Although we booked for a few days at a relatively low season, we had the best time on any resort so far on the south coast of Kenya - and it was our first time at Pinewood. We have stayed at other resorts on Galu Beach and on Diani Beach but this is the one I will definitely return to. What makes it special? Excellent staff Smallish hotel to keep it cosier Good beach Excellent views from our first floor room Good size clean room Refurbished bathroom with dual showers Own beach beds on the beach away from hawkers - this is not at all common on the south coast and it makes relaxing so much better. Very good food - as a vegetarian I get tired of the standard Indian fare in all South coast hotels and the chefs tried to accommodate us very well. The different themes each day also made it interesting and we never needed to order à la carte. Very good salads every evening. The choice of two sittings makes it easier too. As other reviewers have also pointed out, on all South Coast beaches you need to wear swimming shoes / water shoes for swimming in the sea - certain areas in the sea are rocky and not sandy. However you do not need these for walking on the beach - which too is a lovely long stretch. I think Galu beach is far...Although we booked for a few days at a relatively low season, we had the best time on any resort so far on the south coast of Kenya - and it was our first time at Pinewood. We have stayed at other resorts on Galu Beach and on Diani Beach but this is the one I will definitely return to. What makes it special?

Excellent staff
Smallish hotel to keep it cosier
Good beach
Excellent views from our first floor room
Good size clean room
Refurbished bathroom with dual showers
Own beach beds on the beach away from hawkers - this is not at all common on the south coast and it makes relaxing so much better.

Very good food - as a vegetarian I get tired of the standard Indian fare in all South coast hotels and the chefs tried to accommodate us very well. The different themes each day also made it interesting and we never needed to order à la carte. Very good salads every evening. The choice of two sittings makes it easier too.

As other reviewers have also pointed out, on all South Coast beaches you need to wear swimming shoes / water shoes for swimming in the sea - certain areas in the sea are rocky and not sandy. However you do not need these for walking on the beach - which too is a lovely long stretch. I think Galu beach is far better for walking than Diani beach.

As a bonus for birders, there is a water area near the breakfast area where weaver birds have built their nests - you can also spot the odd heron and other birds....

The manager Pamela is a gem of a person.More