Kenyaways Diani Beach-a kitesurfing & Beach Hotel

Diani Beach is the jewel of the Kenyan coastline, a long wide stretch of shimmering white sand beach fronted by the glittering Indian Ocean. Along the coastline, tucked into palms and bougainvillaea, you will find large hotel complexes and palatial houses sitting next to tiny fisherman’s huts, but of all the places to stay in Diani, Kenyaways is my favourite. 

Kenyaways Diani Beach – things I loved

Before I wax lyrical about peach coloured sunsets and endless cocktails, here is why I liked it. 

1. Peach coloured sunset and endless cocktails.
2. My kids are very different, one likes the beach one doesn’t and this can change at any time. Our holidays are always full of friction and bribery, trying to get to the beach or get off of it. At Kenyaways our room was on the beach. The kids are old enough that everyone can do what they want to do. Daddy sups beer, mama takes long walks, kids play in the sea, or in the pool or their room. Everyone is happy. 
3. There are a few good places to eat in Diani, but this is the best. We ate breakfast and either lunch or dinner every day for six days, and the food was always sublime. Our favourites were the giant bacon cheeseburgers, the tuna carpaccio and the Asian pork. Kenyaways never missed a trick. It was a lot better than my beloved Sands at Nomads, which seems to struggle with service, missing orders, and teeny portions for enormous cost. After a few disappointing trips out to Nomads, we stuck with the food at Kenyaways. The restaurant at Kenyaways is called The Salty Squid and you don’t have to stay in the hotel to eat there.
4. There are sun loungers and day beds right on the beach and they are only available to hotel guests. You can plop down on your sunbed of choice in the morning and spend your entire day gazing into the blue hues of the Indian Ocean.
5. It’s really good value. For 5 of us over the Christmas period, it cost less than 170 dollars a night. We squeezed into one room, but as the room was directly on the beach and next to the restaurant, we simply lived outside and all was well. 
6. Those gorgeous sea view rooms are quieter than you think. Even on New Year’s Eve, the noise didn’t keep us awake.   
7. The rooms come with A/C. A godsend in the hot months.
8. The staff are lovely, from the cleaning lady to the restaurant waiting staff and everyone in between. 
9. You can kitesurf, boogie board, windsurf, SUP and kayak from Extreme H20, the onsite watersport centre. All equipment is to hand and easy to rent. From 10 years old upwards, this is one of the best places in Diani to learn to kitesurf. If you are here just to learn the sport, then do make sure to book at a time of year when the winds are blowing. Extreme H20, do one-off lessons and complete courses for novices and experts. 

Diani Beach, Kenya

Kenyaways and its restaurant The Salty Squid are located on Galu beach. Part of the infamous Diani Beach, Galu sits at its most southerly end and benefits from the talcum powder-soft sand, and a lack of seaweed, underwater rocks and sea urchins. It really is the best bit of beach in Diani and it’s less busy than further along the coast, meaning there are fewer tourists and less touts. 

There are lots of things do to in Diani Beach beyond watersports – take a visit the Shimbas Hills for safari, visit the old town in Mombasa, or take a boat out to Kisite Marine Park.

Kenyaways Diani Beach Hotel

Did I mention Kenyaways is right on the beach? Of course, I did. Decorated in rustic, boho style with wall murals, brightly coloured materials, and woven baskets hanging from the ceiling. The hotel encompasses small rooms of different sizes, in a laid back beachy vibe.

This isn’t a planned hotel. It was formerly a holiday house with outside cottages that have been divided up and so each room is unique and individual. Some rooms are suitable for single occupancy while others can stretch to our larger family of 5. If you are looking for a self-catering option then several rooms can be booked together with a kitchen – offering enough space for a group of 9. The rooms are basic but scrupulously clean with comfy beds, air conditioning and posh shampoos and conditioners. 

Facilities at Kenyaways

• Onsite (amazing) restaurant and bar
• Onsite watersports centre – H20 Extreme 
• Onsite swimming pool – for guests only 
• Beachfront sunbeds and sofas – for guests only 
• Gift shop – selling lovely clothes, swimming costumes and skincare
• Massage room – and an onsite masseuse 
• Free Wi-Fi throughout 

It has occurred to me that perhaps I am a little too positive when writing reviews on this blog. I don’t like to say things that will negatively impact a business, especially if it’s a small business, but I’m not exaggerating when I say this was one of the best times I have had at the coast. The combination of being right on the beach and the amazing cocktails, and scrumptious food, made for one of the most restful holidays I’ve had in Kenya. 

How to book Kenyaways Diani Beach

Book directly on the Kenyways website. They often have special offers, so keep an eye open for them.

Where is Kenyaways Diani Beach?

Kenyaways is located on Galu Beach Road, Diani. Head south from the airport or central Diani and keep an eye out for the sign on the left-hand side. If the road turns to a dirt track, you’ve gone too far.   

Kenyaways is a 10-minute drive from Ukunda Airport where flights leave from Nairobi 5 times a day. 

Kenyaways is approximately a 90-minute drive from Mombasa, depending on traffic.

Covid protocols at Kenyaways

Kenyaways adheres to strict covid protocols. Everyone is temperature checked and asked to wear a mask before entering. PCR tests are available for hotel guests. 

Other Blogs on Diani Beach and the Kenyan Coast

Where to stay in Tiwi Beach Kenya

Scuba Diving in Kenya – What you need to know

Sands at Chale Island Resort – Private Island in Kenya

Ali Barbour Cave Restaurant Diani

Best Diani Beach Hotels: Where To Stay In Diani beach, Kenya

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