Self-catering resorts charm Coast holidaymakers

We are approaching that time of the year again when holidaymakers troop to the Coast for the pristine beaches. Most of them will end up in world-class hotels and resorts at the Kenyan Coast for their vacation.

Traditional hotels have over the years lost some of their more adventurous clients to self-catering resorts and apartments. Apartments have over the years sprung up on the coastline to deliver the ultimate experience, offering all the amenities of a hotel.

These facilities are designed to allow variety so guests can explore the vibrant streets of Mombasa, while enjoying the privacy of the beach.

They offer the perfect base to enjoy the Coast from an upscale district on a lease basis. They strive to ensure a relaxing vacation in a private atmosphere of an authentic holiday home, without the hustle and bustle of maintenance. Cleaning is done daily, with hosts ensuring that guests have all they require to give them an unforgettable holiday.

Target clientele

Apartments target business-people as they offer office-setting facilities; couples on honeymoon or vacationers seeking to spend quality time with their families. And like hotels, they offer experienced staff, personalised service and modern and spacious rooms, conference facilities, restaurants and swimming pools. One predominant feature is their tasteful furnishing apparently meant to act as a symbol of wealth and class.

But what sets these apartments apart is their unique investment opportunity. Guests are allowed to purchase apartments if the experience suits their fancy.

Prices range from Sh10,000 per night for the most conservative apartments to Sh15,000 for some of the more upscale units.

“We expect that guests can appreciate the ambience enough for them to pay; it is a great investment opportunity on their part,” said Nassir Ali, the proprietor of Lido Beach Resort. His resort offers a perfect view of Haller Park and the entire Kenyatta Beach.

Besides beachfront apartments, the resort offers kids playground, digital connection, solar heated water and a modern kitchen. The living rooms are breezily designed to let in fresh air although all apartments have been fitted with air conditioning and a fan to deal with the tropical heat.

A self-catering open kitchen with a black granite counter and a cabinet with an inbuilt oven and a microwave allows guests to prepare their own meals. They serve exotic and traditional Kenyan cuisine.

Other apartment resorts in the area include Cowrie Shell Apartments, Jacyjoka Apartments, Chamiachi Apartments, Jupiter Heights Apartments and Almasi Apartments.