Hotel reviews: Sentido Neptune Beach Resort

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

Sentido Neptune Beach is the sister property to the Sentido Neptune Village, Paradise and Palm resorts found on Mombasa's south coast. While there is a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere here, the resort doesn't really cater to children; no kid's club, only one pool, limited outdoor area etc.

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

From an airy, open reception area and casual coffee lounge, all rooms are housed under the one roof, making the check-in procedure swift and hassle-free. An extension of the lobby is a bar/lounge, gift shop and games area with pool tables, table tennis and big screen TV. The towering, stained glass arch windows and robust chandeliers add some personality to this corner of the hotel. The feeling of space can be attributed to the large mezzanine level with smart wrought iron railings. A staircase leads you to the hotel restaurant, where seating is available both inside and outdoors on the balcony with beach views.

In the common areas of the hotel there is a clear African theme (Kamba wooden carvings, locally made wall hangings, furnishings in rich browns and earthy neutrals) yet there is no "overload" and in the end the look remains quite classic. Outside is the hotel pool and spa, a perfect circle and perfectly centred in the resort grounds. Neat rows of wooden sun loungers separate the pool and the beach. Ample shade is provided by coconut palms and a beautiful Indian Almond tree. Still outdoors, the all inclusive bar is found under a thatched roof and decorated with raffia lamp shades and local art. The small dance floor comes in handy for alfresco disco nights.

Also available to guests are conference facilities, a small massage room and a tiny kid's corner (literally a corner, therefore somewhat sad) with a few cushions scattered on the floor accompanying a box of toys. Guests may also participate in a small animation program that includes beach volleyball and other outdoor activities.

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

This smallish property offers guests 78 rooms in either a standard, superior or deluxe category. At first glance, the rooms are simple yet tasteful. Standard rooms are garden facing and consist of a double or twin beds, with a tropical blue and yellow colour scheme, from the bed linen to the curtains. Simply furnished and well-lit, the rooms have a very bright and summery feel.

The sea facing superior rooms each have tile floors, cream curtains and wooden furnishings. The double bed draped in immaculate white linen with ochre throw features a pretty cornflower blue wooden bed head that matches the mirror frame and cupboards. An outdoor setting can be found on the balcony, while the medium-sized bathrooms do not contain tubs.

Deluxe rooms, of which there are six, are quite different in style from the standard and superior rooms. The huge beds boast intricately carved wooden Lamu bed heads that match the tall lamp stands, bedside tables and beautiful carved armchairs. The crisp white bed linen is offset by the warm tones of the red-orange bed throws and huge bejewelled Indian style cushions. A desk/vanity and sitting area compete with a stunning Lamu style day bed covered in sumptuous suede cushions. An additional day bed is found on the balcony but we loved the exquisite Indian lanterns hanging from the ceiling, flashing electric shades of red, blue, orange and yellow.

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

There is only one restaurant on site, situated on the mezzanine level of the hotel, with a small 'open kitchen' buffet area where some dishes are prepared in front of the guests. Cane chairs painted white with green cushions match the tablecloths; some tables are set up beside the buffet station while others are on the terrace where diners can appreciate the cool sea breeze. For a small hotel there is an adequate selection at the buffet, but it's a shame that guests only have one option of where to eat their meals. Should guests tire of the international buffet, there is an à la carte menu available at dinner if booked by 3:00pm. The hotel also holds occasional themed buffet dinners.

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

Bamburi Beach looks amazing on a glorious day but it is far from matching the beauty of Diani or Galu beaches on the south coast. That said, the sand is fine and white and the warm waters of the Indian ocean are a dazzling blue-green. This area in particular is a hotbed for "beach boys" (selling excursions and trinkets etc.) however they are forbidden to approach hotel guests within the resort grounds (where there are sun loungers and showers provided). There are plenty of temptations at the various market stalls, otherwise, a firm "no, thank you" is all that is needed if swimming in the sea is all you wish to do.

RHP