The Sands at Nomad
Located on Diani Beach, The Sands at Nomad is a friendly and authentic beach hotel. Nestled in a luscious trees next to an indigenous coastal forest all rooms have easy access to the beach and guests can be swimming in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean in the time it takes to grab a towel. The staff are friendly and welcoming making guests feel at home from the second they arrive. Guests will be spoilt for choice with how to spend their time, with a 5m deep freshwater swimming pool, Forest Breeze spa, a plethora of water sport activities, and excursions to nearby national parks all available at guests leisure. Or spend time at the hotel, enjoying a fresh juice drink from the pool bar or a lazy afternoon lounging on the sun beds. Surrounded by blue skies, white sand and the azure Indian Ocean guests will be able to understand why Diani Beach is one the top beaches in Africa.
The Sands at Nomad Hotel, Diani Beach Road, Diani Beach, Kenya
Diani Beach is a 15-kilometre stretch of white sandy beach and crystal clear sparkling waters, enough to attract anyone to the warm shallows for a walk along the edge of Africa, with ancient dhows in the distance in full sail. The beach borders directly on the costal town of Ukunda and offers exceptional bird viewing. Southern banded snake-eagles, plain-backed sunbird and spotted ground-thrush all frequent the area, and you may even be lucky to see some rare Angolan colobus monkeys or baboons.
- Prime location on Kenya’s Diani Beach
- Situated beside luscious costal forest
- Atmosphere of freedom, with welcoming and warm hospitality
- Rooms are comfortable and boutique
- Activities which are unique to the area, such as scuba diving and dhow rides
- Guests can organise excursions to local National Parks
- Spend the afternoon relaxing in the freshwater swimming pool
- Enjoy dinner on the beach, under the moon
Being close to the equator means that the climate at Diani Beach is warm and temperate throughout the year. Temperatures usually only fluctuate between high 20s and low 30s, and the humidity remains high. To combat the humidity there is a fresh, cooling breeze overall keeping the temperature tolerable. The clear, sunny skies are interrupted twice a year in two rainy seasons.
A large one from mid-March to early June and a smaller one starting at the end of October to mid-December – despite the rain these are still excellent times to visit. The Indian Ocean is always warm with a temperature in the mid to high 20s, August is the coolest month overall and February is the hottest; it is commonly agreed that the best time to visit is from late June to October.
With stunning views of the sparkling Indian Ocean, the ocean view suites are all comfortable and contemporarily decorated with ensuite bathrooms. A king size bed with crisp, white bed linens is the centre of the room, a plain colour palette is brightened by flashes of turquoise throughout and sanded wooden floors and wardrobes add to the beach atmosphere. With a separate spacious living room guests can wind down with a drink from the in-room mini bar before bed. Each with their own terrace, an evening can be spent in privacy, watching the warm tones of the sunset wash over the waters.
With two bedrooms, each with their own ensuite bathroom, this is the perfect suite for families. With large, comfortable beds and turquoise features the island atmosphere is maintained. White walls make the space feel airy and bright and the suite comes complete with a private verandah where families can spend some time together and marvel at the stunning Indian Ocean. The suites private garden is the perfect space for children to run around whilst parents can relax on the sun beds.
Located on the first floor this suite offers unparalleled ocean views. Decorated in a beach feel this suite comes complete with a combined living and bedroom, a bathroom with a bath and shower and a private terrace where guests can spend the evening relaxing in their own personal hot tub.
Under thatched roofs guests can stay in one of the beach cottages. These are traditionally and authentically decorated with a welcoming, relaxing environment. A private garden includes sun loungers for guests to be able to relax and catch some rays.
This cottage offers guests complete tranquility and exclusivity. Open plan living and sleeping areas allow the space to feel airy and bright, with antique Swahili furniture adding authenticity and plant life keeping the air fresh. The cottage comes complete with an ensuite and a large terrace which offers unspoiled views of the tropical gardens which guests can enjoy from the sun beds. The private garden with outdoor shower and jacuzzi offers guests a choice of ways to relax.
The family cottage includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms with a private lawn overlooking the sea. Traditional, authentic décor creates a beachy feel and with the beach two paces from your door guests can grab a towel and be on the beach in a second.
These suites are both on the first floor with their own private terraces offering uninterrupted views of luscious garden and the azure Indian Ocean. The suites are spacious and bright with ensuite bathrooms and authentic coastal decorations.
The Nomad Beach Bar offers fine dining with excellent beach views. Enjoy fresh, delicious meals with a la carte dining menus available each evening. Guests can also enjoy dinner under a blanket of stars on the beach, dining whilst listening to the gentle lap of waves on the shore.
Hotel guests can enjoy afternoon tea, coffee and cake from the pool bar and restaurant. Enjoyed in comfortable chairs with colourful cushions this is a perfect space to relax and enjoy a tasty cake.
Guests can choose their own wine to compliment their dinner from Nomads own wine cellar.
Guests can explore the depths of the seas off Diani Beach with a dive excursion from “Diving the Crab”, which is a world renowned PADI centre. Explore the Kistie-Mpunguti Marine Park, reputedly the most beautiful marine park after the Great Barrier Reef. Clear, warm waters are home to dolphins, turtles, sting rays and sensational coral formations. Limited numbers are taken out by PADI diving instructors to offer a personalised experience.
The Forest Breeze Spa and Wellness Centre offers distressing massages and spa treatments. Whether it’s relaxation or re-energising you are looking for, The Forest Breeze Spa and Wellness Centre will be able to provide it.
With the sea on your doorstep what better way to spend your days than on the water. The Sands at Nomad offers windsurfing, bodyboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and deep sea fishing.
A spacious gym with a range of equipment is surrounded by luscious trees. Guests can work out surrounded by nature or join a mind cleansing personal yoga session, which are available on request.
Guests have the opportunity of a variety of day trips from The Sands at Nomad. Shimba Hills National Reserve is the nearest national park to The Sands at Nomad. Set inland, the luscious hills offer unspoilt nature and cooling, fresh breezes and a paradise for nature. The mixture of soft meadows and dense forest is home to elephant, elusive leopard and the rare Sable antelope. Breathtaking views over the vast Indian Ocean and on clear days, the towering Mount Kilimanjaro.
Guests can also arrange to go to Tsavo National Park, in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro and surrounded by towering trees and grasslands this is the perfect way to see the heart of the bush. At low tide, guests can paddle board to Diani’s Sand island or dive with turtles for truly unforgettable memories.
The Sands Farm supplies many members of the Sands Group with the majority of the produce they use in their hotels, bars, and restaurants. This reduces the need for produce to be flown to the hotels and resorts, lowering their impact on the environment; and many times the produce is tastier and fresher. On the farm, sustainable practices such as composting organic materials and recycling discarded waste are implemented. Specifically to The Sands at Nomad, they have the Nomad Farm. This farm produces organic and fresh produce for the kitchens at The Sands at Nomad and uses the guiding principles of permaculture farming, as well as being home to resident chickens for sustainable egg production.
The Sands has its own Marine Education Centre, which has reached 166 students and 27 teachers, all from local schools who visited to educate themselves about the importance of conserving Kenya’s diverse and outstanding marine life. Activities such as beach clean ups and plastic degradation games create interest and critical thinking of the issues at hand. The trips are funded by the local Conservation Education Society and the Marine Centre itself, to allow the students – many who have never been to the beach before – a chance to see the sea and take part in a “far-reaching educational experience.”
As well as these educational experiences, the MEC monitors sea species and spreads awareness of marine conservation so they can work to protect the Diani coastline. Currently, over 70 endangered turtles call Diani Beach their home. The Sands have started their own ‘Diani Turtle Watch’, working with local businesses and volunteers, and the MEC monitors the population and makes sure the nesting sites of the turtles are protected, helping to “ensure the Diani beach remains a safe, protected home for these incredible creatures.”
With their own ‘green team’, The Sands Group have their own environmental initiative which is designed to “help protect, educate, and conserve the incredible natural world along Kenya’s coast.” Some initiatives of this green team are organising beach cleans and litter picking excursions on Diani Beach, setting up recycling stations and helping to educate local children on the importance of sustainability and environmental initiatives. They work with local businesses to help create waste reduction initiatives, making an important and substantial impact to the community.
The Sands at Nomad understand their impact on the environment and try to minimise it through various eco-initiatives. Guests are offered reusable glass drinking bottles and paper straws, LED lights are used. Seafood measuring boards help to make sure the fishing is sustainable and art work and sun beds are all made from recycled materials.
The Sands at Nomad welcomes children of all ages