Serena Beach Hotel & Spa Mombasa,Kenya

"The sea at Mombasa is as blue as a cornflower, and, outside the inlet to the harbour, the long breakers of the Indian Ocean draw a thin crooked white line, and give out a low thunder even in the calmest weather.

" (Karen Blixen, Out of Africa)

Styled to resemble a 13th century Swahili town complete with winding lanes, carved balconies, fountained courts and bustling market squares, the Serena Beach Hotel provides an oasis of tranquillity whilst delivering a unique mix of high-action water sports, sybaritic sun worship, world-class cuisine and vibrant nightlife. Set back from the powder-white sands and shimmering waters of the Mombasa National Marine Park, the hotel d�cor blends the time-honoured intricacy of Swahili carving with the jewelled glow of Arabian lanterns, the white-gleaming splendour of a Sultan�s palace and the lotus-cool of a Persian water garden. The extensive coconut-palm cooled grounds offer an exotic mix of tropical trees and bright blossoms and centre on an idyllic sky-blue swimming pool with a thatched �swim-up� bar and crystal waters that cascade into the tiled coolness of the market square below.

The hotel offers 166 air-conditioned rooms and suites. All rooms have both bath and shower and free mineral water is provided. Each one of the rooms contained within the winding lanes and shady courts of the traditional Swahili Village is uniquely styled to resemble a historical building from the ancient island town of Lamu. Design features include carved balconies, coral pillars, fretwork screens, Zanzibari-carved doors, gleaming arches, stone-carved niches and lavish Lamu-styled furniture.

Services include: State-of-the-art air conditioners in every room; Satellite TV (9 channels) in every room; Mosquito nets on request; Hair dryers, mini bars, safes, modem hook-up for computer and direct dial phones with voice mail facility in every room; Full housekeeping services (concierge service, porter, laundry, valet, babysitting on request, childrens� menus and dining facilities); Express check-in/out. 24-hour Forex facilities; Full medical back-up and emergency evacuation facilities; Complementary water sports, gym, tennis, squash and varied activities; Extensively stocked Boutique and Africana Gift Shop, offering a selection of books on Africa; Complementary shuttle service into Mombasa Town; Business centre, global connectivity and secretarial services; Newsstand; Barber and hair salon.

At the end of an action-packed day, guests can also enjoy a dip in the cool, blue waters of the floodlit swimming pool;

Swimming pool and nature walks in the Butterfly Garden; Luxurious beauty treatments and toning massages; Secure airport and well-maintained road network; A wide range of board games.