Flamingo Beach Hotel, Kenya 4*

Set amidst acres of lush tropical gardens which themselves are a delight to explore. Pretty vervet monkeys often flit amongst the colourful hibiscus, bougainvillaea and palms and bird life abounds, attracted to the hotel’s ponds and fountains. From the main building, housing the ornate reception area, lounge, piano bar and restaurant, the grounds slope down to the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean with the coral reef beyond. Truly a picturesque and tranquil setting but not ideal for people with walking difficulties owing to several flights of steps.

The 138 air-conditioned rooms are housed in six separate four storey buildings surrounding the huge lagoon shaped swimming pool and palm shaded gardens. All have a private shower and wc, a terrace or balcony with a table and chairs and most are sea facing although the views are often interrupted by the lush foliage. They are spacious and simply furnished with twin beds, a 13-amp power point and a safe, for which a charge is made. Please note that there are no lifts. Superior rooms are larger than the standard rooms and benefit from a separate seating area with table and chairs. They have an extended balcony complete with sun loungers and generally occupy a corner position of the buildings. Suites are situated on the top floor of the buildings. They benefit from a room with a double bed, a separate lounge, fridge, a bathroom with bath, shower and wc, a dressing room with a hairdryer and a large balcony complete with sun loungers.

The hotel boasts a huge lagoon shaped swimming pool, one of the largest of any hotel in Kenya, and features an attractive waterfall and island. Impromptu games, activities and aqua aerobics are arranged in the pool and around the broad sun terraces. A smaller pool is situated on the upper terrace. Sun beds, which are free to guests, are scattered around the gardens, beside the pools and on the beach, for days of relaxation. Pool towels are also provided, free of charge.

Other facilities include four tennis courts (free hire, equipment payable locally), internet and WIFI access (all payable locally), table tennis, darts and two shops where you will find a selection of gifts and souvenirs.

The Jambo Bar is situated in the grounds of the Flamingo Beach Hotel and is open most nights of the week from 5pm to midnight. Evening entertainment includes live bands, DJs, and films. There is also an occassional ‘Street Market’ with stalls that sell a range of goods, ideal for buying those last minute souvenirs.