After spending three days in Masai Mara, we boarded a small chartered flight and headed off to beautiful Diani Beach. You can read about our time in Masai Mara here.
As fun as both Nairobi and Masai Mara were, they were busy days, and we were all so ready for some relaxation on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
In the interest of full disclosure, my idea of a good vacation involves lots of activities, learning, cultural immersion and on-the-go-ness. So, naturally, that was my plan for our time in Diani Beach as well, but once we arrived, I knew this leg of the trip deserved a slower pace and some hours of pure nothingness. I’m so glad I scrapped all of our previously planned off-resort activities. We really needed it, and in the end all of us loved the change of pace.
We arrived to Boabab Beach Resort and Spa in the early afternoon, and the drive up and lobby area of the property was gorgeous. I was immediately reminded of the Lobby at Seven Stars Resort in Turks and Caicos, with it’s open air style and perfect views all the way out to the beach below. We were greeted by a friendly concierge, given some of the freshest mango juice I’ve ever tasted, and invited to sit or walk around while our check in paper work was finalized.
It wasn’t long before we were escorted to our rooms. Now that the kids are getting older, if multi-bedroom suites aren’t available, we book two adjoining rooms. The latter were our accommodations at Boabab. The rooms were spacious, clean and minimally, but nicely, decorated. However, it was extra Hott when we arrived. The air conditioning units are controlled by placing the room key into the thermostat, which automatically triggers the AC to start. So, we had to wait for that to get going and cool off the space. This probably wouldn’t be an issue for anyone else, but sometimes my body acts like it’s allergic to heat, lol.
Our rooms were on the ground floor (114&115), and were directly ocean front. Oh, the views! They were lovely!
Everything about the rooms were fine until I got to the washroom. There was, initially and the entire time, a stinch of urine that filled the washroom (thankfully it did not extend into the actual bedroom). As I looked around, I noticed that there was a toilet scrub brush sitting right next to the toilet. Why on earth would they leave that in the bathroom remains beyond my comprehension. On top of the stinch, the bathroom had an open window, with just a wire screen. There was no way to close the window, and I can only imagine it was intended to act as a bathroom vent for moisture purposes. Whatever the reason, that open window guaranteed that during the day, it would always be hot in there. We kept the door closed to keep the AC in the room and the urine stinch out. I also noticed the start of rusting around the sink basin. To sum it up, the bathroom was the pits. And, it really tainted my review of the property.
Highlights of The Boabab Resort and Spa
Bedrooms aside, the property was lush and beautiful, and well positioned high above the beach, lending to the perfect views. Boabab trees were abound, which I had never seen in person, so that was a real treat. And, they made the picture backdrops for some of our family photos. The food selections were always varied and delicious. Meals were served three times a day, and tea and snack time served twice per day. There are three restaurants on-site, and the staff at each were pleasant. At the busiest times, service was slower than normal, but never to the point of disruption.
Boabab’s Kids Club was a hit for the kids. Each day they offered a full array of activities for the kids, both in and out of the pools. But, the real hit happened in the entertainment pavilion after the sun set. The evening began with an interactive kids activity, and then a performance. The property has its own dance troupe and they are overly talented. Once all the performances end, a DJ starts the music and the kids, and some adults take to the dance floor. One of our daughters and our son danced the night away every time they were given the opportunity.
Family Friendly Diani Beach Experiences
I had to pivot quickly to figure out what we’d do since I canceled our off-resort excursions. I mean, I wanted relaxation as much as my family, but come on, I still had to have some level of structured activity…I can’t help myself, lol.
During my research, I had learned we could hire local men to guide us on a Camel Ride On The Beatiful Shores Of The Indian Ocean. Immediately, I knew we’d have to do that. I mean, how could I fly all the way to the motherland and not stroll the white sand shores of Diani Beach atop a camel while the perfect blue waters of the Indian ocean served as the most amazing backdrop? And, how could I not give that amazing experience to my babies? It was breathtaking…then entire 30 minutes. I had never ridden a camel up until that point, and it was just so cool to be that high up swaying to the camel’s rhythm. The kids also loved it. Initially, my son was hesitant, but he quickly began to love it. At one point, he even turned to me and thanked me for the experience. That boy knows how to charm his mommy, and I love it!
My husband opted to stay on the ground, heights aren’t his thing, and play camera man for me. Camel riding is staying on my list of things to do as many times as possible. When we finally get to Egypt and Morocco, I plan to ride them there as well.
The following day, we took a glass bottom boat ride and snorkeling out to Robinson Island, which is really more like a sandbar in the middle of the Ocean. The cool thing about this part of the Indian Ocean is that the tide gets really low during the day. So low that several sand bars become visible way off shore.
As we headed out to the sand bar, we saw beautiful fish along the bottom of the boat, and the kids got to hold real sea urchins and star fish. I was a bit concerned about them being taken out of the water, but the tour guide assured us they’d go back in and be fine. I’m still not sure how I feel about it, but the kids enjoyed touching the sealife.
Once we got out to the sandbar, we disembarked the boat and began to walk around…in the MIDDLE OF THE OCEAN. It was surreal and lovely and so much beauty to take in. Then we set out to start our snorkeling tour. Snorkeling didn’t go as planned because the kids kept drifting away. With more practice, I think our next snorkeling adventures will be much better.
After a couple hours, we came back to shore and immediately headed to tea time – we had worked up quite the appetite.
Aside from the two aforementioned activities, we mastered the art of relaxation, pool play, and night time dancing, which was exactly the goal we intended to meet. Mission accomplished.
We don’t typically repeat destinations very often, but I have to admit, Diani Beach is definitely in our future again. It was a perfect location to end our perfect visit to the continent of Africa. What a dream come true!
If you have any questions on our stay in Diani Beach, send us an email or leave a comment. Happy Planning and Happy Travels!
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