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From605US$ /night
Check-in
07Dec2025Select date
Check-out
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About Resort

Chale Island, Ukunda, Kenya
Perfect
9.4
9.5
/10
4.2
4.6
/5

Chale Island Resort, a 4-star Ukunda hotel, offers a unique private island escape with access to stunning white sand beaches and lush mangrove forests. The resort features a salt-water swimming pool and a rejuvenating spa, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and adventure.

Rooms & Design

Rooms at Chale Island Resort feature traditional Swahili-inspired design, with natural wood and local fabrics. The spacious facilities include private balconies and stunning views of the ocean or island, ensuring a serene getaway.

Dining Options

Dining options include the Main Restaurant, which offers a blend of traditional Kenyan cuisine with Italian and Oriental influences. Fresh seafood is also available at the nearby Sushi Bar, using sustainable fishing practices.

Leisure & Activities

Chale Island Resort's leisure facilities include the Maisha Poa Spa and Wellness Center situated amidst mangrove forests. Guests can partake in activities such as yoga classes, off-road safaris, and various water sports.

Accessibility & Transportation

The resort offers convenient transport options, including access to both domestic and international flights. Chale Island is accessible via a 30-minute transfer from Ukunda Airport, enhancing its appeal as a secluded getaway.

Must-do experiences

  • Savor fresh seafood at the famous Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant.
  • Visit the nearby Diani Beach for stunning sunsets and water sports.
  • Explore the Ukunda Market for local crafts and delicious street food.
  • Discover the culture at Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest, perfect for hikes.
  • Try the Swahili dish Ugeo at local eateries for an authentic taste.
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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Ocean View Banda
2 persons
55 m² 
1 King-size bed
Ocean view
Shower
Balcony
Deluxe Room
2 persons
35 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Balcony
Suite on The Rock
2 persons
100 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Tower Suite
2 persons
90 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Coffee machine
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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Private beach
  • Currency exchange
  • Coffee shop
  • Fireplace
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Canoeing
  • Golf course
  • Yoga class
  • Fishing

Services

  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Housekeeping
  • Car hire
  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Beach access
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun loungers
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Pedicure
  • Manicure
  • Waxing
  • Body scrub
  • Facial
  • Treatment room
  • Body wraps
  • Massage
  • Make up services

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Mini-bar
  • Patio
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Curtains
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Dining Onsite

Chale Island Resort boasts delightful dining options that celebrate the vibrant flavors of traditional Kenyan cuisine with an artful Italian twist and a dash of oriental flair. Guests can enjoy fresh, locally sourced seafood in a variety of inviting settings that embrace the natural beauty of the island.
Chale Island Resort Ukunda Restaurant photo
Chale Island Resort Ukunda Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

Fusion of traditional Kenyan and Italian with hints of Asian flavors
Ambiance
Casual dining with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for gathering with friends and family
Key Offerings
Signature dishes include delectable local seafood and sushi made from freshly caught fish. Each meal is crafted by the expert team led by Chef Evans, ensuring an enjoyable dining experience with a focus on health and freshness.
Reservation
Not needed
Open daily for breakfast and dinner from 07:00 to 21:30

Location

Chale Island, Ukunda, Kenya
Map view
Chale Island, Ukunda, Kenya
Nearby
Mangrove Broadwalk
50 m
Chale Beach
120 m
Explore Ukunda
Explore Chale Island
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Chale Island
Chale Island
15 minutes' walk
Chale Island features stunning beaches and vibrant marine life, ideal for snorkeling and relaxation among nature.
Gazi Beach
23-minute drive
Gazi Beach offers soft sands and calm waters perfect for swimming, along with nearby mangroves for exploration.
Mangrove Boardwalk
1 minute' walk
The Mangrove Boardwalk provides easy access to lush mangrove forests, ideal for bird watching and nature walks.
Chale Beach
Chale Beach
2 minutes' walk
Chale Beach is known for its clear waters and serene environment, perfect for a relaxing day under the sun.
Snorkeling Excursions
15-minute boat ride
Snorkeling excursions near Chale Island unveil vibrant coral reefs and marine life. Rentals often available nearby.
Yoga Retreats
5 minutes' drive
Wellness retreats in surrounding areas offer yoga sessions in tranquil settings. Reservations recommended.
Kayaking Adventures
15-minute boat ride
Kayaking around Chale Island provides thrilling experiences, with rentals available at local vendors.
The Water's Edge
5 minutes' drive
Local seafood and international dishes in a beachfront setting. Try the fresh grilled catch of the day!
Khangatan
10-minute drive
A cozy spot serving Swahili cuisine, famous for spicy fish and vegetarian options. Reservations recommended.
Sunset View Restaurant
5 minutes' drive
Offers global cuisine in a rooftop setting with stunning sunset views. Great for evening dining experiences.
Chale Island Nightlife
15 minutes' walk
Vibrant nightlife with bars offering local drinks and live music events, perfect for couples and solo travelers.
Local Cultural Events
10-minute drive
Engaging cultural events showcasing local music and dance are often held in nearby communities. Check schedules.
Getting around
City Centre
Ukunda27 min  ·  17.4 km
Airports
Ukunda (UKA)27 min  ·  17.7 km
Moi (MBA)109 min  ·  72.6 km

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 5 reviews
9.4
9.4/10 based on 191 reviews
Sophia
United Kingdom, January  2025
8.6/10

This resort is absolutely stunning with its breathtaking views and clean sandy beaches. The staff is exceptionally helpful, making for a relaxing stay, though I did face some inconveniences with power outages and limited dining options. Overall, it's a beautiful place to unwind, especially if you're looking for a quiet getaway.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with a lovely balcony view overlooking the ocean. However, there was a lack of cleanliness in some areas.
Service
9.0
The staff were very accommodating and supportive, particularly around my daughter who needed assistance.
Location
10.0
The resort is set in a gorgeous location right on the beach, surrounded by natural beauty which is truly a highlight.
Dining
7.0
The food was generally good with a wide selection, but it did get a bit repetitive, especially at the buffet.
Facilities
9.0
With three pools and a beautiful beach, the facilities are well-kept which enhanced the overall experience.
Sebastian
United Kingdom, December  2024
9.2/10

We had an incredibly relaxing stay at the resort, enjoying the stunning views from our lagoon banda and the top-notch food and service. The beach was beautiful, and the pool areas were perfect for unwinding. However, the lack of phone access in the rooms made communication a bit inconvenient at times. The overall experience, though, was truly memorable and definitely worth every penny.

Rooms
10.0
Our lagoon banda was spacious, clean, and provided a fantastic sea view with a private outdoor area to take in the sunsets.
Service
9.0
The staff were attentive and welcoming, with the manager making an effort to introduce himself to every guest, which was a nice touch.
Location
8.0
Situated on a beautiful island, the location felt like a true paradise, though it was a bit of a trek to get to the pools and restaurant.
Dining
10.0
Dining was a highlight, with a wonderful variety of delicious meals, especially the breakfasts which were consistently perfect.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were fantastic, and the pool areas were beautifully maintained, providing the perfect relaxing environment.
Thomas
United Kingdom, November  2024
7.0/10

My stay started off with high hopes but quickly turned into a disappointing experience. While the rooms were spacious and well-appointed, and the view from the balcony was pleasant, the dining left much to be desired with limited options. The service was a mixed bag; some staff members were helpful, but others seemed disengaged. For the price I paid, I expected a better overall experience.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms were spacious and offered a lovely view from the balcony. They were well-located near the pools and restaurant, with huge, comfortable beds that are perfect for tall guests like me.
Service
6.0
Service was inconsistent; while some staff members were friendly and attentive, others appeared less engaged. My only complaint was the slow response after checkout, which kept my taxi waiting.
Location
9.0
The hotel location is second to none, being on an island, which offers beautiful surroundings. However, it did mean a slightly longer travel time compared to other beach hotels.
Dining
5.0
Dining options were quite repetitive after a few days. While some dishes were decent, the overall experience lacked variety and excitement.
Facilities
7.0
Facilities were decent with a relaxing pool area, but some common areas looked a bit unkempt and could use better maintenance.
Jordan
United Kingdom, October  2024
9.6/10

Chale Island is truly a hidden gem where every moment exceeded my expectations. The resort is well-designed with great amenities and a fantastic dining experience. I particularly loved the beautiful beach and the variety of activities available. However, the minor inconvenience of power outages during the day should be planned for, but it did not detract from my overall enjoyment.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms were well-appointed with a spacious layout and a balcony that offered lovely views. They were comfortable, and I appreciated the air conditioning and ceiling fan.
Service
10.0
The service was exceptional, with every staff member being helpful, friendly, and attentive. The management team was always visible and engaged, making me feel valued throughout my stay.
Location
10.0
The location is idyllic, situated on a private island with stunning natural beauty all around. It was ideally suited for those looking to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle.
Dining
10.0
Dining options were plentiful and delicious, with a wide variety offered at each meal. The sunset bar was particularly memorable, enhancing my overall experience.
Facilities
9.0
The resort's facilities were top-notch, including multiple pools and a beach area equipped with sun beds. There were also several bars serving a great selection of drinks.
Jacob
United Kingdom, October  2024
8.4/10

I had the most incredible stay at this resort; the island setting was just paradise, and the staff went above and beyond to make our experience memorable. Our room was enormous and offered stunning views, but I think some improvements could be made in terms of activities, especially on rainy days. The dining options were mostly fantastic, but I did feel a bit unwell after one lunch. Overall, it's a beautiful place that I'd recommend but with some areas that need attention.

Rooms
9.0
Our room was huge with beautiful views and a lovely outdoor shower. It was spacious and very comfortable, perfect for relaxation.
Service
10.0
The service was remarkable; every staff member was attentive and remembered our names. They truly made us feel at home.
Location
8.0
The location is second to none, set on a beautiful island with stunning beaches, although transport can be a bit bumpy at times.
Dining
7.0
The food was mostly excellent with a great variety, but I had a bad experience with one lunch option that left me feeling unwell.
Facilities
8.0
Facilities were well-maintained, particularly the beach and pools, providing a serene place to unwind.
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:30
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible at a location nearby for free.
Internet
is available in public areas for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, Spanish, Italian
Year renovated:
2006
Number of rooms:
53
Former name
the sands at chale island
FAQs
About Chale Island Resort
What is the distance from Chale Island Resort to Ukunda Airstrip?
The resort is 15 km from Ukunda Airstrip.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Chale Island Resort?
Check-in is available from 14:00, and check-out must be completed by 10:30.
What room amenities are available at Chale Island Resort?
Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a mini-fridge-bar, tea and coffee making facilities, and Wi-Fi.
What dining options are available at Chale Island Resort?
The main restaurant offers traditional Kenyan cuisine and international dishes, while the Katika Ziwa specializes in seafood.
What recreational activities does Chale Island Resort provide?
Guests can enjoy diving, snorkeling, canoeing, and other water sports on-site.
Is parking available at Chale Island Resort?
Private parking is available nearby at no cost and does not require a reservation.
What swimming facilities does Chale Island Resort offer?
The resort features a main fresh water swimming pool and a salt-water swimming pool with direct sea access at high tide.
What unique features does Chale Island Resort provide?
The resort is situated on a private island surrounded by an ancient mangrove forest and offers exclusive beach access.
How far is Chale Island Resort from Diani Beach?
Chale Island Resort is located 12 km from Diani Beach.

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Chale Island Resort Ukunda Exterior photo

Chale Island Resort

9.4
Perfect191 reviews
17.4 km from center
545 US$
605 US$
per night
Mobile-only price