Almanara Luxury Villas

An Intimate Retreat on Diani's Southern Shore

Almanara occupies a quiet stretch of Diani Beach near the Galu end, where the sand is wide and the crowds thin. With just 14 keys spread across three distinct accommodation types, this is not a resort in the conventional sense. There are no wristbands, no buffet halls, no animation teams. Instead, each villa comes with its own chef, butler, and housekeeper, creating the feel of a private beach house with five-star backing. Founded in 2007 by a family who also established the Wings of Mercy charity for local healthcare and education, Almanara pairs genuine luxury with a personal connection to the Diani community.

Three Ways to Stay

The six Garden Villas are set among tropical gardens around a central pool, each with three en-suite bedrooms, an open-plan living area, covered veranda, and rooftop terrace. They are booked on an exclusive-use basis, so the entire villa is yours whether you fill every room or not. The three Residence Villas are the newest addition and sit closest to the ocean, each with three en-suite bedrooms, a contemporary kitchen, private plunge pool, and rooftop terrace for sundowners. All Residence guests also share a stunning beachfront infinity-edge pool. For those who prefer a hotel format, Casa Bella is a five-room boutique hotel with three Ocean View Rooms and two Ocean View Suites, featuring Italian marble bathrooms, air conditioning, and balconies overlooking the pool and sea. Note that Casa Bella welcomes guests aged 12 and above, while the villas are open to families with children of any age.

Dining at Sails

Sails Beach Bar & Restaurant sits on the sand within the Almanara grounds, its striking dhow-sail canopy a Diani landmark. Under Head Chef Anthony Huth, the kitchen focuses on locally sourced seafood — grilled to order, served with ocean views and fine wines. With only around 30 covers, the atmosphere is closer to a private dinner party than a hotel restaurant, and it consistently ranks among the top five restaurants in all of Diani Beach on TripAdvisor. Villa guests, meanwhile, can have their personal chef prepare any meal at any time in their own kitchen — a flexibility that few properties on the coast can match.

Wellness, Water Sports & Practical Details

The Cloud Nine Spa offers massages, facials, yoga, pilates, and meditation sessions in a tranquil oceanside setting. For something more active, H2O Extreme — located immediately next to the property — runs kite surfing lessons for beginners and equipment hire for experienced riders. Snorkelling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, dhow cruises, and deep-sea fishing are all arranged through the concierge. All rates are full board and include soft drinks, beer, and house wines, plus airport transfers from Ukunda and a chauffeur service within the Diani area. Standard-season villa rates start from approximately EUR 450 per person per night sharing (full board), rising to around EUR 710 during the festive peak. The resort closes each May for annual maintenance. Minimum stays of three to seven nights apply depending on the season.