The Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel
"The sea at Mombasa is as blue as a cornflower, and, outside the inlet to the harbour, the long breakers of the Indian Ocean draw a thin crooked white line, and give out a low thunder even in the calmest weather"  (Karen Blixen, Out of Africa) Located on the beautiful Kenyan coastline, the Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel everything to offer honeymooners. Styled to resemble a 13th century Swahili town complete with winding lanes, carved balconies, fountained courts and bustling market squares, the Serena Beach Hotel provides an oasis of tranquillity whilst delivering a unique mix of high-action water sports, sybaritic sun worship, world-class cuisine and vibrant nightlife. Set back from the powder-white sands and shimmering waters of the Mombasa National Marine Park, the hotel décor blends the time-honoured intricacy of Swahili carving with the jewelled glow of Arabian lanterns, the white-gleaming splendour of a Sultan’s palace and the lotus-cool of a Persian water garden. The extensive coconut-palm cooled grounds offer an exotic mix of tropical trees and bright blossoms and centre on an idyllic sky-blue swimming pool with a thatched ‘swim-up’ bar and crystal waters that cascade into the tiled coolness of the market square below. The Coastal Ecosystem Situated on Shanzu Beach, the most northerly portion of the coast between Mombasa and Mtwapa Creek, the hotel looks out over the waters of the Mombasa Marine National Park, a 200-square kilometre National Marine Reserve. Featuring a well-developed coral barrier reef, the park is visited by turtles and plays host to 250 marine species to include crabs, butterfly fish, parrotfish, sea urchins, cowries, moray eel, lionfish, starfish and sergeant major fish.

Your Wedding at Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel
The climate is perfect, brilliant sunshine, a gentle breeze, clear blue sky. On the lawn, before the soft white sand of the beach begins, an arched bower has been woven from palm fronds and scarlet bougainvillea flowers. A pair of traditional Swahili chairs stand in front of a table bearing the wedding register. A three-tier wedding cake decorated with flowers and tropical fruit stands nearby; the headwaiter adjusts the starched napkin around the neck of the ice-cold champagne.     In her luxury suite, the bride has frangipani flowers woven into her intricately plaited hair; much earlier she relaxed with a lavender body massage, had her finger and toe nails painted palest pink and drank chilled champagne as the gently proficient beauty therapist gave her a facial that makes her skin glow with health…and happiness.     She is radiant. It's time to put on the dress an embroidered gown of ivory silk, receive the bouquet of roses from the smiling staff and step out onto the hotel lawn in her bare feet why wear shoes? She plans on walking along the beach when the ceremony is over. Seated on their twin Swahili thrones, the bride and groom follow the words of the registrar and exchange their vows. Standing with hands held tight, they exchange a kiss for the photographer, clink their glasses and laugh as the confetti scatters in the breeze. This is the way to do it: no rain, no stress, no guests other than their very nearest and dearest… and just a five-minute stroll along the beach before the honeymoon begins. But just so you know, we can arrange: the pre-nuptial parties, the ceremony, the legalities, the flowers, the hair, the wedding banquet, the cake, the meet-and-greet of your guests (and their accommodation), the wedding gifts, photographs, video and honeymoon. Tie the knot with Serena and we can arrange as intimate or as elaborate a wedding as you desire. For the two of you or with 100 of your closest friends on the beach, or at one of the Serena Safari Lodges - the choice is yours.

 

What Mombasa Serena Beach Has to Offer
In a world of shrinking time, information deluge, stress impact and escalating pressure, the need for inner peace is critical. More so, because in the Millennium world outward appearance is increasingly valued above inner strength. And yet, ‘beauty comes from within’.  That is why we are delighted to present the Serena Mind, Body and Spirit Spa, a sanctuary of calm that draws on the beauty of nature, and the elation of evocative surroundings, to create the perfect island of holistic nurturing. Serena Beach Hotel Spa The much awaited Serena Beach Hotel Spa is now fully operational. Built in the style of a sultan’s palace, ‘Maisha’ will welcome its guests into a Moroccan-tiled reception area, softly lit by candles, scattered with rose petals, hung with brass lanterns, and furnished with opulent cushioned sofas. Here, guests may discuss the choice of treatments on offer before progressing into the luxurious male and female changing areas, where fountains play and deep-blue plunge pools await those emerging from the dry heat of the sauna or the aromatic clouds of the steam room.  Exclusivity will be key at ‘Maisha’, where all the treatments will take place in private mosaic-patterned rooms, each with its own changing and washroom facilities. The choice of ‘signature’ treatments too, will be unique; ranging from deep-tissue massages to ‘ritual coconut milk’ body wraps, and from ‘Andean hot stone massages’ to ‘salt, ginger and lemon body rubs’. What is more, all the treatments will make use of all-natural essential oils, such as; frankincense, juniper etc... The new facility is both an arena for the promotion of total bodily health, and a place of holistic relaxation where both body and spirit can be rejuvenated. The treatment range is as holistic as our concept. Choose from energizing ‘hot-stone’ massages in the style of the ancient Maya civilization, luxuriant nature-based body wraps, masques and ‘body glows’; or the latest state-of-the-art facial and body-perfecting regimes, from the respected house of ELEMIS, one of Europe’s premiere spa-specific brands. Restaurants The Fountain Restaurant Cooled by a gentle ocean breeze and clustered around the hanging blossoms of a traditional Persian garden this sumptuous table d’hôte restaurant features Swahili carvings, stained glass lanterns, Lamu-esque arches, marble fountains and wide verandas commanding views over waving palms and shimmering ocean. The cuisine, which features internationally themed menus and lavish buffets, also draws on a strong Swahili influence to introduce an abundance of tropical fruits, exotic spices, coconuts, limes, coriander and fresh-caught seafood to the colourful choice of dishes. The Pool Bar Under the shade of a palm-thatched roof, looking out over the sapphire waters of the pool is Coconut Willy’s Pool Bar, a ‘swim-up’ bar that allows guests to enjoy a cooling drink, without having to get out of the pool. The Jahazi Grill Drawn up on the shoreline, just yards away from the breaking waves, and built to resemble a traditional Swahili dhow - complete with sanded decks, painted prow, roped capstans, lashed sails and kanga-decked tables, the Jahazi Grill specialises in stunning extravaganzas of fresh-caught seafood. Choices include: crab, squid, lobster, prawns and a wide variety of sea fish. Vegetarian and non-fish options are also available. The Sokoni Plaza and Pizzeria Guest Services & Amenities The Serena offers so much more: At the end of an action-packed day, guests can also enjoy a dip in the cool, blue waters of the floodlit swimming pool Swimming pool and nature walks in the Butterfly Garden Luxurious beauty treatments and toning massages Secure airport and well-maintained road network A wide range of board games.

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

---

 

Return to South African Wedding Venues Home Page