Msambweni Beach House

The only good part of my day pass was the serene, peaceful beach, though the seaweed residues weren't cleaned. I paid to visit Msambweni Beach House and never saw it, not even the reception or a walk through the compound. I'd seen glowing reviews and amazing videos, so I called on Sunday 11th to reserve for Monday and was told to check availability again on Monday 12th. I did, was assured there was availability, then paid KES 2500 per person, redeemable at the bar for food and drinks. At the gate, a security team with negative energy asked whether I was going to Msambweni Beach House or One Ocean apartments. I didn't know One Ocean existed and was confused, since my pass was for Msambweni Beach House. Parking was an issue, with no arrangements. A guard directed us to park at the entrance of Msambweni Beach House, then sent us on a tough, apartheid sort of trek down to the bar at One Ocean without passing the beach house, even though there was a path. At the bar, I was shocked that the swimming pool wasn't accessible, and that sunbeds cost KES 1500 per person. Other day passes at the coast include swimming and free sunbed access, and the sunbed charge was eventually waived, which was good. The bar manager said they allow access to the beach house pool when there's availability, but there wasn't any that day. That didn't add up, because I'd called to ask about availability and been told yes. I asked for a refund since I wasn't going to see Msambweni Beach House at all, but they said it wasn't available. They wouldn't refund me, so we had to use the reservation fee. The food options were meh, so I chose samosas. Service was quite slow, despite only three tables being there from 11-5. When I checked out, the bill had gone from KES 5000 to 5450. They'd charged KES 900 per serving for samosas, though the menu said KES 675. This was eventually sorted after I insisted on checking the menu against the bill. It left a sour taste and capped a miserable experience. MBH needs to scrap the day pass unless they can provide a standard experience. It wasn't worth it at all. A gross injustice, made worse by mediocre service and extortionate billing.

Calm and quiet, with easy beach access, amazing food, super friendly staff, and the best banana cake ever. I had a lovely stay and an amazing experience.

That place is really something special, so peaceful and beautiful. The people who work there deserve a lot of credit for making it that way. I’d almost rather keep it to myself. If you do go, swim with the dolphins.

We’re already planning visit number three 😁. The beach apartments are the most spectacular and homely ones I’ve seen on that stretch of the Kenyan Coast in a long time. The whole place is beautiful, from the beach to the community, which gives you space and privacy. The local and international chefs are amazing, and the support team took great care of us from the gate right down to the ocean. Definitely worth staying.