Situated on a point between two deserted bays, sheltered by a fringing coral reef and secluded in thousands of coconut trees and lush indigenous vegetation, Che Shale lies about 20 minutes north of Malindi, but it almost feels as though you’re on your own deserted stretch of paradise! The lodge was established over 30 years ago by well-known Kenyan safari guide John Aniere, who spotted the gorgeously isolated location from the air when flying over the extensive Kenya coast - he promptly brought his young family here and set up a very simple tented camp where lion, hippo and elephant used to wander onto the beach from the surrounding bush and it was possible to catch fish just by throwing a line in from the beach. Now, a generation later, John's son Justin owns and runs Che Shale.

open to the cooling sea breezes and with wonderfully romantic open air showers, these simple bandas have to be about as far away from the usual boringly anonymous modern hotel room that you can get Thankfully the lodge has kept its small, intimate and romantic character (although guests of a more nervous disposition will be relieved that the big game no longer wanders around!) Che Shale now consists of 5 simple beach bandas built of all natural materials like woven palm frond matting, thatch and wood, in the traditional Kenyan beach banda style – these however must be some of the most stylish and funky around! That’s largely due to a recent makeover by Italian interior and furniture designer Marzia Chicherretti who has added some wonderfully stylish and imaginative details – it’s all about chunky wooden furniture hand carved from local mango and cedar wood and fabrics in soft natural colours billowing in the breeze! Open to the cooling sea breezes and with wonderfully romantic open air showers, these simple bandas have to be about as far away from the usual boringly anonymous modern hotel room that you can get – but we know which stay you will remember for years to come!

The restaurant has built up a tremendous reputation over the years – as you would imagine fresh seafood is prominent, along with homemade pasta, freshly baked breads and superb tropical fruit! You’ll choose from a la carte at lunch time whilst enjoying a 3-course set menu at dinner. The restaurant attracts a lunchtime crowd from Malindi during season especially, but they all vanish later in the afternoon after which that glorious sense of solitude and isolation returns. Later, sitting with an ice cold Tusker around the nighttime bonfire on the beach, it’s easy to imagine that you’re hundreds of kilometres from civilisation!

The lodge crouches above a broad sweep of golden sand – and in this case the “gold” colour is not just ‘brochure speak’; the sand actually does glitter from the mica chips that are washed down with the silt from the nearby Sabaki River. The lodge has gained a reputation for fantastic kite-surfing with ideal conditions for learners and experienced kiters alike. In fact, owner Justin was the pioneer of kite-surfing in Kenya and Che Shale now boasts an excellent kite-surfing school. Other than that there’s snorkelling and deep sea fishing on offer as well as long walks along the endless beaches – for scuba diving head south to the coral gardens of Watamu Marine National Park.

This is very much a rustic getaway where you might not enjoy the polish of luxury beach resorts – however, arrive with a relaxed attitude and you’ll love the friendly, amiable hospitality and relaxed pace. So if your idea of the perfect holiday is a combination of long walks on miles of empty beach, lounging in a stylish “beach shack” hotel open to the Indian Ocean breeze, falling asleep to the sound of the waves and savouring delicious seafood, then Che Shale should definitely be on your wish list!

Some of the most funky beach bandas on the East African coast - simple and rustic but oh-so stylish!

If you're a kite-surfer or want to take up this exciting sport, the school at Che Shale and the excellent conditions found here make it a great choice

Delight in the delicious food whipped up by the lodge's renowned restaurant

Bonfires on the beach under the stars - absolutely unforgettable!

The Holiday Inn this definitely ain't! If your idea of hotel bliss is air-con, TV and room service then steer well clear!

Perfect conditions for kite-surfing equals wind - could be irritating to some, blissfully cooling to most...

Day-trippers visiting the beach and restaurant during season can disturb that sense of utter isolation