Aerial view of the resort, its pool and the Shanzu Beach coastline, Serena Beach Resort & Spa
Story · Mombasa Coast, Kenya · Resort

Serena Beach Resort & Spa, Mombasa

A Swahili-style beach resort on Shanzu Beach, with beachfront lawns for up to 200 guests and an in-house wedding planner.

2 min readUpdated 14 October 2026View the venue →
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A Swahili village by the sea

Serena Beach Resort & Spa stands on the white sands of Shanzu Beach, on the north coast of Mombasa, 13 kilometres from the city centre. The single-storey buildings are inspired by a 13th-century Swahili village, with winding pathways, whitewashed walls, carved wooden doors and tropical gardens.

An aerial view of the resort, its pool and the Shanzu Beach coastline
An aerial view of the resort, its pool and the Shanzu Beach coastline. Photograph: Serena Beach Resort & Spa.
The lawns and Swahili-style buildings of the resort
The lawns and Swahili-style buildings of the resort. Photograph: Serena Beach Resort & Spa.

The ceremony

Weddings and honeymoons are planned by a dedicated in-house wedding planner, who works across venue styling, curated menus, entertainment and photography. Ceremonies and receptions can be held at indoor and outdoor venues, with intimate beach ceremonies and beachfront lawns that hold up to 200 guests.

A beach wedding ceremony set up with a carved arch facing the Indian Ocean
A beach wedding ceremony set up with a carved arch facing the Indian Ocean. Photograph: Serena Beach Resort & Spa.
A floral ceremony arch and seating on the resort lawn by the sea
A floral ceremony arch and seating on the resort lawn by the sea. Photograph: Serena Beach Resort & Spa.
Wedding reception tables laid on the garden lawn
Wedding reception tables laid on the garden lawn. Photograph: Serena Beach Resort & Spa.

At the table

Dining ranges from the dhow-inspired Jahazi Grill, which serves seafood, to a beach bar, a swim-up pool bar and a rooftop terrace. The resort offers tailored catering, and its restaurants cater for special dietary requirements. Rooms can be styled for honeymooners, and a romantic beach breakfast is offered by the sea.

A seafood table at the dhow-inspired Jahazi Grill with ocean views
A seafood table at the dhow-inspired Jahazi Grill with ocean views. Photograph: Serena Beach Resort & Spa.
A romantic beach breakfast table beneath a floral arch by the sea
A romantic beach breakfast table beneath a floral arch by the sea. Photograph: Serena Beach Resort & Spa.

Rooms and the spa

Rooms and suites carry hand-painted Maasai frescoes and open onto a balcony or terrace facing the ocean or the courtyards. Maisha Spa and Health Club offers treatments for couples, built around a water feature and a suspended meditation platform.

A four-poster bed in a Lamu Suite
A four-poster bed in a Lamu Suite. Photograph: Serena Beach Resort & Spa.
A couples treatment room at Maisha Spa
A couples treatment room at Maisha Spa. Photograph: Serena Beach Resort & Spa.

On the beach

Guests can sail a catamaran, visit the butterfly centre or see the turtle conservation project, active since 1993, and cultural performances take place in the evenings.

Turtle hatchery enclosures on the beach
Turtle hatchery enclosures on the beach. Photograph: Serena Beach Resort & Spa.
An evening cultural dance performance in the courtyard
An evening cultural dance performance in the courtyard. Photograph: Serena Beach Resort & Spa.

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