Chale Island Resort

We spent a lovely 6 days here in September. The weather wasn’t particularly kind but the resort was beautiful, with lovely clean room with a balcony and sea view. We never had a problem finding a sun bed, the food was lovely with a choice of 4 restaurants. We particularly enjoyed the teppenyaki restaurant. The staff are all super friendly and helpful. The dive centre is great and we had a guided snorkelling trip with them which was really good, the guy pointed out loads of creatures that we would simply have swam past if we’d been on our own. You can borrow all the necessary snorkel equipment which is useful if you have come from safari with its packing restrictions. My only very slight criticism is that when we arrived (about 4pm) the restaurants were all closed, we hadn’t eaten since breakfast, and the only option open for food was the coffee shop which only sold sweet stuff. I really wanted some kind of savoury snack, and that wasn’t an option. Loved the presence of colobus monkeys and bush babies. All in all would definitely recommend.

We are here for the third time, and already planning our next visit. This must be the best place on earth. Terrific food, fantastic facilities, beautiful beach… But most of all: the best staff I have seen anywhere before. We always feel so welcome here. There is nothing fake or superficial about the attitude of the people who work here. The hospitality and urge to make you happy are SINCERE. I am actually reconsidering placing this review, because I secretly wish that I could keep this island a secret just for myself…

Our stay at Chale Island was absolutely unforgettable and truly felt like a home away from home. From the moment we arrived by boat, we were completely awestruck by the island's beauty. The grounds were stunning, beautifully maintained, and allowed us to feel completely immersed in nature, with monkeys roaming around and providing plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. We stayed in the overwater suite and couldn't have been happier with our choice. It provided private sunset viewing on the back deck, which contained an overwater hammock, and a private place to swim right in the ocean. They even decorated the suite for our honeymoon which was so thoughtful and beautiful. The resort offers a variety of restaurants, all of which were incredible. It was clear how much care and attention went into perfecting every meal and drink. There were also so many activities to enjoy, including snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, and so much more. What truly made our stay exceptional, however, was the staff. From the moment we arrived, everyone went above and beyond to make us feel like family. Their warmth, hospitality, and kindness made our experience so special, and we loved having the opportunity to learn more about Kenyan culture and hear about their personal experiences. Andrea, the general manager, was amazing and constantly made his rounds to ensure every guest was having a wonderful stay. A special thank you to Ali, Ngala, Celina, William, Prisca and everyone at the Diving Center, and Ali (the groundskeeper) for making us feel so welcome and at home. You all made our stay unforgettable, and we will miss you so much! Chale Island will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we cannot recommend it enough.

Very nice way to end a long safari. It wasn't busy being September but I can image it gets hectic when all the rooms are full. We had no problem getting dinner reservations or beach or pool side loungers. Food was good but not outstanding, and the same with the service. Plenty of things to do with lots of games, activities, and facilities to keep everyone entertained. Can recommend the very professional dive team.

Read This Carefully Before Booking Chale Island Resort The staff and manager were very friendly, and the resort did make a nice effort to welcome us during our honeymoon. Unfortunately, several serious issues affected our experience. My biggest concern was safety. There were no clear guidelines or warning signs explaining how to enter the sea safely or alerting guests to sea urchins. I stepped on one and ended up with two spines in my foot, causing it to bleed. Nobody advised us to wear water shoes. We also did not see lifeguards or sufficient warning signs around wet stairs and other potentially dangerous areas. The staff also appeared to need better training. On two separate occasions, a housekeeper opened our room door without knocking. One time, I was almost naked. This was extremely uncomfortable and unacceptable. Everything at the resort was very expensive, yet the food quality did not justify the prices. Many dishes were not as described. The tiramisu, for example, was nothing like real tiramisu, and the Italian restaurant’s pasta was disappointing. Service was also extremely slow. A drink ordered with dinner might arrive after you have finished eating—or not arrive at all. During one dinner, a staff member repeatedly interrupted guests to encourage them to attend her lecture about marine life. Approaching people in the middle of dinner like this felt intrusive and inappropriate. Guests were also approached on the beach by people in blue shirts trying to sell activities or services, which made it difficult to relax peacefully. My final advice: if safety, good food, privacy, and peace of mind are important to you, I would not recommend staying at Chale Island Resort.