With its powder-soft white sandy beaches against the deep blue silk of the Indian Ocean, palms swaying against brilliant skies, warm spice-scented breezes, hotels that are the epitome of Swahili style, world-class luxury, international cuisine and endless leisure and history that is steeped in rich culture, Mombasa, Kenya has it all.

Many Mombasa hotels offer relaxing experiences geared at helping weary travellers recharge mind, body and soul. With a variety of options ranging across the financial scale, there is something for everyone from top end beach resorts to self catered cottages along the coast.

The Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa boasts the longest beachfront on the north coast and the largest hotel. With its Tulia Spa, Ozone Children's Club, four free-form swimming pools, restaurants and bars, floodlit tennis courts and the hotel's water sports centre, you are spoiled for choice for things to do at this beautiful resort.

The Serena Beach Hotel and Spa on Shanzu beach is an enchanting way to try out water sports such as mini-sailing, deep-sea fishing, beach volleyball, wind surfing and scuba diving. Or simply pamper yourself at the Maisha Health and Beauty Spa.

Endless beaches, slave caves, excellent snorkelling and even dolphins to swim with. From beautiful sunsets to frolicking dolphins, the wonders of nature constantly surround you in Mombasa's south coast. What better way to enjoy a family holiday than in the comfort of your own?

There are numerous villas and cottages to stay in the south coast. The very reasonably priced Vindigo cottages near Ukunda is laid-back and very rustic in a quaint way. Who needs luxury Egyptian cotton sheets or Italian-tiled bathrooms if you have soft sandy beaches, a huge tree-filled garden and the company of Vervet monkeys who drop in for dinner? Eat freshly caught seafood at your leisure, laze on the veranda or take a dip in the inviting ocean, guaranteed to lift flagging spirits.

There are dozens of restaurants in Mombasa, but if you are looking for a quick bite to eat in relaxed surroundings, try those on Mama Ngina Drive, which runs parallel to the coastline from Likoni northwards. Huge baobab trees are lit up at night and there are a number of small eateries on either side of the road, offering great views over the channel and the seagoing traffic on the coast side. All offer snack menus, cold drinks and open-air eating.

The North Coast comes alive at sunset with fantastic restaurants and entertainment. Just north of Mombasa, towards the posh suburb of Nyali, you will find one of the best seafood restaurants in Africa. The Tamarind serves a mouth-watering array of seafood, blending the best of French, Asian and African cuisine. Set in an elegant, Arab-style building, the restaurant is the perfect experience for a fine dining experience, complete with a starlit terrace perched on a cliff overlooking the Old Mombasa Harbour. The four-course set menu offered on the Tamarind Dhow is another great way to experience fine dining. The Dhow cruises around Mombasa Island in the early evening, serving the restaurant's spectacular seafood against the backdrop of breathtaking views of Mombasa Island.

As the last light fades over the horizon, the North Coast comes alive. From Mombasa's famous bazaars, tea-shops and outdoor restaurants that line the main streets to the burgeoning nightclub culture, the area promises an unforgettable evening, whatever your preference. Bob's is one of Mombasa's most popular nightspots. It is an open-air bar and grill, and can get fairly raucous as the night progresses. If you are looking for a cold beer served in a slightly more laid-back atmosphere, try Moffat's in the leafy suburbs of Nyali.

If you are seeking an adrenalin-filled adventure, Mombasa's North Coast will not disappoint. In particular, it offers one of the fastest-growing extreme water sports: kite-surfing. For the thrill seeker, it brings you into contact with two forces of nature, water and wind. You will find some of the world's best locations for kite-surfing in Mombasa.

There's nothing quite like a couple of rounds of golf in the sea air to clear your mind. With some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches in the world, and breathtaking views to match, Mombasa's North Coast is adding golf safaris and golf trips to its long list of leisure options.

With near perfect weather, abundant fish stocks and a wide array of species, Mombasa's coast offers some of the best sport fishing in the Indian Ocean. You can see more diversity in nature in ten minutes in the ocean than ten hours in the most pristine wilderness. Explore the world beneath the Indian Ocean's placid blue waters and get in touch with your inner water baby. Clouds of silver fish, sea plants like feather boas, colours so vibrant you are sure you have never seen that particular shade on land. Given the plethora of dive centres, it is no surprise that diving is the most popular water sport on the Kenyan coast. Divers come from all over the world to explore this reef.

We are all looking for somewhere that allows us to slow down and escape from the world at large. Whether you are seeking a hedonistic getaway of rest and relaxation or something more robust, Mombasa truly is the perfect destination for the beach holiday of your dreams.

Go on and spoil yourself!