Hemingways Watamu | Private Beach Resort * From $697

87 photos

Book Directly and Save

Up to 10% Off

Compared to Booking.com

Key details

Overview & Features

Watamu Marine National Park, B8, Watamu

Close to Turtle Bay Beach

Great

8.8

/10

4.7

4.5

Loved by Hemingways Watamu guests

Perfect service

Delicious food

Amazing views

Spacious rooms

Friendly staff

"The rooms are sea facing, the sound of the ocean & view is priceless."

JacJ from Kenya

read full review

"You can snorkel literally 30 metres in front of the hotel and see an array of fish,sting ray, eels and octopus!"

Lesley Consani from Switzerland

read full review

"I loved the view from the rooms!!"

Martin from Kenya

read full review

5-star luxury beach hotel in Watamu Marine National Park

Accommodations

All guest rooms at Hemingways Watamu offer ocean views and spacious layouts. The Deluxe Ocean View Rooms feature marble tiled en-suite bathrooms and private balconies, showcasing breathtaking vistas of the Indian Ocean. For larger groups or families, the 4 Bedroom Ocean View penthouse-style duplex apartments accommodate up to eight guests with expansive living areas and exquisite terraces.

Activities

Hemingways Watamu provides a wide array of activities including deep sea fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving within the protected Watamu Marine National Park. Guests can embark on sunset dhow cruises or learn kite surfing in the tranquil waters. For golf enthusiasts, the nearby Vipingo Ridge offers a world-class golf experience set amidst stunning landscapes.

Dining

The hotel features several dining options, including the Gede Café, which offers a variety of light meals, homemade pastas, and grilled local seafood. Guests can enjoy fine dining that includes Swahili-inspired seafood dishes, and candlelit dinners under the stars. The Hemingways Bar, located on the seafront, serves a range of tropical cocktails and offers stunning ocean views.

Wellness

The Spa at Hemingways Watamu offers signature treatments inspired by local traditions, using the finest African skincare products. Guests can enjoy rejuvenating massages and beauty therapies either adjacent to the botanical pool or in the privacy of their accommodations. The hotel also has a fully equipped gym available for those wishing to maintain their fitness routine.

Location

Hemingways Watamu is situated in Watamu, approximately 120 kilometers north of Mombasa, and provides direct access to pristine beachfronts within the Watamu Marine National Park. This area is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, making it a prime location for snorkeling, diving, and dolphin watching. Nearby attractions include the picturesque Mida Creek and Arabuko Sokoke Forest, offering additional exploration opportunities.

Highlights

Activities: Deep sea fishing and snorkeling in the Marine Park

Dining: Swahili-inspired seafood and fine dining options

Wellness: Spa with signature treatments and a botanical pool

Location: Pristine beachfronts within Watamu Marine National Park

“Hemingways Watamu excels with its beachfront location inside Watamu Marine National Park, where dolphin watching is a must. The wellness offerings and spa let you unwind while customizable dining celebrates local ingredients. It's a top choice for families seeking spacious beachfront accommodations and activities.”

Edward HayesEditor-in-Chief at Beachresort

Pick the Room Type That Suits You

Choose from spacious beach suites, family rooms, or cosy couples’ retreats with perks like breakfast and free cancellation

Deluxe Ocean View Double Room
2 persons
40 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Ocean view
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Twin Room Sea View
2 persons
40 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Sea view
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Ocean View Double Room
2 persons
40 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Ocean view
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details

Show all rooms

Check Prices & Room Availability

See what's available for your travel dates now!

August 2026 - August 2027

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

August 2026

September 2026

October 2026

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

July 2027

Choose dates to see prices

Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Enjoy comfortable stays and unforgettable experiences at our beach resorts

Facilities: Perfect

9.2/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Private beach
Lift
Currency exchange
Barber shop
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Wind surfing
Diving
Snorkelling
Canoeing
Mini golf
Squash
Sports trainer
Aerobics
Fishing

Guest Parking

Shared kitchen
Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Valet parking
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Happy hour

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area
Dinner
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Babysitting/Child services
Baby pushchair
Board games
Children's menu
Children's play area

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Beach access
Sun loungers
Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre
Sauna
Pedicure
Manicure
Waxing
Body scrub
Facial
Treatment room
Body wraps
Massage

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Soundproofed rooms
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Shared kitchen
Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Dining Onsite

At Hemingways Watamu, a delightful dining experience awaits with a focus on fresh seafood and tantalizing grill options. With stunning views of the Indian Ocean and a welcoming ambiance, guests can savor the essence of coastal cuisine in a setting that invites both relaxation and indulgence.

Restaurant #1
Seafood, Grill/BBQ
Ambiance
Family friendly, Modern, Romantic
Key Offerings
Signature dishes feature the catch of the day and expertly grilled meats, all enjoyed with breathtaking views of Watamu Beach. The restaurant creates the perfect backdrop for intimate dinners or family gatherings.
Reservation
Reservations recommended.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; hours may vary.

Location

Watamu Marine National Park, B8, Watamu

Explore Watamu

Local Highlights Near Hemingways Watamu

Michael Savana Safari

5 minutes' walk

Safari tours showcasing local wildlife and landscapes, perfect for family outings and nature enthusiasts.

Watamu Marine National Park

20 minutes' walk

A marine sanctuary renowned for its coral reefs and diverse marine life, ideal for snorkeling and ecological education.

Prawn Lake

12 minutes' walk

A beautiful lake frequented by diverse bird species, offering a peaceful setting for photography and nature walks.

Bio-Ken Snake Farm

10 minutes' drive

An educational center focusing on snake conservation; offers guided tours that are engaging for all ages.

Kitesurfing at Tribe Kitesurfing

30 minutes' walk

Thrilling kitesurfing lessons available for all skill levels; equipment rentals make it easy to join the fun.

Relaxation at Sakina Ocean Spa

10 minutes' walk

Pampering treatments that rejuvenate the body and mind; a perfect retreat for relaxation after an active day.

The Ocean Sports Restaurant

9 minutes' walk

Fresh seafood and local cuisines in a casual atmosphere. Signature dishes include grilled catch of the day.

Happy Days Bar & Restaurant

15 minutes' walk

Casual dining with a lively atmosphere, serving a variety of international dishes and cocktails.

Watamu Beach Bars

20 minutes' walk

Vibrant beach bars offering live music and sunset views, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

Comeback

5 minutes' drive

A local hotspot with live music events and dance nights, catering to both tourists and locals.

Getting around beach destinations

City Centre
Watamu 5 min · 1.9 mi
Airports
Malindi (MYD) 31 min · 12.8 mi
Vipingo Estate (vpg) 118 min · 48.7 mi

Want Access to Special Advance Rates?

Grab limited-time exclusive prices now!

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 13:00-18:30

Check-out

from 04:00-10:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

The hotel Hemingways Watamu serves a full breakfast for free.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Year renovated:

2009

Number of rooms:

Guest Ratings & Coastal Resort Reviews

See What Past Guests Had to Say About Their Stay

Review score

Based on 307 verified reviews

9.0 /10

Perfect

88 %

Recommend

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Comfort

9.2/10

Facilities

9.2/10

Free WiFi

9.4/10

Location

9.2/10

Staff

9.3/10

Value for money

8.0/10

Pros

Excellent staff

Spacious rooms

Clean grounds

Good breakfast

Cons

Unresponsive management

Salty pools

No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.

Open reviews

Show more reviews

Questions of the users

About Hemingways Watamu

Are there hot tubs available in the rooms?

06 January 2025

The Deluxe Rooms do not feature hot bathtubs; instead, they are equipped with rain showers for a refreshing experience.

Is there transportation provided to and from Malindi Airport?

15 March 2025

Yes, private transfers from Malindi Airport are available at Ksh 3,000 for one way (max 4 passengers) and Ksh 6,000 for a return trip.

Can I schedule a vacation for February 2025? I've had trouble booking online.

10 November 2024

Bookings for February 2025 are open. Visit the website again for availability.

Is Halal food offered at the hotel?

28 February 2024

Hemingways Watamu offers Halal food options to cater to dietary preferences.

Are there kitchen facilities available for guests to prepare their own meals?

12 March 2025

All apartments come with a fully equipped modern kitchen, allowing guests to buy and prepare their own meals.

Can visitors come for a day to enjoy lunch and use the pool or beach?

22 April 2025

It is possible for non-staying guests to enjoy lunch and access the pool and beach facilities.

I cannot find a double room available for two adults. Can you assist?

15 February 2024

Please provide the intended dates for the stay, and assistance will be given to find a suitable room.

Is half board offered at this property?

21 December 2024

Yes, half board rates are available for guests.

When is the best month for fishing around Watamu?

07 June 2024

Fishing is generally best from August through December; for the most current rates and tips, it's recommended to reach out for further inquiries.

What time of year is ideal for a beach getaway here?

05 July 2025

The best time to visit for a luxurious beach holiday is typically between January and mid-March, when the weather is most favorable.

Are breakfasts available for guests who are not staying overnight?

19 August 2024

Yes, non-guests are welcome to enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Full English breakfast is priced at Ksh 2,500 per person, while a continental breakfast is Ksh 1,500.

Is it possible to add an extra bed for a child in the room?

02 May 2024

A rollaway bed can be arranged for children at an additional charge.