By Philip Mwakio

To access the Sands Club on Chale Island, one has to board a tractor-boat when the tide is high, or wade through the water when the tide is low.

Situated 600m off the mainland and 10kms south of Diani, South Coast, this idyllic resort enjoys patronage from Italians and the Swiss, who make up 50 per cent 25 per cent of its clientelle respectively.

Aerial views of Chale Island where the Sands Club is located.

Sitting on 15 acres, the Sands Club stretches 1.2km long and 0.8km wide with a general north-south orientation, which enables it to take advantage of beguiling sunsets. Fronting the resort is a stunning white sand bay that stretches 150m long by 60m wide.

This is the only resort in Kenya that has bungalows on water. Water bungalows are a common feature in the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius and Fiji.

The two water bandas are located on the northwest side of the island with breathtaking views of Bird Island, Gazi Bay and the Shimba Hills in the far off distance.

These water rooms have large ensuite bedrooms with bathrooms offering views of the channel. Each water suite features a separate sitting room. Both have Jacuzzis on the veranda and ladders that lead down to the sea.

Honeymooners

Chale Island is divided into two parts -— the hotel and the sacred Kaya forest. There is also a mystical tidal mangrove lake inland. Six different categories of accommodation have been designed to suit all tastes and demands. The suites on the rocks, for instance, are popular with honeymooners.

A swimming pool at the Sands Club.

Photos: Omondi Onyango/ Standard

On a separate islet connected to Chale Island by a stone bridge is a circular building on which a thatched roof sweeps high before plunging in the middle to allow rain water to fall directly into a pond at the centre of the room. A circular stairway leads around an intricately crafted wall-garden to an upstairs lounge whose balcony overlooks a private jacuzzi on the cliff face.

Deep-sea excursions

The main restaurant is located at the middle of the bay with steps leading to the beach. It is here where buffet breakfasts, lunches and dinners are served. Hovering over the magical central mangrove lake is the exclusive Jungle Restaurant.

Chale beach is home to hand-made luxury motorboats and cabin cruisers, both of which are available for private marine safaris, exclusive beach barbeques and deep-sea excursions.