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Pinewood Beach Resort
Pinewood Beach Resort
Pinewood Beach Resort
Pinewood Beach Resort
Pinewood Beach Resort

Pinewood Beach Resort


4°22’37.4"S 39°33’15.9"E

About Pinewood Beach Resort

This modest resort style hotel is on the comparatively quiet Galu Beach – a stretch of beach south of the ...

... main Diani Beach area. It first opened in December 1991 and since then has remained a reliable, very well-managed, good-value option with a two restaurants and several room types. There is a convenient, neighbouring water sports outlet.

With its pretty gardens, busy and helpful staff, water sports and a beach where you can walk relatively unhassled by beach boys, the Pinewood is a popular destination. We have visited this well-managed hotel several times over the years and rate it highly for its good value.

Our view

With its pretty gardens, busy and helpful staff, water sports and a beach where you can walk relatively unhassled by beach boys, the Pinewood is a popular destination. We have visited this well-managed hotel several times over the years and rate it highly for its good value.

Parita Masani

Parita Masani

Country manager: Kenya

Accommodation

60 rooms

Children

Great for all ages

Open

1 Jun to 30 April

Activities

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Scuba-diving

Scuba-diving

Snorkelling

Snorkelling

Watersports

Watersports

Traveller reviews of Pinewood Beach Resort

18 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


91%
18 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
12
Good
4
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs KfromAustralia

Arrived 27 Jan 2025, 3 nights

"Pinewood Beach Resort review"

"Staff were very friendly & happy people. …" Read Mr & Mrs K’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

MissLfromUnited Kingdom

Arrived 12 Jan 2025, 3 nights

"Pinewood Beach Resort review"

"A lovely basic resort, quiet with lovely pool and access to beach. …" Read MissL’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

SC TravelerfromSantaCruz

Arrived 24 Jul 2024, 3 nights

"Pinewood Beach Resort review"

"The Pinewood Resort was a perfect way to end our visit …" Read SC Traveler’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Helen B fromLondon

Arrived 14 Aug 2023, 4 nights

"Pinewood Beach Resort review"

"The rooms were comfortable and well appointed …" Read Helen B ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

HoneymoonersfromMalta

Arrived 26 Aug 2022, 4 nights

"Pinewood Beach Resort review"

"a welcome relax spot after the hectic days on constant trek and/or safari. …" Read Honeymooners’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mrs RfromBath

Arrived 25 Aug 2022, 4 nights

"Pinewood Beach Resort review"

"A good place to relax...clean and comfortable with good food and helpful staff. …" Read Mrs R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs BfromKent

Arrived 15 Jul 2022, 7 nights

"Peaceful family stay"

"Lovely big rooms and large balconies. Excellent showers. Evening food excellent. …" Read Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs JfromMilton Keynes

Arrived 5 Sep 2018, 3 nights

"Pinewood Beach Resort review"

"Good - standard beach hotel. …" Read Mrs J’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr IfromReading

Arrived 7 Mar 2018, 5 nights

"Time to unwind on the beach."

"We had a wonderful time...meals were exceptional. …" Read Mr I’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr KfromBucks

Arrived 31 Dec 2016, 3 nights

"The perfect spot after a safari"

"Here again we were all delighted with the overall experience --and the sum …" Read Mr K’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Pinewood Beach Resort reviews

Pinewood Beach Resort: Our full report

This modest resort style hotel is on the comparatively quiet Galu Beach – a stretch of beach south of the ...

... main Diani Beach area. It first opened in December 1991 and since then has remained a reliable, very well-managed, good-value option with a two restaurants and several room types. There is a convenient, neighbouring water sports outlet.

We most recently visited in 2023 and found Pinewood Beach Resort, looking as well-tended as ever, having recently undergone a soft refurbishment of all rooms. Previously we found the property to be quite Mediterranean in style, which perhaps felt a little out of place on the Kenyan coast, but after these renovations we thought it was looking much more in keeping with its location. It was gently buzzing with activity and a good number of guests, but still felt peaceful. With 130 staff and a max of 116 guests, the service is attentive but not over the top in any way.

The hotel got its name because when the plot of land was acquired there was an abundance of casuarinas trees, which look a little like pines. Over the years many of these trees have been lost in high tides, though a few still remain dotted throughout the property.

Pinewood‘s main areas are not spread over a vast amount of space – though it certainly seems to absorb all its guests into various corners so as not to feel congested. The whole property boasts beautifully tended lush green gardens, full of tropical plants.

The main focus of Pinewood Beach Resort is around its large curved swimming pool, complete with a swim-up pool bar, surrounded by of plenty of sun-loungers with shades.

Adjacent to the pool is Pinewood Beach Resort’s well-equipped gym, inside in an air-conditioned room with soft padded flooring and plenty of mirrors on the walls, and a good variety of weight and cardio machines.

Down a few steps from the pool is the stunning white sand beach. Here guests will find the fun and rustic Jahazi Bistro and Beach bar set beneath shady palm trees. With simple wooden tables both under a thatched roof and also outdoors, Jahazi serves food at lunch, and drinks into the evening. It is discreetly open to the public who also often stop by and add to the buzzy atmosphere. We enjoyed fried calamari with salad and chips when we were here - it was very tasty indeed. With the natural shade of the trees and the cool sea breeze this is a very pleasant place to eat.

Near to here there are also a number of sun loungers and further shade is offered by little thatch umbrellas. These look really neat and blend in with the palm trees that line the property. From the beach it all looks really nice and natural. The energetic might make use of the volleyball net just in front.

Near to the Jahazi Bistro by the beach is the well equipped water sports centre - also open to non residents. Here you can arrange snorkeling trips, scuba diving, kite-surfing, wind-surfing, deep-sea fishing and kayaking - all of which are an extra cost.

If you prefer to pamper yourself, the Amani Spa offers a variety of beauty treatments. The hair salon does washes and blow dries, and you can get a manicure or pedicure. There is an extensive menu of massage treatments which are offered either in the single or double massage rooms and they have a hydro bath.

Pinewood Beach Resort also has a tennis court and a squash court for people to use – rackets can be borrowed free of charge.

The 60 rooms at Pinewood are quite large, modern and simple with locally made furniture throughout. The bright cream tiles, coloured walls with local artwork, and painted furniture appear quite stylish in their simplicity – it’s a very clean, crisp and uncomplicated finish that we really liked. All of the rooms have WiFi, air conditioning and a ceiling fan, a mini-bar, tea and coffee making facilities, a safe and telephone. They have a balcony for some outside space and mosquito nets around the beds. However there are some differences too and so the rooms can be broken down into the following categories:

  • Deluxe Garden Rooms of which there are 36, are a sizeable 45 square metres and are located on the first floor with a view of the gardens (not the sea). They have nice ensuite with toilet, single sink and a shower. Hairdryers and tea/coffee station are also provided
  • There are then 15 Deluxe Garden Suites which are 90 square metres, located on the ground floor with a large veranda and lounge – these also have a view of the garden and not the sea. The ensuite has a double shower and a hairdryer is in the room too.
  • The three Luxury Garden Suites are essentially the same as the Deluxe Garden Suites, but with a little smarter furniture and they located a little closer to the pool and beach.
  • Then finally there are six Ocean Front Rooms four are located on the first floor, and two slightly larger are on the ground floor. These offer sea views, but are slightly more rustic in style and furnishing. The lager ground floor suites have a bathtub .

Geographics

Location
Kenya Coast, Kenya
Ideal length of stay
4 nights+
Directions
Pinewood is a fifteen-minute transfer from Diani Beach (Ukunda) airport. If you're transferring to or from Mombasa, the Likoni ferry crossing, linking Mombasa Island with the south coast mainland can sometimes add significantly to journey times, especially at rush hours. For Mombasa airport, allow two and a half hours.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Half Board
Food quality
There are two restaurants at Pinewood Beach Resort. The more formal Bahari Restaurant which is usually set up for breakfast and dinner. The Peponi restaurant is a more informal spot by the beach and used on barbecue nights.

We have found the food at Pinewood to be consistently good over the years - tasty and fresh. Not world class gourmet, but a varied menu with hearty and delicious options.

Pinewood Beach Resort do a have a vegetable garden that guests can visit with the chef to pick fruit and vegetables. The rest they buy locally which explains the freshness.

Breakfast is usually as a buffet with a live egg and pancake cooking station. Lunch is then a la carte and served on the beach or by the pool. Dinner is either served at the Bahari Restaurant or Peponi Restaurant. There is a nightly rotating menu and themed nights such a beach BBQs and Swahili night are usually very popular.

There is a 24 hour complimentary tea and coffee self-service station located near the restaurant. With advanced notice the hotel can cater for special dietary requirements including Kosher, where a small (otherwise unused) private kitchen can be used and ingredients purchased accordingly.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Pinewood Beach Resort can also offer b&b and full board. Ask us when you enquire about this hotel.
Drinks included
Drinks are not included, but prices are reasonable - well below UK pub prices.

Special interests

Beach holidays
Pinewood Beach Resort is located at the quiet, southern end of Diani Beach, known as Galu Beach. Enjoy your beach holiday in peace and maybe take the opportunity learn to dive at the neighbouring Aqualand water sports centre.
See ideas for Beach holidays in Kenya

Children

Attitude towards children
Children of all ages are welcome at Pinewood Beach Resort.
Property’s age restrictions
There are no restrictions.
Special activities & services
Pinewood Beach Resort are able to arrange child-minding from house keeping whom you would pay direct. Though please note that they are not specifically trained in childcare.
Equipment
Pinewood Beach Resort has baby cots and high chairs that guests can use.
Generally recommended for children
Yes.
Notes
Children are the responsibility of their parents at all times and must be kept under supervision.

Communications

Power supply notes
Pinewood Beach Resort has a generator back up, which allows for power all the time. The power points here are three UK-style square pins. Multi plug converters are available at reception.
Communications
WiFi is available throughout. There are also two computers here if guests do not have their own devices. Cell phone coverage is good all over the hotel.
TV & radio
There is a TV in the lounge.
Water supply
Mains
Water supply notes
In addition to the mains water, Pinewood Beach Resort collect rain water in a tank under ground and also have well water – this is used for watering the gardens and lawns.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
A doctor from the excellent Diani Beach Hospital is on call for more serious cases. Though there are first aid trained staff members on site for less serious issues.



Quadbike warning: quad-biking is sometimes available as an activity from Pinewood Beach Resort. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it’s vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quad-bike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings: check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
Watchmen patrol the grounds by day and night.
Fire safety
Fire extinguishers.

Activities

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Scuba-diving

    Scuba-diving

  • Snorkelling

    Snorkelling

  • Watersports

    Watersports

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge
Money
Safes are provided in the guest rooms. A small currency exchange is available at reception.
Accepted payment on location
All major currencies are accepted. Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted with a 4% surcharge.

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Pinewood Beach Resort's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Pinewood Beach Resort.


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When to go to Kenya Coast

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Pinewood Beach Resort in Kenya Coast


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Kenya in January

Clear, hot days and warm nights make this high season a popular time for safaris and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling as water clarity is excellent and gets better as the dry season progresses. Most lodges and tented camps treat January after the New Year week is over, as mid-season, making it a good compromise in terms of value for money with reasonably reliable, dry weather and some greenery left in the landscape.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in January, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, January is the second driest month of the year
  • Elephants dig waterholes in the dry riverbed in the Samburu reserve.
  • Wildebeest and many antelope have their calving season, to February.
  • Migrant birds are seen in huge numbers, especially in the Rift Valley.
  • Sea water clarity around the coral reefs generally good.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

Kenya in February

With the short dry season well established, the grass grazed down and wildlife gathering close to water points, this is still a good time for a safari. Good water clarity in the Indian Ocean's coastal waters makes for excellent diving and snorkelling conditions.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in February, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, February is the driest month of the year.
  • It’s sometimes possible to swim with whale sharks at Diani Beach.
  • Migrant birds are still seen everywhere, especially near water.
  • This is usually peak calving season for wildebeest and many antelopes.
  • This month is often the hottest of the year, especially on the coast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in February

Kenya in March

Hot, increasingly humid weather – with good diving and snorkelling conditions at the start of the month – gives way to rains and lower accommodation costs. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in March, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and predicting the seasons since the beginning of this century has been difficult.

March is the month when – traditionally – intensely hot conditions build up until a cloudburst finally happens at the end of the month or in early April, to relieve the humidity. As ever, regional variations across the country can greatly impact on visitors' experiences.

  • Sea-water clarity is best for diving before the long rains start.
  • Visitor numbers are low, though the Easter holidays can be busier.
  • Night skies can be scintillatingly clear in early March.
  • Cropped down savannah grasses can make it easier to see the wildlife.
  • Temperartures climb high, especially at lower elevations.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Kenya in April

April sees the full onset of the southeast monsoon wind or kusi, which heralds the long rains. Temperatures drop soon after the rains are established and you’ll often have facilities largely to yourself in this more affordable low season, sometimes known as the "green season". The bush quickly springs to life, with greenery sprouting almost before your eyes. While you're likely to get a fair number of heavy showers, the breaks in the rain can yield sparklingly clear conditions.

With the dust settled and bright sun piercing the clouds, conditions can be sublime for photography, especially first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon with another storm brewing. You may be lucky, or you may find conditions very wet and muddy.

  • A wet month, the coast often gets more than 300mm (12in) of rain.
  • Sunny spells can provide great light for photography.
  • Buffalo and zebra calving season often happens in this month.
  • Baby crocodiles hatch, for example on Central Island in Lake Turkana.
  • Palearctic migrant birds gather to fly north to breeding grounds.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in April

Kenya in May

While game viewing can be trickier as vegetation runs riot, between the cloudbursts the colours and light are great for photography at this time of year. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in May, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and while it's reasonable to expect heavy rains in many parts during this month, especially on the coast, the rains don't always come evenly or in some areas come at all.

In an El Niño year, the so-called long rains that normally are established across much of the country by May can be meagre, to the despair of farmers. On the other hand in a La Niña year, the long rains can bring floods. On the coast, the monsoon winds make the climate much more predictable, with heavy rains common throughout this month.

  • Frogs breed in the ponds in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest near Watamu.
  • Wildebeest, impala and other grazers are in rut (the breeding season).
  • Kilimanjaro looks its best as heavy rain falls as snow on the summit.
  • There's a sharp peek of rainfall on the coast with many rainy days.
  • Accommodation prices are uniformly low, while some camps close.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in May

Kenya in June

The rains give way to cloudy, cooler weather, often making for comfortable conditions by the end of the month, especially in the highlands. Starting from mid-June or the beginning of July and running until the end of October, this is the high season, and accordingly has higher accommodation rates and – at least until early September – higher numbers of visitors.

While the early part of June can often be rainy on the coast, it can be a great time to go on safari, with fresh greenery, many young animals and good photographic conditions with clear air.

  • The Taru Desert, inland from the coast, is carpeted with flowers.
  • The Lake Turkana Cultural Festival is held in Loiyangalani.
  • Madaraka Day (commemorating self rule) is 1 June.
  • The annual Lewa marathon runs a course through the wildlife.
  • The Diani Rules "sports" event rips up the rulebook at Diani Beach.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

Kenya in July

Kenya’s “winter" season sets in (winter is a misnomer but locals feel the change), and the highlands can be rather grey. Skies are often cloudy and the days can be surprisingly cool, with an average daytime high in many highland safari areas of 15-20°C and night-time temperatures dropping below 10°C in Nairobi and the highlands. Lower parts of the country and the coast are usually warm and dry, typically reaching highs of around 25°C with lows in the high teens.

As this is the start of the high season, coinciding with the usual arrival of the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, July is a busy month. Ask your Expert Africa specialist to advise on how to avoid the crowds, which is not that difficult to do.

  • The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Maasai Mara in July.
  • Simbi Lake (Kisumu) and Crater Lake (Naivasha) can attract flamingoes.
  • Watersports start to pick up and some surfing is possible at Malindi.
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are a common feature in the Maasai Mara.
  • The sea can be choppy along the coast, making diving difficult.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

Kenya in August

The Great Migration fills the plains of the Maasai Mara, and school’s out, so the park roads are full of tourists – ask your Expert Africa specialist for advice on crowd avoidance tactics. Choose a private conservancy rather than a public national park or national reserve for quieter conditions.

Like July, August is generally mild and relatively dry in the safari areas, but it can be very chilly in the highlands, even in the middle of the day, and hail occasionally falls above altitudes of around 2,400m (8,000ft). Nairobi can be disappointingly overcast, with low cloud.

  • Apart from Christmas holidays, this is the busiest month of the year.
  • Late August sees peak wildebeest drama at the Mara River crossings.
  • Coastal winds are good for kite- and wind-surfing.
  • Few mosquitoes are around at this generally dry time of year.
  • The annual Camel Derby takes place in the Samburu capital, Maralal.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

Kenya in September

The skies clearing of cloud signals the start of hot, dry weather with little chance of rain – and, after the first few days of the month, far fewer visitors – making the latter part of September a good time for a quieter safari. While early September is often good for dramatic migration crossings along the Mara River, you might consider deliberately postponing your trip until later in the month, when the migration can still be very impressive and visitor numbers fewer.

If tourist surges are somewhat predictable, however, the patterns of the wildebeest migration are more volatile, and like all of Expert Africa's climate and weather assessments, they are based on accumulated years of experience rather than guaranteed certainty.

  • This is still high season, with prices to match.
  • Many river crossings take place on the Mara river in both directions.
  • Natural bush fires flush out insects and small animals for predators.
  • The Rift Valley Music Festival takes place by Lake Naivasha.
  • With school holidays over by early September, late-month is quieter.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Kenya in October

Still hot, mostly dry and not too busy, this is many people’s preferred month for a safari, and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling. The wildebeest and zebra herds of the great migration are often still to be seen, though in dwindling numbers. The swamps of Amboseli attract thirsty wildlife including large herds of elephants.

While we wouldn't expect much rain across most of the country this month, the climate has become so unpredictable that you can never say never, and the possibiity of the short rains – usually associated with November to mid-December, starting early, can't be discounted.

  • This month sees the tail end of the great migration in the Mara.
  • Palearctic migrant birds start to arrive, staying until March.
  • Turtle nests hatch at Watamu, until November.
  • Amboseli elephants focus on the swamps for their daily water.
  • The Indian Ocean monsoon winds turn from southeast to northeast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Kenya in November

The northeast monsoon wind or kaskazi heralds the start of the “short rains", usually some time in the second half of the month. From November to mid-December, this is the low season, and accordingly has lower accommodation rates and lower visitor numbers. Across most of the country you can expect warm, somewhat cloudy weather, with occasional heavy showers and localised flooding.

Expert Africa bases its description of the climate in November, like the other months of the year, on the records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable: some years the short rains don't come at all, or don't reach every part of the country. In an El Niño year, the November short rains can be very heavy, but in a La Niña year, they can fail completely.

  • Swimming with dolphins in Lamu can be done from now until April.
  • Birders gather at Ngulia in Tsavo West to ring Palearctic migrants.
  • The Lamu Cultural Festival takes over the town and Lamu Creek.
  • Agricultural shows often take place regional market towns.
  • This is low season, so camps can be great value, with special offers.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Kenya in December

In a typical December, the rains usually finish by middle of the month, leaving the landscape looking its best, under clear blue skies, and heralding the start of the second peak tourist season from around 20 December to the first week of January. Our assessment of the likely weather in December, like the other months of the year, is based on climate records, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

Christmas can sometimes be wet, but most years the rains have finished a week or two earlier, with the festive season ushering in the perfect combination of clear skies and sunshine by day and starry nights.

  • Christmas and New Year are busy, with the lodges and camps full.
  • Rates are highest after 24 Dec, with supplements on public holidays.
  • Republic Day and Independence day are celebrated on 12 December.
  • Good kite- and wind-surfing restarts, with strong northeasterly winds.
  • Mango season begins, providing excitement for primates and elephants.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

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