Ukunda beaches a complete holiday hideaway

For first-time visitors, it a sight to behold as warm blue ocean waves break with a hiss on white sandy beach lined with coconut palms. It is worth a repeat visit.

Due to a coral reef barrier close to the shore, the waves are calm, allowing swimmers and divers to revel comfortably. Names like Leopard Beach, Diani Reef, Southern Palms, Shimba lodge and Pinewood Village hotel are on this stretch.

On a recent visit, we went to Leopard Beach Resort and Spa on Diani beach, 34 kilometres, south of Kenya’s bustling port of Mombasa.

At the visitor’s lounge, the opulence that greeted us was impressive with water ponds and fountains decking the entrance creating a cool ambience.

On checking into the rooms, there was soothing décor, an inviting bath-tub, shower and bidet, multi channel satellite television, telephone, coffee-making machine, and a well-stocked mini-bar.

But if you want to have a taste of this place, take a walk. I did, barefoot, along the beach collecting shells and enjoying the cool evening breeze.

Located in the rural Ukunda cut off Mombasa by the Likoni ferry line, the beach is less crowded and less polluted than the industrial North coast beaches.

Colour schemes
From Diani beach, one can take a one day excursion to Wasini Island and Kisite Marine Park, an underwater paradise.

From there, one can enjoy a sunset on the Tamarind Dhow, with live entertainment on board.

Standing on a coral cliff, the Leopard is uniquely positioned to usher visitors into a relaxing beach experience.

Dotted throughout the vast 25 acres of tropical gardens are 158 rooms, radiating unique colour schemes ranging from fresh citrus lemon through to romantic ruby and jade.

Dinner at Leopard is a three ‘set menu’ where meals keep changing throughout the week with a buffet in the Horizon Restaurant and Terrace, outdoor dining on the beach and an African cultural night with traditional dishes on the ‘nyama choma’ terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean.

‘Mario’s’ is a chic polished mahogany cocktail bar with brass rivets, moulded trims, twisted rope and bench seating, hand-built by local Italian boat-builder Mario Scianna is an added appeal.

Marco’s also built in the same style is an open air bar built on a coral cliff overlooking the pool and the Ocean, built to resemble a twin-decked ship, with sails providing shade from the sun.

Fitness forest
The ‘Chui Grill’ which offers fresh seafood and grills, Coco Mchana, a beachside stir-fries outlet, and the Italian speciality restaurant, Pizza ‘n’ Pasta Tornati, are other attractions that make the Leopard a complete holiday hideaway.

Added to this is the Pool Bistro and Bar which offers a wide selection of snacks and light meals and an ice-cream bar. For those who love the nightlife, the Mahogany Lounge and Disco carved deep into the coral cliffs offers a nightlife hub where live bands, disco and cultural performances take place.

Uzuri Spa and fitness forest, a sanctuary for visitors seeking tranquillity and rejuvenation of mind, body and soul is a prized facility.

Taking advantage of original African herbs and scents, and European style treatments, the spa offers massage therapies, anti-aging facials, hydrotherapy, body wraps, waxing, pedicures and manicures.