Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort Mombasa
The Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa is situated north of Mombasa on one of East Africa’s most stunning beaches. Palatial grounds, Arabic architecture and wonderful facilities make it simply the place to stay on the Kenyan coast. Guests enjoy the most relaxing and comfortable stay in tastefully furnished rooms and suites because Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort offers spectacular ocean, pool and garden views. Sarova Whitesands offers 2 extremely spacious and well decorated Presidential Suites located in a serene, secluded spot, overlooking the palms pool. For dining and entertainment, guests can choose from three themed superb restaurants, two great bars, and the exclusive Cocos Beach Bar, overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean. There are five outdoor swimming pools with water slides, spring board, diving boards and four floodlit tennis courts that also serve as a landing ground for helicopters.
History
The ‘Whitesands Hotel Concept’ began in 1930 when Mr. H G Robertson bought a new house with two bedrooms flanked by a long lounge. Robertson was working as an Editor of Mombasa Times, which grew into the present day ‘Standard’. He called his new abode Whitesands Hotel. Ali Bin Salim – The Liwali (Chief) then gave him a few more acres of land on the beach. In 1941 – Mrs. Stocker bought the ‘Whitesands Hotel’ from Robertson’s widow. She built a larger establishment of 8 cottages and Whitesands Hotel was officially open for business. The first guests were from the Royal Navy – a brigade of enlisted lady Sailors known as WRENS, who were sent to assist in shore duties. A phrase was coined at this time to describe the popular Whitesands Hotel as ‘Whitesands Hotel Waving Palms, Silver strands, Luck, Love, Romance and Revelry’.
In 1946 Mrs. Stocker sold Whitesands Hotel to David Durwood Brown. He is credited with making Whitesands Hotel popular with the locals and it became known as the “Pub by the sea”. Some years later in 1960 Akberali Manzi bought Whitesands Hotel from David Durwood Brown. Seventy new rooms were built, the central complex was reconstructed and a boat bar was introduced – later a bathing pool called ‘LIDO’ was added. Renovation went on and by 1976, the ‘Pub by the Sea’ had been turned into a five star hotel.
In 1976 The Sarova Group of Companies bought the Whitesands Hotel and set into motion ambitious development plans which changed the hotel from 70 rooms in 1976 to 173 and then to 340 by 1996. Currently, Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa has 335 rooms in the various room offerings Presidential suites, studio suites, executive suites, sea facing rooms, premier sea facing rooms, pool facing rooms and garden facing rooms.
The Pavilions
The Pavilions is the main dining restaurant that serves exceptional buffet-style cuisines at Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for guest on all meal plan as well as non-in-house guests. Cuisine options include indigenous African, Continental, Asian, Arabic and Mediterranean. Breakfast is usually traditional English. Beverages available range from fresh juices to international wines and spirits. The restaurant has a capacity to seat 680 people. Entertainment is provided.
Minazi cafe
With a capacity of 92 people, the restaurant is open 24-hours. The restaurant is not included in half or full board packages. Minazi is a Swahili word for coconut tree. It is the resort’s bistro style restaurant, snack bar and pizzeria with a wood-fired pizza oven that serves light meals, a rich variety of our signature freshly brewed coffee, large selection of premium wines, juices, smoothies, health drinks, and an enticing selection of Italian ice creams, milkshakes, smoothies and patisserie. The restaurant also has a special menu for children with a children’s buffet for early dinner where specially trained Sarova staff look after the children.
Lido Seafood Grill
Lido Seafood Grill is a Chaine des Rotisseurs certified fine dining, al-fresco restaurant set amidst the palms on the beach with a stunning ocean view. The outdoor terrace provides spectacular views of the sea. It serves fresh seafood in a variety of fresh cuisine dishes as well as traditional favourites like grilled prawns, lobsters and crab. We design intimate dinners on the beach to celebrate special moments with family. The restaurant has a capacity for 45 people and is open seven days a week, subject to the weather.
Cocos Beach Bar
With breathtaking ocean views and outstanding entertainment, Cocos is the perfect place to unwind after a hectic day. There is a DJ every night, special salsa nights on Fridays, karaoke every Saturday and live dance or acrobat performances on other days. Cocos Beach Bar has a capacity of 150 people . Bar snacks and beverages are served all day with a special happy hour every evening from 06:00 pm to 07:00 pm.
