Papillon Lagoon Reef is located on the South Coast of Mombasa in Diani, about 40km from Moi International, and around 25 km from Mombasa Town.
This beautiful hotel is located on the Southern Tip of Diani Beach which is very private. You will be able to enjoy a holiday away from the hustle and bustle of literally everything. Even the superb landscaped gardens radiate a feeling of calm and serenity. They have a stunning pool, which radiates a tropical island feel. The sunken bar in the pool is ideal to sit and enjoy cocktails whilst lazing in the sun.
The staff are always what makes a place and we have not encountered such hospitality anywhere on the Mombasa Coast. From the management right down to the cleaning staff, all greet you with a friendly courteous smile and are always willing to please.
Papillon gladly boast one of the oldest Baobab Trees in their garden. This tree is around 300 years old and is the most massive tree we have ever seen.
Papillon is an all-inclusive resort and is exceptional value for money. Their rates are the most reasonable of all the inclusive resorts and they generously include water sports like windsurfing, snorkeling, beach fishing, tennis and a free pool dive if you are keen to learn how to dive. Diving and snorkeling in Diani is highly recommended, with Diani Reef situated around 600m off the coast which is excellent for snorkeling, and various other pristine reefs in the area which are more suited to diving. If you feel like it, you could take a day trip down to Shimoni, Chale or Funzi Islands. Please enquire at the hotel about rates and times of departure.
In summary, Papillon is a fantastic place, excellent value for money and definitely one of the most highly recommended hotels in Mombasa.
Papillon Lagoon Reef has a total of 119 rooms, which is small by comparison to some of the other hotels in the area. Of those, they have 25 cottage rooms, 76 garden rooms and 18 beach front rooms.
The cottage rooms we have to admit are not all that great. They are located at the back of the lodge and are more suitable for families. These rooms consist of a double bed in the main area, and then an adjoining section (separated by a curtain) which has 2 single beds. If you are a family with children and you want the children in the room with you, then these would be ideal. There is unfortunately only 1 bathroom, so you will all have to share. The rooms are large, so you could easily fir 2 adults and 2 children.
The garden rooms are lovely, located in 3 storey blocks, and all overlook the fantastic gardens. They are the next closest to the beach after the cottages. These rooms are nice and spacious and very comfortable. They are all en suite with shower facilities in the bathroom.
The beachfront rooms are the most luxurious, and are located close to the beach. These rooms are larger with a couple of extras in them like satellite TV, mini bar, Lamu style four poster bed, the bathroom has a shower and bath, telephone and baby cot if you might require it. They are popular, so best to book them early.
All rooms come standard with air conditioners, fans, safe, mosquito nets and balcony.
As it is all inclusive, they only have one main restaurant which serves all meals off the buffet. There is food in abundance, and the possibility of putting on weight instead of losing is good! The Zig Zag bar is their smaller restaurant which is located overlooking the poolside. If you like, you can enjoy breakfasts or lunches here.
The pool bar is located right next to the pool and has sunken seats into the pool so you can sip cocktails while lazing around in the water. They also have a beach bar which is located down next to the beach. This is ideal for sundowners and drinks during the day.
Location: Diani Beach, Mombasa
Dress code: Casual, Smart casual in public areas.
General facilities:- 2 Restaurants
- 2 Bars
- 1 Pool
- Sunbeds, mattresses, beach umbrellas and pool towels free of charge
- Children play area
Room facilities:- En suite bathroom with shower (and baths in beach front rooms)
- Ceiling fan
- Air-conditioning
- Direct dial phones
- Safe
- Mosquito nets
- Balcony
- Satellite TV (only in Beachfront rooms)
- Mini bar (only in Beachfront rooms)
Activities:- 2 Floodlit tennis courts
- Deep sea fishing
- PADI Dive centre
- Snorkeling
- Windsurfing
- Sundowners
- Cultural tours, excursions
Services:- Laundry and dry cleaning
- All major credit cards accepted
- Babysitting can be arranged
Written by Wayne Webb 