There are many things that you will remember from your first night at Serena Beach Resort and Spa. For those with an eye for art or design, it will be the stunning architecture inspired by the 13th Century Swahili town that will stay with you. Everything will have an edge, including the ceilings which will be made out of rocks neatly held down by wood to create an outstanding stripes design. The refreshing breeze that seems to breathe life into the place will delight you and the sound of the Indian Ocean waters hitting the rocks by the beach from a far will stay with you for the duration of your stay.
You will find Serena Beach Resort and Spa in Shanzu, Mombasa, about 500 metres from the Mombasa Malindi Road. And when you check in in the night like I did, you will notice a certain stillness that engulfs the beachfront property in the night. It is a kind of stillness that soothes and calms you down and it is only interrupted by the whistle of the wind as the cool breeze blows through the trees in the gardens.
The lobby area is grand, with the reception on one side and the business centre on the other. There was someone ready to help me with my bags and another who offered a refreshing welcome drink as I checked in. The process was seamless, and I settled in just in time for dinner at the Fountain Restaurant. It was mostly quiet since most of the other diners had already left but it was just what I needed after a day full of activity.
My starter plate had a selection of salads including Roast fillet of beef, carrot with grapes and beetroot. For the main course, I had the delicious and filling Grilled Fillet of Baby Barracuda on Zucchini with Pont–Neuf potatoes and vegetables. The fish was very well cooked – tender, juicy and well salted and though it was good enough to be eaten on its own, I particularly how well it blended with the potatoes and greens. The other mains options were Turkey Escalopes, Conchiglioni Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Stir-Fry Beef Fillet strips with Cous Cous.
There was a selection of fruits and cakes for dessert including Pineapple crumble, Florida Cake and Pistachio & Yoghurt Mousse. I loved the cakes but the American chocolate cake was my favourite. It was sweet, spongy and chocolatey and probably the best chocolate cake I have had in a while.
The rooms at Serena Beach Resort and Spa are luxurious and swanky to a fault and there is the option of VIP/ Presidential suites, Sea view rooms, Garden view rooms or Village rooms that are in the model of a 13th Century Swahili Village. My room had a lovely view of the manicured gardens with palm trees and I spent some time by the seats on the balcony to take in the beauty and fresh air. The huge glass doors let in enough light during the day and when opened, left the room the room cool and airy.
The décor featured stripes of yellow, black and red colours that blended in neatly with the white walls and drapery. There was a workplace on one end with information leaflets on the facilities and entertainment choices available for the week. There was Cable TV, WiFi, minibar and other usual amenities, in addition to wardrobes large enough for two and a safe. I particularly loved how the woodwork on the walls had been crafted and hanged strategically to look like small traditional windows or paintings. The washroom was broad and spotless with several towels, complimentary eco-friendly toiletries and the option of a bathtub and walk-in shower. I couldn’t find a bathrobe my size in good time though (short people problems 😀 ).
I had hoped to wake up in time to watch the breath-taking sunrise but I was worn out so I chose to sleep in till breakfast time. Mornings at Serena Beach usually are peaceful and serene, and the full English breakfast at Fountain Restaurant makes the perfect start to any day. It helps to have a good appetite since the buffet breakfast has so many scrumptious foods, drinks and snacks. Apart from the usual tea, coffee and hot chocolate, there was a selection of juices and yoghurts as well as oat porridge. On another end, there was a variety of fruits, cakes, waffles and even chapatti. I took my time with the breakfast, even taking a break midway to marvel at the breath-taking beach scenery and take photos.
I spent the hours before lunch taking a tour of the property. The most outstanding spots included the Spa, the Water Sports Centre and the fine dining restaurant, Jahazi Grill. The Maisha Mind Body and Spirit Spa is a must visit spot when you are at Serena Beach Resort and Spa. The Spa and treatment rooms are delightful in all respects and there is an aura of relaxation and cosiness. There’s a broad range of affordable spa treatments to choose from and you will love getting pampered so much, you will wish your session lasts all day.
Those who play Tennis or Squash are bound to have a field day at the Tennis and Squash courts at Serena Beach Resort and Spa. There’s a fully equipped gym for those who like to keep fit, as well as a Water Sports Centre that offers scuba diving, snorkelling, Windsurfing, Deep Sea Fishing and Catamaran Sailing at a small fee. Diving gear, scubas and snorkels are provided so you only need to bring an open mind and adventurous spirit.
Lovers of sea food have the fine dining restaurant, Jahazi Grill to resort to. The restaurant is set on the beachfront and is designed to simulate an Arab Dhow. Jahazi offers fresh and delicious sea food, as well as other favourites including Roast rack of Lamb, Pork Spare ribs Cannelloni, beef tenderloin and grilled sirloin steak and chicken. The conference rooms not too far away were exceptional and the conference packages that Serena offers are bound to motivate any team.
I also went over to Makuti Bar facing the beach and Nyota Bar and Terrace to have a feel of what they offer. A brief chat with the staff at the Butterfly Park taught me so much about Butterflies and their conservation than my years of school combined. The beautiful park has a rich history and you will find butterflies of different sizes and species flying all around.
I had lunch at Sokoni Restaurant which is dubbed ‘The Market Place’ because of the setting and the décor that featured Swahili cultural influences like the sisal baskets, Kikoi fabric, calabashes and uteos. Sokoni is famed for the variety of delectable Pizzas, burgers and sandwiches but I went with Chicken Escalope served with rice and a substitute sauce replacing tartar sauce. It took a while before the order was ready so I had Beef broth soup as I waited which was light and tasty. The serving of the bread crumbed Chicken Escalope was generous and I had a hard time clearing my plate. I loved the chicken which was crunchy on the outside and tender and full of flavour on the inside. The rice was well cooked and overall, the meal was worth the wait. Other mains options at Sokoni include Beef Fillet Medallion, T-Bone steak, Fish, Prawns, Pasta and Vegetable Lasagna, whose prices range between 950 and 1600 Kenya shillings. Meals are prepared on order so it helps to find out how long it will take to have yours ready.
A glass of melon juice came in handy during the hot afternoon especially since I had chosen to sit in the sun. I spent the afternoon around the pool area and on the gardens facing the beach. There was quite some activity as a group of friends challenged each other to a game of volleyball while others downed cocktails on the sundecks by the poolside. Evening found me at the beach taking photos and teasing the raging ocean waves and you can bet that the sights and sounds are still with me as I write this article.
Serena Beach Resort and Spa is the ultimate destination for family holidays, conferences, beach weddings and even honeymoons. Each day spent at the resort will be full of fun and adventure and you only need to check in and create memories to last you a lifetime!