Last year was a really busy year for me. During most parts of the year, I found myself juggling between work and completing my master’s degree. There was literally no time for me to breathe. By May, I felt exhausted! Really, really exhausted! At that point, I knew I needed to take a break, maybe relax on a beach while slowly sipping cocktails. Luckily, I had been paying for a 3-day 2-night holiday with Adequate Safaris to visit the Papillion Lagoon Reef Hotel in Diani. Why Diani, you might ask? I opted to go and relax in a hotel in Diani owing to its breathtaking beachfront views, amazing weather, and wide array of activities such as snorkelling, scuba-diving, and bird watching.
Fast forward, June came, and I went for my vacation atPapillion Lagoon Reef Hotel. I was truly ecstatic to be going on that trip. To, if you are looking for a similar experience to mine, here are a few things I feel I should enlighten you about.
Location
Papillion Lagoon Reef Hotel sits majestically on the South Coast beaches in Diani, specifically on Diani Beach Road, Msambweni, Kenya, which is 38 km from Mombasa.
To get here, the Africa Holidays Safaris tour consultant gave me two options, that is, using the SGR or a flight. I opted for the SGR option to allow me to relax while soaking in the scenic views all the way to the Kenyan coast. The Adequate Safaris Papillion Lagoon Reef Hotel SGR package starts from KShs 24,500. However, the rates may fluctuate based on the season, that is, high, mid, or low season. As such, contact Adequate Safaris at deals@adequatesafaris.com for a personalized and budget-friendly quote. The prices include:
- 2 nights accommodation,
- Meals as specified (all-inclusive).
- Return SGR tickets.
- Return transfers at the coast.
The Price Excludes:
- Personal expenses such as drinks, additional snacks, and souvenirs.
- Optional activities that are not included in the itinerary.
- Tips and gratuities for drivers or guides.
On the day of the trip, I boarded my trip at Nairobi SGR terminus. The journey from Nairobi to Mombasa, which was about 465 km, took approximately 7.5 hours. Upon arriving at the Mombasa SGR terminus, I was warmly welcomed by an Adequate Safaris driver who then transferred me to the hotel. The trip from the SGR terminus in Mombasa to the hotel, which 45.3 km, was about 38 km, took us close to an hour to cover. Believe me when I tell you this, the transfer trip was nothing short of exceptional, as the driver was very respectful and really accommodating. Such kind of service, for me, is among the reasons you should definitely book your vacation at Papillion Lagoon Reef Hotel with Adequate Safaris.
If you choose to use the flight option, you will board your domestic flight at Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The flight from Nairobi to Mombasa will take about 1 hr to 1 hr 15 minutes. Among some of the airlines that you can use for your domestic flight to Mombasa are Jambojet, Safarilink, Kenya Airways, and Skyward Express. Once you arrive at Moi International Airport in Mombasa, an Adequate Safaris driver will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. The distance from Moi International Airport and Papillion Lagoon Reef Hotel is about 50 km, which may take you about an hour to cover.
Accommodation
Upon arrival at Pappillion Lagoon Reef Hotel, I was warmly welcomed by the amazing staff. I checked in and was shown to my room. The check-in process was absolutely flawless. My room, which was a beachfront one, offered me scenic views of the white-sand beach and breathtaking ocean. Some of the amenities in the beachfront room included a queen bed and a Swahili-style day bed, a furnished balcony with sea views, a TV, a mini bar, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, an in-room safe, full-time electricity, and a coffee/tea maker. After check-in, spend the afternoon unwinding on the pristine white sands or exploring the hotel’s amenities. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the resort.
Other rooms in the hotel include:
- Garden view rooms with 1 double or 2 twin beds and a furnished balcony with views of the garden.
- Family rooms, which have a queen and 2 studio beds, 2 bathrooms, and a furnished balcony or patio with garden views.
- Beachfront suites, with a separate lounge and bar room, a large TV in the lounge and bedroom area, a king-size bed, a bathroom with a bathtub and walk-in shower, twin sinks, a toilet, and a separate toilet room in the lounge area.
Facilities and Services
The facilities that made my stay at Papillion Lagoon Reef Hotel enjoyable included the stunning swimming pool and activities such as playing pool, table tennis, and darts. Other activities that you can also take part in at the hotel include water volleyball, giant board games, and aqua aerobics. My favourite place in the hotel was the Dive Centre, where I got an opportunity to dive in the stunning Indian Ocean water.
I also enjoyed going to the hotel’s well-equipped gym, which helped me to keep fit and relax.
Dining/Cuisine
The dining experience at Papillion Lagoon Reef Hotel was top-notch in every sense of the word. I particularly enjoyed sophisticated meals, which were a blend of fresh local and international flavors. The meals were exquisitely served in buffet style and paired with a drink of choice, making my experience at the hotel even more amazing. I also really loved how attentive the hotel’s staff were, and also the pleasant outdoor candlelit setup, which provided me with occasional views of wildlife such as bushbabies.
Experiences
The memories I created during my vacation at Papillion Lagoon Reef Hotel with Adequate Safaris are worth every penny! They are experiences I will savor for a lifetime. One of my favourite experiences while at the hotel was relaxing on the white sand beach and swimming in the stunning turquoise ocean waters.
I also went on a dolphin watching tour on Wasini Island, which was a truly magical and unforgettable experience. I was lucky enough to see dozens of dolphins swimming and playing around the boat. Apart from dolphin watching, I also got a chance to snorkel in Kisite Mpungute Marine Park with full support from the crew, which allowed me to see the striking and diverse marine life.
Some other places you can visit while staying at Papillion Lagoon Reef Hotel include the Colobus Conservation Center and Shimba Hills National Reserve.
Also, relaxing and unwinding at the hotel’s bar was also a top-of-the-list experience for me. I was able to mingle with other guests and create lasting friendships and memories. Overall, my experience at Papillion Lagoon Reef Hotel was a perfect 10 out of 10.
Final Thoughts: Why Visit Papillion Lagoon Reef Hotel with Adequate Safaris
My experience at Papillion Lagoon Reef Hotel was unmatched and magical. Booking my vacation to Papillion Lagoon Reef Hotel with Adequate Safaris was worth every penny. For an experience similar to mine at the Kenyan coast, contact Adequate Safaris at deals@adequatesafaris.com. Their expert tour consultants will create a personalized itinerary to ensure all your needs are catered to while on the trip. In addition, the tour consultants will ensure you visit Papillion Lagoon Reef Hotel at the best prices.
