The Sands at Chale Island, Diani, Kenya

The Sands at Chale has 60 rooms with six different room types:

 28 individual Bandas, of which there are 13 facing the lagoon and 15 facing the beach. These are the favourite rooms at Chale Island, and they provide privacy and plenty of space. While not overly luxurious, they are very good size and feel light, bright and airy with white washed walls and crisp white linens. They have a traditional coastal feel with a Swahili touch, with wooden four-poster beds, strings of shells hanging in the windows and a makuti thatch roof. All the bandas have a large en-suite bathroom with twin wash basins, while at the front there's a shaded veranda with a Zanzibari-style day bed.

 One Overwater Suite, which is built on stilts above the lagoon on the western side of the island. This has an en-suite bedroom, with an adjoining lounge and large balcony which is a great spot for a sundowner drink. Steps lead down to the water below where you can swim at high tide. While stunningly beautiful, this room is quite isolated, and it is a little further from the restaurants and swimming pools.

 One Suite On The Rocks, also referred to as the honeymoon suite, which is the largest and most luxurious option at the Sands at Chale. This is located on a rocky outcrop accessed by a walkway, and it provides plenty of space split over two levels; it even has a private hot tub outside.

 28 Standard Rooms located in two big towers. These are simply designed with whitewashed walls, comfortable double or twin beds, a desk & seating area with wicker chairs, and en-suite bathroom with single basin. All the standard rooms have a small balcony with views over the pool and the sea beyond. We generally don't book these rooms – our fire safety inspection service regards standards in the first-to-third floor rooms as being inadequate.

 Two Penthouse Suites, which take over the top floor of each tower. These are larger than the standard rooms, with a separate lounge and upstairs area. They provide stunning panoramic views over Chale Island – though do be warned that the climb to the top floor can feel like a workout in the heat.

All the rooms are air-conditioned.

The lodge has three swimming pools: the main pool by reception; a second pool with a pool bar, near the standard rooms; and a third, saltwater pool on the other side of the island next to the spa. The Maisha Poa spa and wellness centre has nine open-air treatment rooms and the fitness room is equipped with a range of cardio machines and weights.

The focal point of Chale Island is the sweeping white sand beach. This is protected by a coral reef, usually with a very clear sea, although it is not uncommon to see small areas of seaweed gathering on sections of the beach. The location is stunning, and being an island the beach remains comparatively quiet and usually free of beach boys. You can easily walk around the coastline and explore the rock pools and sheltered bays of Chale Island by yourself, or you can chat to a member of staff and they will be able to arrange a guided tour. We were told that between January and March turtles frequently visit the island to lay their eggs in hidden coves.

The hotel's two restaurants serve Kenyan, Italian and Asian dishes. The main restaurant serves a buffet, with a wide range of dishes and a fresh pasta station, while a second smaller restaurant does à la carte meals. Because of the remote location many guests choose to stay on a full board basis. The main bar, nestled between the reception and main restaurant, serves a range of hot and cold drinks.