Turtle Bay Beach Club

Overall a good stay but feel extremely let down by the change in policy on watersports. At the time of booking, the Turtle Bay website clearly stated all watersports are included - this had actually changed but the website not updated so we were led to believe that we would get something we didn't. It was the main factor we chose this resort and when raised at reception, they offered to discuss with our agent who made the booking but refused to help us directly. Unfortunately the agent was useless which is another separate issue. Hotel itself is well located on the beach, amazing views and lots of beach beds. Absolutely no pestering from beach boys which was a dream compared to resorts in Mombasa! We did book a boat tour with the local beach boys and they were excellent - tour met all expectations. Staff are all wonderful and trying their best. Food was sometimes slow to come from snack bar but not the fault of serving staff. Meals themselves were fine for a short stay but would have been fed up if staying a week. Rooms are spacious but bathrooms truly terrible and in desperate need of an upgrade. We had two rooms but could only use shower in one as other would not allow temperature control - went from burning hot to cold. Baths looked dirty due to age and ingrained marks so we did not even consider using. Went for massages and the salon only take cash payment - any other hotel allows it to be added to the bill. Also to note the salon and watersports provider literally chase you round the hotel for payment even though we were staying for several more days and would not be able to leave without paying. The majority of guests will not carry money around with them all day. By comparison, the beach boys we booked a tour with (who have no idea when we are leaving or telling the truth) were happy for us to pay them at our convenience for a much much bigger sum of money. Overall we had a nice time but would not return due to issues above.

Turtle Bay sits on a lovely picture postcard white sandy beach. We had a lovely stay there. The staff were super-friendly and helpful everywhere - in reception, in the restaurant, in the bars, by the pool, just whenever you passed any one of them anywhere on site you'd get a smile and a 'Jambo'. Rooms were spacious, with AC and a balcony looking out over the sea (we were on the first floor up in the main block rather than the ones fronting the sea but still had a nice view). There is an artistically draped mosquito net but actually we never needed it. Good shower and even a bath too, and there's a safe in the rooms. The pool staff are lovely and will drag a sunbed for you wherever you want it placed, by the pool or on the beach, so it doesn't matter if there isn't one there when you come down. Then waiters come round periodically to ask if you'd like a drink brought to your sunbed. No hassle on the beach... there are some people selling boat tours but they more or less wait for you to ask them rather than vice versa (cheaper than the hotel booked ones btw), and there weren't vendors around - we went for a half hour walk along the beach without being accosted. There are a couple of stalls on the beach with sarongs etc and if you pass those of course they'll ask if you want to come in, but generally you could enjoy the beach without hassle. Food was good, plentiful, lots of curry based dishes, but a variety. Fantastic fruit at all meals, delicious mangoes. The all inclusive drinks at the bar are a bit limited, very limited range of cocktails and no rose wine, but the drinks there are are nice, and served with a smile. There isn't much around the hotel and you probably need a tuk tuk if you want to see anything of Watamu, but you can take a boat trip from the beach right by the hotel and see dolphins/snorkel on the reef (latter was a bit disappointing but we did see lots of dolphins). Would definitely return - it's a lovely hotel

What an amazing and wonderful place, I cannot praise it enough. It has got a beautiful vibe to it and all the people are just so kind and attentive. Wonderful for couples or families, your kids will LOVE it. The location has to be seen to be believed, it’s impossible to exaggerate the natural beauty of the beach. Just book and go, you will be so happy you did and you WILL go back for more 🤩❤️

The hotel has continued to offer great service with excellent experienced waiters and great food. The kids enjoyed the planned activities and the team in charge have proved themselves every time, this being a repeat destination for over 15 years now. Kudos to Patience and Maureen, the ladies in charge of the kids zone. The pool area also is worth mentioning, very clean at all times, all the 3pools, kids , adult and fun pool. The only problem is the showers essentials (gels and shampoo) please do something, you don’t have to cut costs to that level . On the kids side, bring back the point system to entice participation by both parents as well as the kids themselves.

We stayed here as part of a bird-watching trip, as the hotel is convenient for the Arabuko-Sokoke forest which holds many rare birds. It was fun to chill out here (on our inclusive package) after a hot day in the forest! The food was truly excellent and the free drinks very welcome. The room was very comfortable with efficient air-con, which was necessary as it is very hot here. Plenty of free drinking water. We did not use any of the provided activities so cannot comment on them.