The Sands at Nomad

We read the the positive reviews on Tripadvisor and decided to stay for 7 nights. It was one of the worst hotels We have stayed in and is overpriced for what little it offers. The Hotel website boasts about all rooms being unique, however we were shown 3 and they were all exactly the same for the ocean view rooms that were expensive. The rooms are dull, with extremely poor lighting. The bathrooms are dated. The TV has only 4 channels, 3 of which are sport!! The clever photography on the web gives a feeling of warmth, far from the... more

I booked the Mbuyu Grande Superior Cottage for our 20th wedding anniversary and it was everything and more than we could have expected. The hotel, the staff and the suite were perfect for the romantic break of a life time. Too many stories to tell but our anniversary day, all set up by the hotel, went from a champagne breakfast on our terrace to a private motor launch down the cost to a private lunch served at our own cove to a trip back up the coast to a dinner to die for on our terrace. Nothing was ever too much trouble for the manager and... more

We have just returned from 5 nights at The Sands and I am so glad that I booked this hotel and not one of the others on this coast. It has a maximum of 37 rooms and is therefore very quiet and select unlike it's large neighbours. If you want live entertainment both day and night forget this hotel. If you want a guiet relaxing time then book the Sands. We had a beach bungalow which is very safe and fantastic. It had a large antique bed, lovely antique furniture and a large bathroom with a shower and a hair dryer. They also provide... more

Diani Beach as a location is pleasant enough, despite the 5-10 hawkers that pounce on you as soon as you step off hotel property! The Sands at Nomad, however, was disappointing. Despite the location and the unique wood work in the hotel it did not live up to its own hype. The hotel places its self in a luxury price bracket without being able to reach the standard required. Some (but not all) examples are, no hot water (often), a leaky toilet, pathetic shower, average food, not quite clean enough room and a foreign body in the... more

Ok, I've stayed in worse hotels during my travels. However, before giving all the details I have to point out that the weather was not that thrilling throughout my stay which immediately had a negative impact on arrival given the fact that I had the images of the hotel's website in mind. We stayed at the "Sands at Nomad" for 10 days at the beginning of June and we had booked one of their cottages. Our flight from Nairobi had a 3 hour delay so we were glad to see that the hotel's driver had waited for us. It was late in afternoon by the... more

When we booked our break in Kenya we chose the Sands from our research on the Web as well as the description in the brochure. I'm glad we did! Of the handful of hotels that we saw along this stretch of beach from various pickups and dropoffs I have to say the Sands looked to me to be the best. The Sands is approached from the coast road via an unassuming track that winds through the forest - which is populated with Colobus monkeys! The small main building is built in a charming traditional rustic style, the welcome fruit... more

This was our first time at the Sands at Nomad and hopefully not the last! We've stayed at a hotel on the North Coast on numerous occasions (including this time) and have to say that this beats it hands down. Asante sana & tutaonana to everyone at Sands!

As an off-season (May) visitor, I expected the prices to be quite a bit lower, but I have to admit that this resort is worth a bit more than you might spend elsewhere. When I arrived as a single traveler, there was one other couple at the resort. After they left, the entire resort, staff, and often the adjoining restaurant were completely at my disposal. Maybe that's why the staff treated me like royalty, but I'd like to think they are that way with all their guests. Very attentive and friendly, without being intrusive or snarky. My... more

We just came back from a 5 night stay at the Sands. The hotel is very high quality with an intense view of the ocean. The 37 rooms share over 200 meters of beachfront and this shows. There is an abundance of staff per visitor and the quality tends to be very good. We had a sea-facing suite and felt that it was a bargain and a great match for the needs of a family with 2 kids, as was the pool that had a fun 5m deep deep end and shallower areas for the kids. The restaurant is adjacent to the hotel proper and is of great quality as well.... more

Stayed 7 nights in Dec 05 at The Sands in Diani Beach, Kenya. This boutique hotel had only been operational for 3 weeks or so, therefore there were still somethings to work out. However they have got the basic things spot on. The location has got to be one of the best on an already incredible beach. The hotel design is great and such a change from the other larger resorts along the coast. Being a boutique hotel the service is attentive giving a very personal feel to the hotel. A meal or two at Red Pepper,the Thai restaurant is a... more