Hotel reviews: Afrochic Diani

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

With a capacity for only 24 guests yet a staff of 31, guests can be assured they'll be well looked after. WIFI connection is complimentary at the hotel, a rare service in Mombasa hotels. Afrochic Diani also supports local community projects such as the Chale Eye Clinic and guests are welcome to further information regarding these initiatives.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

In an attractive stone building, Afrochic Diani looks more like a private villa than a hotel. Guests will surely understand the significance of the name "Afrochic" upon stepping through the ornate Lamu doors and into the lovely foyer. Beautiful Kenyan objets d'art adorn this informal reception area, many of them created by a local artist who regularly visits the hotel. We loved the huge, custom-made Masai candle holders. Upstairs are the beautifully appointed rooms and a room and outdoor terrace used for massage treatments. One corner of the ground floor is dedicated to the indoor bar and dining area, while out on the large, sea-facing terrace is a seating area with sculpted, wooden Swahili-style furnishings and charming swingseats.

The terrace overlooks a medium-sized lagoon style swimming pool with waterfall feature and children's wading pool. The sun loungers with their smart, striped mattresses and matching parasols are neatly arranged around the pool's edge. Across the gardens you'll find a handful of tables and chairs set up in the shade of the coconut trees, the beach bar and a small tree house used for private dining. Several sun loungers, swing beds and day beds line the beach, with cushions in bright summery hues of blue, orange or yellow, and voile curtains with matching trim.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

Of the ten rooms at Afrochic Diani, seven boast sea views while the remaining three have partial sea views. The eight deluxe rooms, junior suite and executive suite are each decorated in a different theme which, depending on your taste, is either a novel idea or an inconsistent one. The junior suite is spacious and features arabesque lanterns, high ceilings and a gorgeous, carved Zanzibar bed draped in golden yellow linen which matches everything from the cushions to the curtains. The room exudes classic style, even though traditional décor elements have been incorporated. Upstairs on the mezzanine level is a small lounge area and day bed, a comfy corner for relaxation on a warm afternoon. Other highlights include the Jacuzzi in the ensuite bathroom and the small balcony with day beds. Each room features a TV/DVD, digital safe and tea and coffee making facilities.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

Dining at Afrochic is flexible, meaning that meals are taken where you wish and when you wish. Whether you prefer to dine on your private veranda, in the waterfront garden, or in the indoor dining area, it's up to you on the day. Cuisine can be described as a combination of local and international, the à la carte menu is extensive and guests are asked to order two hours beforehand. Room service however, is available until midnight only.

• Z Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

Afrochic Diani boasts a small beach front, but one could argue "quality and not quantity" for this part of Diani Beach is simply stunning, and fortunately a little quieter than other areas found further south on the coast. Although there are a few beach sellers that pass by, this part of Diani is still relatively calm. The beach itself is incredibly clean, and the fine white sand and dazzling blue-green waters of the Indian Ocean are irresistible. As mentioned in Hotel Overview, besides the beach bar, there are sufficient sun loungers and massive day beds to stretch out on, perfect for soaking up the sun.

RHP