Looking for a Boutique Villa in Diani Beach, Kenya? Let our experience at the luxury boutique Nomad Beach Resort inspire you. After an intense safari filled with lots of impressions, there’s nothing better than ending your Kenya trip with a stay by the beach. We chose to stay in a private villa in Diani Beach at Nomad Beach Resort, and it turned out to be a truly wonderful experience.
This Kenya beach resort, (formerly known as The Sand's at Nomad) offers a variety of accommodation options designed to suit different budgets, tastes and group sizes. In this article, we share our impressions and highlights. From its boutique charm to the stunning beachfront setting, everything about the resort stands out. Add its eco-conscious philosophy, and it’s clear why Nomad Beach Resort at Diani Beach is one of Kenya’s top beach destinations.
Why Diani Beach Is the Perfect Post-Safari Destination
After a wonderful ethical safari through Kenya’s national parks, Diani Beach offers the ideal place to unwind. Here’s why this coastal gem is the perfect destination to rest, reflect, and reconnect with nature.
Natural Beauty and Biodiversity
Diani Beach is known as one of Kenya’s most beautiful beaches. It stands out for its stunning nature and rich biodiversity. Stretching 17 kilometers along the Indian Ocean, its pristine white sand beaches meet clear turquoise waters that are home to vibrant coral reefs.
Beyond the coastline, the area is bordered by lush coastal forests that support a wide variety of terrestrial wildlife and plant species.
These forests, together with the rich marine life, make Diani Beach an ideal destination for both relaxation and nature exploration. While snorkeling, visitors can encounter starfish, sea cucumbers, lion fish, crabs, and graceful sea turtles.
Conservation and Community Efforts
Diani Beach is also known for its strong commitment to conservation. The Colobus Conservation works to protect the endangered Angolan Colobus monkey, while Diani Turtle Watch (based at Nomad Beach Resort, in the Marine Education Centre) runs vital sea turtle hatching programs and marine education for local communities, schools and visitors.
Guests have the opportunity to learn about te sea turtle hatching programs, actively supporting vital conservation efforts in the region.
Diani Beach vs. Zanzibar
While many travelers often combine Tanzania and Zanzibar for a bush-and-beach trip, Diani Beach offers an equally stunning alternative. Zanzibar is more widely known internationally and provides a broader range of tourist activities and luxury accommodations across the island.
However, Diani Beach stands out for its more authentic and less crowded atmosphere, with a growing selection of exclusive boutique hotels and upscale resorts that cater to travelers seeking tranquility and personalized service. While activities in Diani are somewhat more limited than Zanzibar, the tranquility more than makes up for it.
Accessibility from Mombasa or Tsavo
Another advantage of Diani Beach is its accessibility. Easily accessible from Mombasa (just 30 km south), Diani Beach is reachable overland, by domestic flight, or train from Tsavo or Nairobi (for those who prefer not to fly). This makes Diani Beach ideal for those who want a seamless bush-to-beach experience.
Discover Nomad Beach Resort – Diani Beach’s Boutique Eco Resort
Nomad Beach Resort offers more than just a stay, it offers a soulful experience. Let us take you inside this boutique eco resort in Diani Beach.
A Peaceful Setting Between Forest and Ocean
Nestled between the white beach and lush forest, Nomad Beach Resort is a intimate peaceful Diani Beach hotel where nature surrounds you. Colobus monkeys often swing gracefully through the treetops, welcoming guests with a unique touch of wildlife right on the resort grounds. And if you keep your eyes open, you can even spot tiny antelopes in the forest.
Elegant Design and Intimate Atmosphere
This boutique Kenya beach resort is beautifully designed in a rustic yet elegant style. Every detail is carefully thought out, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere.
The resort is modest in size, ensuring a quiet and personal experience without feeling crowded or overwhelmed. Thoughtful design and tropical gardens invite you to slow down and feel connected.
Personalized Service That Makes You Feel at Home
What truly sets this Diani Beach hotel apart is its exceptional personal service. The staff are warm, attentive, and genuinely caring, making every guest feel special. For example, during our stay, the staff surprised us with a homemade birthday cake and a special dinner celebration under the stars. These heartfelt gestures made us feel seen and cared for.
Whether you want to relax in the serene surroundings, enjoy the natural beauty, or share memorable moments with loved ones, this resort offers the perfect blend of charm, comfort, and heartfelt hospitality. It’s an ideal choice for anyone seeking a peaceful and authentic Kenya beach resort experience.
Stay in Style: Our Private Villa Experience in Diani Beach
Looking for the ultimate privacy and barefoot luxury in Diani Beach? Here’s what it’s like to stay in one of the resort’s private villas — a place where nature, comfort, and heartfelt hospitality come together.
The Fisherman’s Villa: Space, Luxury and Privacy
We stayed in the spacious white Fisherman’s Villa (or Fisherman's House), perfect for families or groups of up to 12 people. It offered complete privacy, a private pool, shaded lounge, and tranquil views.
It only took us 40 steps to reach the beach, and each evening, we watched the sun set over the Indian Ocean, painting the sky in vibrant colors.
Fisherman’s House features six bedrooms, three on the ground floor and three upstairs. The two spacious rooms on the upper level open onto a large balcony with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, as well as our private garden and pool area.
When we arrived, a group of Colobus monkeys was swinging playfully in the tree above the balcony. That moment sealed it for us: this was our room to go for in this beautiful white villa.
Another one of our favorite rooms is on the ground floor, with direct access to the swimming pool. Just imagine sliding open the doors in the morning and diving straight into your private pool, the perfect way to start the day.
Fisherman’s House also has its own private terrace with a shaded lounge area, ideal for unwinding and enjoying the ocean breeze. The entire house is air-conditioned, and the complimentary WiFi worked seamlessly. Thanks to its secluded position on the property, the villa offers peace and privacy, far removed from the hustle of larger resorts.
Eco-Conscious Interior and Swahili style Details
The villa’s interior design is modern, elegant, and eco-conscious, thoughtfully incorporating natural materials and sustainable practices.
With subtle nods to traditional Swahili style, it beautifully blends contemporary comfort with cultural heritage creating a serene, joyful, and welcoming atmosphere.
Private Chef and Dedicated Team
Something we didn’t know until we arrived: the villa came with a private chef and an attentive team of staff. And it was these lovely people who made our stay even more special.
When you stay in a private villa in Diani Beach, you enjoy truly personalized service. Our chef prepared delicious meals tailored to our preferences, while the housekeeping team made sure everything was spotless and comfortable. Every need was taken care of with warmth and professionalism.
They even kept a watchful eye on the cheeky monkeys who, just like us, couldn’t resist the food!
Nomad Private Villas
In total, Nomad offers four luxurious private beachfront villas just steps from the ocean: Fisherman’s House, Beach House, The Family Cottage, and Lazy Days.
Set apart from the main resort, these villas provide a peaceful sense of seclusion. With eco-conscious design and spacious layouts, they blend refined elegance with a light footprint on nature. They’re ideal for travelers seeking a personalized, bespoke experience.
And if that’s beyond your budget, Nomad’s charming beach cottages and luxurious suites (many with private jacuzzis) are a lovely alternative to enjoy the beauty of Diani Beach.
From Farm to Table: Dining at Nomad Beach Resort
Food lovers, take note. Nomad Beach Resort delights not only with ocean views, but also with a culinary journey rooted in sustainability, flavor, and local ingredients.
Breakfasts, BBQs and Ocean-to-Plate Cuisine
Nomad Beach Resort proudly embraces a genuine farm-to-table philosophy, sourcing many of its fresh ingredients directly from its own 5-hectare organic farm — which we had the chance to visit together with their Sustainability Manager, Attie. From fruits and vegetables to herbs, spices, and eggs, everything is grown or harvested using the principles of permaculture.
Seafood is freshly caught by local fishermen, and sustainable fishing practices are supported through the use of seafood measuring boards, ensuring that undersized catches are safely returned to the ocean.
Each morning, breakfast is a feast: an extensive spread of fresh tropical fruits, cereals, yogurt, fresh juices, bread rolls, sweet pastries, and eggs to order cooked just how you like them.
Lunch and dinner always offer a variety of options with three courses. Choices include fresh fish, quality meats, and plenty of vegetables, all prepared to suit your personal preferences. On the last evening of our stay, we enjoyed a special BBQ with the sound of waves in the background.
All meals at Nomad are generous, fresh, and full of authentic tastes that celebrate Kenya’s coastal heritage.
Dining in Your Villa or first-class Restaurants
For those staying in the private villas of Nomad Beach Resort, all meals are served in the villa, offering a convenient and intimate private dining experience. Our private chef, Martha, checked in daily to make sure everything was to our liking, making the experience truly personalized. Of course, you can also choose to dine in one of their three first-class restaurants.
Make sure to visit Nomad Beach Bar and Restaurant too, it's one of the best restaurants in Diani Beach and open to the public. It offers great panoramic views of Kenya’s Indian Ocean, and is also home to Indulge Fine Dining, one of Kenya’s leading fine dining experiences.
For the sushi lovers, they also offer a sushi menu! And don't forget to grab a delicious treat at the ice cream bar, yummy!
Whether at the public (open-air) restaurant or in your private villa, meals are fresh, beautifully prepared, and served with heart.
Wellness, Nature, and Inner Balance
If you’re looking to recharge more than just your camera batteries, this is your sanctuary. Nomad invites you to reconnect with yourself through mindful moments and immersive wellness experiences.
Reconnect with Yourself and Nature
A stay in a private villa at Nomad Beach Resort offers more than just luxury. It’s an invitation to slow down and reconnect with yourself and the natural world. Nestled within a lush tropical garden, the resort feels like a sanctuary of calm.
Meandering paths lead you through the greenery, accompanied by the gentle sounds of birdsong and playful monkey chatter: a natural soundtrack that soothes the soul.
This is true eco-luxury: a sustainable resort in Diani Beach that honors nature while providing every modern comfort.
The Forest Breeze Spa and Wellness Center
At Nomad, wellness isn’t just an add-on, it’s woven into the rhythm of daily life. Begin your morning with a gentle yoga session, designed to restore balance between body and mind, surrounded by the calming sounds of nature and the fresh ocean breeze that deepens your sense of inner peace.
For deeper relaxation and well-deserved me-time, head to the Forest Breeze Spa and Wellness Center. Here, you can choose from a range of treatments, including deeply rejuvenating full-body massages using locally made, organic products enriched with healing properties and essential oils to help you truly unwind.
Each treatment room is tucked away in its own traditional round hut, blending earthy tones with a touch of luxury, and offers complete privacy in a serene forest setting.
Nomad Beach Resort offers a wellness experience that nourishes body, mind, and soul — a true eco-retreat for those seeking rest, renewal, and reconnection.
Nomad’s Sustainability in Action: Think Green
Sustainability isn’t a trend at Nomad, it’s a way of life. From solar power to sea turtle conservation, Nomad Beach Resort leads by example in eco-luxury hospitality. During our stay, we had the unique opportunity to visit the Nomad 5-hectare organic farm and meet with the resort’s Sustainability Manager, Attie. He shared insights about ongoing projects and Nomad Beach Resort’s philosophy of “thinking green.”
Solar Power and Water Saving
Nomad Beach Resort is widely known as a leading eco resort in Kenya, thanks to its strong commitment to sustainability and environmental care. From the start, the resort has integrated eco-friendly practices into every part of its operation. This includes solar panels that power much of the resort, strict water-saving measures, and a comprehensive waste management system that significantly reduces landfill impact. By hiring local staff, the resort also supports the community, ensuring economic as well as environmental sustainability.
Waste Management and Upcycling
One of the most impressive elements of the resort’s green strategy is their waste management system. Waste is carefully sorted into 14 different categories, allowing as much as possible to be reused or repurposed.
For example, glass bottles are repurposed into beautiful drinking glasses used throughout the hotel. Nearly every glass in the resort is made on-site, with the exception of wine glasses.
Even discarded flip-flops are given a second life: transformed into colorful keychains and souvenirs. On average, the resort collects around 200 kilograms of waste per day, all handled with care to minimize environmental harm.
Sea Turtle Conservation
Nomad Beach Resort is also home to a special turtle hatchery, built in partnership with the Diani Turtle Watch. This passionate conservation group works tirelessly to protect endangered sea turtles and their fragile marine habitat.
We were lucky enough to witness a turtle hatching event, a truly magical experience.
Watching tiny turtles reach the ocean made us deeply aware of the cycles we must protect.
Every booking at Nomad Beach Resort directly supports local conservation efforts, helping to safeguard Diani Beach’s delicate ecosystem for future generations.
This dedication to sustainability makes the resort not just a place to relax, but also a responsible choice for eco-conscious travelers seeking a true eco resort experience in Kenya.
What to Do in Diani Beach: Activities & Excursions
While Diani Beach is the perfect place to unwind, it also offers a several activities for those eager to explore more of Kenya’s coastal beauty. These are some of the top things to do during your stay:
Snorkeling and Sandbank Adventures
Discover the colorful underwater world of the Indian Ocean with a guided snorkeling tour. When the tides are right, enjoy a stop at a beautiful sandbank, tiny island of soft white sand that appears in the sea. A dreamy spot for swimming or relaxing in the middle of the ocean. You can hire snorkeling gear on-site.
Mangrove Walks & Chale Island
Take a peaceful walk through the mangroves and learn about this vital ecosystem that helps protect the coast. Or visit nearby Chale Island, a small, forested paradise surrounded by turquoise waters, ideal for a day of nature and tranquility.
Dine in a Coral Cave
For a truly unforgettable evening, dine in a 120,000-year-old coral cave at Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant. Open to the stars above, this magical setting offers fresh seafood and international dishes in a uniquely romantic atmosphere. Perfect for a special night out in Diani Beach.
Visit Colobus Conservation
Meet the team at Colobus Conservation, an inspiring organization working to protect the endangered Angolan colobus monkey and other local wildlife. A visit here offers insight into how conservation and community come together.
Day Trip to Shimba Hills
Swap the beach for a bit of safari! Just an hour from the coast, Shimba Hills National Reserve offers rolling green landscapes, waterfalls, and the chance to see elephants and the rare sable antelope. A perfect way to combine bush & beach in one trip. Another option is to take the train to Tsavo and explore Tsavo West National Park for 1 or 2 nights.
Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest
Just a short drive from Diani Beach, Kaya Kinondo offers a peaceful walk through one of the sacred forests of the Mijikenda people, specifically the Digo people. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll explore ancient trees, spot birds and monkeys, and learn about traditional rituals, medicinal plants, and the spiritual significance of this UNESCO-listed site. A meaningful activity that connects culture, nature, and community.
Whether you're in the mood for adventure or gentle discovery, Nomad Beach Resort is always happy to help you organize and personalize these excursions, making it easy to explore the best that Diani Beach has to offer.
Heartfelt Hospitality: Meet the Team Behind the Magic
Behind every seamless moment is a team that truly cares. What makes a stay at Nomad Beach Resort truly unforgettable goes far beyond the location or luxury—it’s the people who make this place so special.
Our chef Martha, waitress and the cleaning staff made our days easier and warmer. They even shooed away monkeys when they got too curious about our food. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warm smiles, genuine kindness, and a level of care that felt deeply personal.
Help was always there, sometimes even before we realized we needed it.
Behind the scenes, many more wonderful people contributed to our unforgettable experience. From the gardener tending the lush grounds, to the security guard ensuring our peace of mind, the attentive driver, and the many colleagues working quietly behind the scenes, everyone played their part with dedication and kindness.
We are deeply grateful for the incredible service and genuine care from everyone at Nomad Beach Resort. Their combined efforts made our stay not just comfortable but truly memorable.
How to Get to Nomad Beach Resort
Getting to paradise is easier than you might think. Whether you're flying in from Nairobi, arriving by train from Tsavo (or Nairobi), or driving along the coast, Diani Beach is closer than it feels and well worth the journey. You can fly into Moi International Airport in Mombasa (45-minute drive from the resort) or Ukunda Airport in Diani.
We traveled by train from Tsavo to Mombasa, enjoying scenic views along the way. Upon arrival in Mombasa, a friendly driver from Nomad Beach Resort picked us up and brought us directly to the resort, making the journey smooth and hassle-free. We flew back from Ukunda (Diani) Airport. A small airport, but recommended.
For those seeking adventure, local buses and matatus run from Mombasa to Diani Beach, though these options are less convenient with luggage.
Ready to Book the Best Private Villa in Diani Beach?
Nomad Beach Resort offers everything from cozy beachfront cottages to spacious private villas on Diani Beach. Whether you’re seeking barefoot luxury, eco-conscious living, or deep rest after safari in Kenya, this is the place to be.
Visit Nomad Beach Resort Booking Page or request a free safari quote for personalized assistance and a complete Bush & Beach Kenya safari including Diani Beach.