By Philip Mwakio

She had been to Mombasa many a times. But, not as elated as last week after she learnt of the prestigious twin awards to the Baobab Beach Resort & Spa.

A regular tourist at the resort, Ms Emaa Jervis from England said she was overwhelmed with the awards.

"This resort is paradise on earth. We loved it the first time we came and we have since not stopped coming," she said.

Ms Bobby Riley, the Purchasing Manager of TUI Travels PLC, United Kingdom said of the awards to the facility situated in the South Coast: "It’s an absolute delight for the resort to bag these two awards".

The facility is a preferred place of stay for most visitors from Europe and the recognition does not leave customers in doubt.

The hotel was selected as one of the First Choice Gold award for 2009. In August, it became the first local hotel to scoop gold in the Travelife Award for sustainable tourism making.

On Friday, when the awards were presented, the hotel workers broke into a wild celebration.

Riley said the awards showed the facility staff and management are dedicated to give customers value for their money.

She commended the hotel for having grown since its inception.On their First Choice Gold award, Riley said customers have an upper hand in hotels to be awarded.

"They fill the Customer Satisfaction Questionaires on their way back home after their holiday stay and a reputable private firm is contracted to undertake evaluation for the top hotel," Riley said, adding that once the choice is made, it receives Gold.

The Travelife award for sustainable tourism is given after a rigorous exercise and targets the extent at which hospitality player gives back to the local community.

While receiving the awards, the Resort’s Director Bimal Thakker dedicated the achievement to the staff whom he described as core in the hotel’s continued sterling performance.

Mr Thakker said the Hotel would continue to maintain high standards.

He said the facility wants to be the hotel of choice not only in Diani, South Coast but in Kenya.

Other awards the hotel has scooped include an environmental award in 2001 and 2006.