09/01/2013
“Special Place on Secluded Beach.”
Reviewed January 1, 2013
Have you grown tried of the big box beach resorts, with their one-size-fits-all-thinking and inability to accommodate your particular needs? Do you want to be treated in an exceptional way? Then, Pinewood Beach Resort may be the place for you.
We have stayed at half a dozen places along the Kenyan Coast. We know Kenya is a hot culture(as opposed to cold culture). Kenyans are naturally friendly and therefore many resorts have friendly staff. Some have even impressed us with customer service beyond what was expected. However, very few have connected with our souls in the same way as Pinewood. What makes this place really stand out is the warmth and personal attention conveyed to their guests.
This is our second stay at Pinewood Beach Resort. We didn't write a review last year(on purpose). We knew then as we know now that we had stumbled upon a unique place and didn't want to share it. With anyone. Why the review now? We are not sure we will be returning next year and figured it is the least we could do. The bottom-line is that you will have a hard time finding a more magical place anywhere on the southcoast for the same price.
On both occasions we have been privileged to meet the owners, Alnoor and Nafisa Kanji. I don't use the word "privilege" lightly. They are wonderfully relational people who have worked hard to create a special place. Mr. Kanji, who has spent time abroad, returned to Kenya and aimed to create a weekend get-away for his family. From those pure beginnings, the place grew and developed into what is now Pinewood Beach Resort. This dynamic duo contain to be involved in the details of running this place and you can tell.
What works for us?
First, we like the food. It is freshly prepared each day. There is a good variety(unlike the bland, run-of-the-mill stuff at the big box resorts) and it stands out. Trust us, it stands out. Throughout the week, the meals are served at different locations on the property. Saturday nights are Mongolian Stir-fry and the tables are set underneath the stars around the pool. If you can start or end your vacation around the Saturday night, do it. Another night, you are treated to eating on the beach for a nyama choma. You eat this bbq meal with the sand between your toes. Of course, the kitchen staff take the time to get to know you. For example, there is Albert who is in charge of the kitchen. As we walked into the restaurant for our first meal on our second stay, Albert remembered our names. He escorted us to "our table" and engaged the entire family in a conversation.
Second, we appreciate the facilities. They work for our particular family. The entire family--including the children--play tennis. In addition to the tennis courts, there are squash courts, a ping-pong table, a dart board, beach games(bocce ball) and a gym. The gym is only available guests. The equipment is high-end and it is in great shape. The pool is smaller than other resorts, however keep in mind, that because this is a smaller resort you don't have the same number of guests. The Pinewood pool will always have a special place in our hearts as this is where one of the children learned how to swim.
Third, the accommodations work for us. Both times, we have booked into one of the executive suites and we have been fully satisfied. There is a separate bedroom available for everyone, an ensuite master bedroom and a lounge and eating area. We utilize the fridge and stock it with snacks and beverages for lunches. We realize that not all apartments offer the same amount of space, but not everyone has a large family like us.
Finally, the beach is awesome! Because you are off the beaten trail, there are not many people roaming the shore. Yes, there are still beach boys. Yes, there are loads of kite-surfers buzzing around. But there is a stillness to this end of the beach that isn't found further north. For example, you could take a photo of yourself walking on the beach without anyone else in your shot.
If there is a small critique of Pinewood(especially for first-time guests), it would be its location. What do I mean? It is off-the-beaten track. The tarmac ends and you keep going. And going. There isn't much signage telling you where to go and if you are self-drive, it can be a little overwhelming. If you are being picked up by at the airport, it won't even cross your mind. Yet, for us, this made it all the more special. Like the restaurant that no-one knows about or the band that you discovered, Pinewood is a special place.
It doesn't bother those of us who have discovered it that they may have to drive a little farther to be rewarded with its magic. In fact, they may wish it was even more obscure than it already is to keep the masses from descending upon it.
Room Tip: We recommend the Executive Baobab Suite for larger families
