villa Setting

The Main Villa-which is the biggest,is excellent for many friends or 2 or 3 families as it sleeps 12. It has  1 honeymoon suite and 5 deluxe rooms. In addition, there are 2 identical garden villas that are fantabulous for singles, couples or 1 family as it accommodates 6 with its 3 bedrooms.

Strewn all over are artifacts, statues and designs that create a true African aura that is enforced in the rooms and gardens. Each room at Sunset Villa takes a different theme still retaining the African ambience.

Exotic bird and butterfly species grace the gardens adding more value to a pleasant stay at the Sunset Villa-Diani Beach.

Sunset Villa Meals

The meals are no disappointment with offerings of either fresh fruit breakfast that can also be accompanied by world class champagne or any of the spoils in a complete English breakfast.

A tasteful three course lunch is served later in the day crowned by a four course dinner as darkness sets in served either in the main lounge or under the stars in the gardens or even by the beach if you fancy ecstatic and romantic settings of   Sunset Villa Diani.

Sunset Villa Activities

Beauty treatments like manicure and pedicure are offered in the establishment including special massage sessions where the masseurs use African herbs to achieve total relaxation. At the Arabian pavilion you can meditate as you absorb aromas of a Shishe pipe.

For activities at the Sunset Villa Diani you can opt for an excursion at the nearby Shimba Hills National Reserve where giraffes, buffaloes, the rare colobus monkey, warthogs and elephants reign supreme.

Water sports like deep sea fishing Kite Surfing and scuba diving and diving courses are arranged on request. Yoga at the nearby Shaanti Holistic retreat is another way to cool off.

Get to learn about different Kenyan cultures from the Maasai and Samburu who are part of the in-house entertainment.

The sunset villa has several all inclusive packages that comprise among others; Game Park tours, visits to landmarks like the famous Fort Jesus and many other numerous treats.

In normal instances staying in a hotel when you are on holiday is the most preferred option for most people in Diani Beach. However other accommodation options are also available including cottages, villas, among others.In this article I delve into the pros and cons of hotels on one end and cottages on the other.

Almanara Luxury Villas

About Almanara Luxury Villas

This is one resort on Diani Beach that can take the paradise on earth definition without contention. Lying strategically along the Diani Beach, Almanara Beach Luxury Resort is a perfect getaway for people who value private holidays. The resort boasts of six executive villas and a presidential villa that fits the description.

At Almanara you won’t get the standard hotel room setting you are used to. The architecture and design encompass all aspects of elegance and luxury with all the villas well positioned overlooking the ocean and the sugar white beach. The chic gardens and palm trees complete the picture of a home away from home.

The Almanara Luxury Villas rooms

The Almanara offers top class accommodation with each villa epitomising elegance in design and decor.

The presidential villa aptly named the Casa Bella offers exclusive luxury and privacy unrivalled around the Diani Beach stretch. The Casa Bella has 5 double bedrooms all ocean view and air conditioned, 7 bathrooms, a fully equipped study that has a glorious view of the ocean.

That’s not all, you get 10 hotel staff at your disposal, a private gym and games room, wifi internet access and a chauffeur driven landcruiser. As expected, these luxuries come at a presidential price.

The six executive villas each comprise 3 double bedrooms all with en-suite bathroom, plus a downstairs cloakroom. The décor is totally African and the design is open plan with the dining and living room areas combined to give you easy access to all areas.

A fully stocked kitchen with a personal chef and maid are at your service. You also get laundry services plus access to a roof-top terrace in addition to a swimming pool & jacuzzi.

The Almanara food

Each villa at Almanara has the exclusive services of a chef who will prepare food to your liking without disappointing. Diani Beach is a great place if you love seafood with a daily supply of fresh lobster, prawns, crabs , marlin etc. However, you can also dine at the Sails Beach Bar and Restaurant where you get to mingle with other guests and enjoy top class cuisine set in an amazing and relaxing ambience.

The bar section serves international drinks and cocktails that the bar attendants will prepare in no time.

Almanara Luxury Villas Highlights

The service is exemplary and obviously the attentive staff give you more reason to return there again. The level of food preparation, cleanliness and ambience are definitely all five star.

Flaws

With such a flawless service the degree of erring is nearly zero. However, if you have received poor treatment at the hotel don’t hesitate to drop me a comment.

Almanara Luxury Villas Activities and Add-on facilities

The activities menu includes, pool and darts inside the games room that also boasts of a bar. Table tennis and table football, snorkelling trips to the coral reef and sand island, kitesurfing & windsurfing at the KiLeo Watersports Centre which offers training on the various water sports.

If golf is your forte, the hotel can make arrangements at the only 18 hole golf facility in Diani Beach.

The resort has a health Spa where you can get a manicure, pedicure and beauty therapy treatments like reflexology plus massage. Also offered are chauffeur services around Diani Beach and airport transfers on request.