Pakacha Bungalows

A peaceful little resort with two pools, well away from the busy areas around Paje and Jambiani. It suited us for a quiet break. The food could be better: lunch was great, but breakfast was basic, and dinner is a set menu that might not work for everyone, especially kids. Getting help with taxis to Paje or Jambiani was another weak point. They quoted us $20USD for a return trip, while a taxi hailed on the street costs about $4USD each way.

The beach changes a lot with the tide. At low tide, the water pulls back about 800m to the reef, and at around 26 degrees the ocean felt so warm that I actually preferred the pool. I’d suggest hiring a car or arranging day trips by taxi, since there’s plenty to see around the island. The hotel itself is lovely and quiet, with just 18 rooms and suites. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, the rooms are pleasant, and the cleaners do an exceptional job every day. Breakfast is included and was exceptional, with interesting options that changed daily, plus eggs and bacon made to order. Lunch and dinner were also good, if a little pricey compared with local prices. The staff really made the place special, they were incredibly friendly and went out of their way to accommodate us. I’d highly recommend it and would go back.

The ocean view rooms are lovely and roomy, though having to go downstairs to use the bathroom at night was the one real inconvenience. There’s a private stretch of beach for lounging, while swimming is at the public beach. It felt safe and seemed well suited to families, with a pool too.

The open bathroom was a new experience, but leaves from the trees make it messy pretty quickly. The pool is small and was very well kept, and we were lucky to have it to ourselves. The individual cottages have enclosed boundaries, and the beach is lovely. Staff were very friendly, especially in the kitchen. The chef took our orders and made the food to suit our preferences. It really felt like a barefoot paradise.