Chale Island Kenya
Kenya's exclusive private island resort, offering eco-luxury villas, overwater suites, and pristine natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Access island by truck
Chale Island Kenya
Best Time
Access island by truck
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kenya's exclusive private island resort, offering eco-luxury villas, overwater suites, and pristine natural beauty.
"An absolutely beautiful piece of this earth - honestly: I have been on many nice places, this is definitely within my top 3."
Upgrade for Bungalows
Consider upgrading to a private bungalow for an enhanced experience and stunning views. :house:
Book Dining in Advance
Reservations are crucial, especially for popular dining spots. Use the app or book at reception. :knifeforkplate:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Overwater Bungalows
Chale Island Resort
Experience unique overwater bandas offering direct ocean access and stunning sunset views.
Pristine White Sand Beaches
Chale Island
Relax on the soft, white sands of this secluded island, a true 'Eden of Kenya'.
Lush Tropical Forests
Chale Island
Explore the island's preserved natural beauty, with rooms nestled among trees and ocean views.
Sunset Sundowners
Chale Island Resort
Enjoy magical sundowner experiences with exciting concepts on the coast.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Access & Timing
Embrace Eco-Luxury
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Upgrade for Bungalows
Consider upgrading to a private bungalow for an enhanced experience and stunning views. :house:
Book Dining in Advance
Reservations are crucial, especially for popular dining spots. Use the app or book at reception. :knifeforkplate:
Pack Light Beachwear
Focus on comfortable, light clothing suitable for a tropical island getaway. :briefcase:
Explore Island Activities
Enjoy yoga, snorkeling, kayaking, and guided walks with marine biologists. :kayak:
Tips
from all over the internet
Upgrade for Bungalows
Consider upgrading to a private bungalow for an enhanced experience and stunning views. :house:
Book Dining in Advance
Reservations are crucial, especially for popular dining spots. Use the app or book at reception. :knifeforkplate:
Pack Light Beachwear
Focus on comfortable, light clothing suitable for a tropical island getaway. :briefcase:
Explore Island Activities
Enjoy yoga, snorkeling, kayaking, and guided walks with marine biologists. :kayak:
Embrace the Serenity
Chale Island is about relaxation; let time slow down and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. :palm_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chale Island Resort is lauded as a beautiful, tranquil paradise with excellent food and attentive service, perfect for relaxation and romance. However, some guests have encountered issues with reservation management and cocktail consistency, with one review detailing a particularly negative experience with the hotel manager.
"Best retreat after few days of safari! Great place (upgrade to private bungalow if you may). Food is very good and service attentive. Cocktails need a bit more consistency! Enjoy the scenery!"
Florian Jourdhier
"An absolutely beautiful piece of this earth - honestly: I have been on many nice places, this is definitely within my top 3: located on a small island (you get there by boat or on low tide with a truck), white sand beaches, nice rooms, very good food and extraordinary nice people.
We enjoyed every minute here, thanks for the great time."
Bjoern Dr. Becker
"This is a hotel that forgets to register a reservation, then tells a guest — who has already ordered — that they can’t dine, forcing them to walk back to the reception to explain the situation, only to be told again that nothing can be done. And when the manager finally gets involved, instead of helping, he humiliates the guest even further.
Details :
I chose this hotel with high expectations — especially given the $2,000 cost for 4 days and 3 nights including flights. Unfortunately, it was my most disappointing experience.
The worst part was the hotel manager’s attitude. I had made dinner reservations for two nights directly at the reception, as instructed at check-in. The receptionist wrote down my room number and confirmed the bookings. But on the second evening, when I went to the BBQ dinner, selected my food, and sat down at the table as a staff member told me to, but he came later and told us that we didn’t have a reservation — and that we couldn’t dine there. This was after we had already ordered.
I went back to the front desk and kindly explained the situation, but they just said there was no booking in the system and that there was nothing they could do. No apology, no solution — they just turned me away.
Then the manager came and told me I should have used the app. He treated me as if I were being difficult, saying other guests would just wait to be seated (Since we occupied one table)— implying that I was overreacting. He finally apologized, but then followed me back to the restaurant and kept repeating loudly in front of other guests that he had apologized — pressuring me to accept it publicly, which felt aggressive and intimidating.
He also said, “It’s okay, staff is human, we make mistakes.” But that kind of comment should not from the person who made the mistake.
Because of the manager’s threatening and aggressive behavior, I completely lost my appetite and couldn’t eat a single bite of the dinner I had already been served. I only had a small portion of dessert. Since my booking was on a half-board basis, and I had only eaten breakfast earlier that day, dessert ended up being the only thing I ate for the rest of the day.
After completely ruining our dinner experience, the manager later sent a staff member to offer us a complimentary bottle of wine — which we declined. What we wanted was not free wine, but for the hotel to take immediate responsibility for their mistake, offer a sincere apology, and provide a prompt solution. In the end, there were still some tables that remained empty until the very end.
This experience showed a serious lack of communication, responsibility, and professionalism — especially from the front desk and management. A 4-star hotel should know how to handle mistakes without blaming the guest or making them feel responsible for the hotel’s failure.
On the positive side, I appreciated the free water activity gear, the general food quality (except for BBQ night), and the excellent service at the sunset bar. The 2.5-hour massage ($120 per person) was also excellent. Also, all the guests were polite and observed proper public etiquette.
But these weren’t enough to make up for the bad experience."
Felistas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chale Island is accessible by boat or, during low tide, by a truck crossing. The resort is located off the southern coast of Kenya, near Diani Beach.
Chale Island is a private island located off the southern coast of Kenya, near the village of Diani.
Yes, Chale Island is situated off the southern coast of the mainland, close to Diani Beach.
While primarily a resort destination, day trip options might be available through local tour operators. It's best to inquire with them directly.
From Mombasa, you would typically travel south towards Diani Beach, and then arrange for transfer to Chale Island, often via boat or at low tide by vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for private bungalows and overwater suites, as it's an exclusive resort.
Prices vary depending on the season and room type. It's advisable to contact the resort or a travel agent for current rates and packages.
Yes, the resort offers various accommodations, including private bungalows and unique overwater suites.
Stays often include meals (half-board or full-board), and access to various activities. Check specific package details when booking.
Standard check-in and check-out times apply, but it's best to confirm these directly with the resort upon booking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, guided forest walks, reef walks with a marine biologist, and yoga.
Yes, the resort offers spa treatments for rejuvenation.
The food is generally very good, with a wide variety of local and international dishes. Seafood is a highlight.
While the food is praised, reviews suggest cocktail consistency can be an area for improvement.
Yes, the clear waters around Chale Island are excellent for snorkeling, and a dive shop is available.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the overwater bungalows, white sand beaches, lush forests, and vibrant sunsets. The island's natural beauty is incredibly photogenic.
Absolutely! The romantic ambiance, beautiful scenery, and private settings make it an ideal location for honeymoon photos.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with the resort management before flying a drone to ensure compliance and respect for privacy.
A versatile camera with wide-angle capabilities for landscapes and a good zoom lens for wildlife or distant shots would be beneficial. Waterproof gear is also a plus for water activities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💖 Couples & Honeymooners
✈️ Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Island Experience
The resort is designed with eco-luxury in mind, featuring Swahili-inspired architecture that blends seamlessly with the environment. Accommodations range from comfortable rooms nestled among the trees to exclusive overwater bungalows, providing stunning ocean views and direct access to the turquoise waters. This focus on nature and privacy makes Chale Island a sought-after destination for those seeking tranquility and a connection with the environment.
Dining and Culinary Delights
While the food receives high marks, there's a note regarding the consistency of cocktails. Some guests have found them to be less uniform than desired. Despite this, the overall dining atmosphere, including special experiences like sunset bars and BBQ nights, contributes to the island's charm. It's recommended to make dinner reservations in advance, especially for popular dining events, to avoid any issues.
Activities and Relaxation
For those seeking tranquility, the island provides ample opportunities to unwind. Guests can indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments or simply relax on the soft white sands, soaking in the peaceful ambiance. The resort also offers wellness activities like yoga, further enhancing the serene escape. The breathtaking sunsets are a highlight, often enjoyed with a sundowner, making for unforgettable evenings.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit