Leopard Beach Hotel, The Tourist Hub

SET on the stunning coral cliffs above the shimmering blue Indian Ocean waters, which gently nudge at the dazzling Diani Beach, Leopard Beach Hotel is the epitome of Swahili style and comfort.

The beach hotel is at the top of the range when it comes to making a choice for romantic honeymoons and exotic weddings

By James Odomel in Mombasa

SET on the stunning coral cliffs above the shimmering blue Indian Ocean waters, which gently nudge at the dazzling Diani Beach, Leopard Beach Hotel is the epitome of Swahili style and comfort.
I stood at the airy patio deck of my deluxe hotel room and watched the panoramic haven of intriguing leopard caves, coral gardens and palm trees standing over the white sparkling sandy beach, which vanishes in the horizon. This is truly where I longed to be after work stress.
Right from the reception, the Leopard Beach Hotel’s new look is a cushion welcome.
We were met by statuesque courteous Swahili robbed porters, who ushered us into a foyer resplendent with wavy Dhow wood day-beds, bright cushioned alcoves and polished brass lamps into the waiting arms of a check-in team, who are every bit as smart as their pinstriped waistcoats.
From the tranquil reception halls to the coral caves of twin beaches, Coco and Kusini, the hotel overlooks a series of broad terraces that dramatically drop into the water front. Gone though, is the bleak 1970s look, which have been replaced by cascading water and dripping fern pools, lily ponds of darting goldfish, where fountains play.
The new Leopard beach experience has all the magical charm of wandering through the fabled gardens of sunken Atlantis and delivers you into the sunny brilliance of the pool-deck alongside a miniature roman aqueduct, which hurls a waterfall of bright water into the celestial blue of the free form and toe lapping pool.
Kenya Airways in partnership with the Mombasa multi-billion shilling beach hotel provides a worthwhile package for their passengers.
The passengers travelling with the airline to the Leopard beach hotel enjoy the half price purchase of airtickets, guide tours in Mombasa and pick up passengers from the airport.
Emmanuel Okware, the sales and marketing manager, Kenya airways Uganda, said, “By using our package, you save time, communication and convenience.” He said the partnership with Leopard Beach Hotel eases customers’ operation.
Karan Ubhi, the hotel director, said “we have invested over $3m, and each year, we ensure that we inject more money. The Asian-owned hotel based in Mombasa always closes in May and June to give room for refurbishment.
He added that the East Africa resident rate is Ksh8,800 (Ush222,000) for a double standard room for two people, and for a single person, Ksh4,400 (Ush111,000) the rates change according to seasons. He said with the package in place, passengers can now save between $30 and $40. Karan also said there is always an on-going training to keep their standard ahead.
“We always bring new ideas so that people have quality. This explains why we were voted the best resort beach in 2003.”
“We are planning big for Easter. There are a lot of promotions to be conducted, it’s going to be fine,” Kanan said.
Another thing I discovered is Leopard Beach Hotel is also very child-friendly. Apart from the animation team who make excellent youth leaders, there are special children’s times and all manner of activities ranging from standing under the water to diving to all the different levels in the pool, and from ping-pong to ice-cream.
A scalloped apron of shaded lawn, extending high above the gentle curve of the beach and the nyama choma terrace brings a whole new dimension to the hotels table dining options.
Choose from bright and breezy Sunday brunches, black velvet beach, palm frond and noonlight cocktails or uniquely sea weddings.
Loving hand built by local craftsman Marion Scianna from the choices mahogany and terracotta venetian stucco open to sun and sea and has to be seen to be believed.
Sumptuous Mario’s bar is polished mahogany cocktail bar, which is pure Hollywood glamour. So is Marco’s bar, but it’s on the cliff tops sailing like a Spanish galleon from its grassy anchor atop the towering coral cliffs.
This unique cocktail bar is surely styled to resemble a twin-decked schooner, complete with polished decks, rounded contours, gleaming brass fittings and luxuriant powder blue banquette seating.
Sally Gichohi, one of the workers said, “We are at the top of the tree when it comes to romantic honeymoons and exotic wedding options.”
She added they are right on the spot for trips to Mombasa stone town, Kisite marine national park and shimba hills game reserve.
“With all our 154 rooms, which are panoramically situated and spacious interior design, our guests dine in different venues every night. They also circle the globe and sample the superb seafood at the a la-carte Chui Grill, a member of the prestigious Chaine-des-Rotisseur.
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