Hemingways Watamu Hotel Exterior photoHemingways Watamu Hotel Room photoHemingways Watamu Hotel Exterior photo

Hemingways Watamu, Watamu

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From$1,493 /night
Check-in
06Aug
Check-out
07Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Watamu Marine National Park, B8, Watamu
-
Steps from Turtle Bay Beach
Great
8.7
/10
4.7
4.5
/5

5-star luxury beachfront hotel in Watamu

Location

Hemingways Watamu is situated along the pristine shores of the Watamu Marine National Park, providing direct access to an uninterrupted white sand beach and clear turquoise waters. This coastal oasis is located approximately 120 km north of Mombasa and 20 km south of Malindi, making it easily accessible for travelers. Guests can explore vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling and diving, renowned for attracting diverse marine life including sea turtles and whale sharks.

Rooms

The hotel offers various room types, all designed with ocean views. Ocean view rooms range from 40m² to 150m², featuring en-suite bathrooms, private balconies, and high-quality furnishings. The expansive 4 Bedroom Ocean View penthouse-style duplex apartments include exclusive terraces and multiple lounging areas for groups or families.

Dining

Dining at Hemingways Watamu includes a selection of choices that cater to diverse tastes. The Gede Café serves casual meals with options like homemade pastas and grilled seafood, while the Hemingways Bar offers a tropical cocktail experience with stunning ocean views. For a more memorable dining experience, guests can enjoy fresh seafood prepared by chefs utilizing local ingredients in a picturesque candlelit atmosphere.

Wellness

The Spa at Hemingways Watamu offers a variety of treatments inspired by traditional African ingredients, promoting rejuvenation and relaxation. Located by the botanical pool, it provides a serene escape for guests looking to unwind after a day of activities. Wellness services include customized therapies designed to restore balance and enhance overall wellbeing.

Activities

The hotel offers an array of activities including deep-sea fishing, kite surfing, and sunset dhow cruises on Mida Creek. Those interested in nature can engage in whale watching during the migration season or explore the rich biodiversity of nearby Arabuko Sokoke Forest. Families can also enjoy guided excursions to discover local culture and wildlife.

Highlights

Location: Watamu Marine National Park

Rooms: Ocean view apartments up to 305m²

Dining: Gede Café & Hemingways Bar

Wellness: Spa with African-inspired treatments

Activities: Deep-sea fishing & whale watching

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the Watamu Marine National Park for incredible snorkeling.
  • Savor fresh seafood at Come Back Restaurant on the beach.
  • Explore the Gede Ruins for a glimpse of ancient Swahili culture.
  • Don't miss the vibrant Watamu market for local crafts and spices.
  • Take a sunset dhow cruise for a magical evening on the water.

Select your room type

Hemingways Watamu offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • Deluxe Ocean View Double Room
    2 persons
    40 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Ocean view
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
  • Twin Room Sea View
    2 persons
    40 sq. feet
    2 Single beds
    Sea view
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
  • Ocean View Double Room
    2 persons
    40 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Ocean view
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
August 2026 - August 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Hemingways Watamu offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
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
Show more

Dining Onsite

At Hemingways Watamu, dining becomes a cherished experience with stunning views and exquisite flavors. Delight in an array of seafood and grilled delicacies that reflect the vibrant local culture, all within a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers.
  • Restaurant #1

    Seafood and Grill/BBQ
    Ambiance
    Family-friendly, modern, and romantic setting with stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the picturesque Watamu Beach
    Key Offerings
    Signature seafood dishes and expertly grilled options, perfect for any meal of the day, accented by the serene whispers of the ocean and the charm of local migratory birds nearby.
    Reservation
    Reservations are recommended.
    Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; hours may vary.

Hemingways Watamu Location

Watamu Marine National Park, B8, Watamu
Explore Watamu
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Michael Savana Safari
Michael Savana Safari
5 minutes' walk
Safari experience featuring local wildlife and guided tours. Ideal for families seeking adventure.
Prawn Lake
Prawn Lake
12 minutes' walk
Popular site for birdwatching and relaxing strolls. Scenic views make it a perfect picnic spot.
Watamu Marine National Park
20 minutes' walk
Stunning marine park known for snorkeling and diving. Home to diverse marine life and coral reefs.
Tribe Kitesurfing
30 minutes' drive
Kitesurfing lessons for thrill-seekers with equipment rentals available. Classes suitable for all skill levels.
Sakina Ocean Spa
10 minutes' walk
Relaxing spa offering various treatments including massages and facials. Perfect for unwinding after activities.
The Ocean Sports Restaurant
9 minutes' walk
Casual dining with a vibrant atmosphere. Known for fresh seafood and local specialties.
Happy Days Bar & Restaurant
15 minutes' walk
Family-friendly spot offering a mix of international and local dishes. Great for unwinding with live music evenings.
Watamu Beach
20 minutes' walk
Stunning beach with soft sands, perfect for sunset walks. Offers a lively atmosphere for families and couples.
Comeback
5 minutes' drive
Vibrant bar with live music and a friendly vibe. Ideal for a fun night out with friends or a casual date.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Watamu 5 min  ·  1.9 mi
  • Airports
    Malindi (MYD) 31 min  ·  12.8 mi
    Vipingo Estate (vpg) 118 min  ·  48.7 mi
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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:
55

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Hemingways Watamu from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 303 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
Guest reviews
based on 303 reviews
9.0/10
based on 220 reviews
8.7/10
rod from united states
Family with children
deluxe double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 26, 2026
7/10

decent stay

lebanese restaurant quiet pool blanket waiver guest right unanswered call
i enjoyed the restaurant service. their lebanese restaurant was especially good. the quiet pool provided the best space for relaxation. the spa service was also excellent.
the hotel now requires guests to sign a blanket waiver of all of their rights. i found that some rights cannot be signed away by a hotel guest. calls to the reception often went unanswered.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About Hemingways Watamu
Are hot bathtubs available in the guest rooms?
12 November 2024
The Deluxe Rooms feature rain showers instead of hot bathtubs.
Is there a shuttle service from Malindi Airport?
15 January 2025
Private transfers from Malindi Airport are available for Kes 3,000 one way for up to 4 passengers, and return transfers are offered for Kes 6,000.
Can I make a reservation for February 2025?
23 September 2024
Reservations for February 2025 are currently being accepted. Please try booking again on the website.
Is Halal food available for guests?
5 October 2024
Halal food is served, ensuring dietary preferences are respected.
Do the accommodations allow for self-catering?
17 May 2025
Every apartment is equipped with a fully modern kitchen, allowing guests to purchase and prepare their own meals.
Can I visit just for a day to enjoy lunch and access the beach and pool?
3 December 2024
Day visits for enjoying lunch and access to the beach and pool are permitted.
Is half-board service offered to guests?
22 February 2025
Half-board rates are available for those choosing this accommodation option.
What is the ideal time for fishing in the region?
10 August 2024
Fishing activities are best during the windy months of July and August. For fishing rates, inquiries can be made at the Hemingways collection or reservations.
What meals are offered to guests who are not staying at the hotel?
30 November 2024
Non-guests can enjoy a full English breakfast for Kes 2,500 and a continental breakfast for Kes 1,500.
Is it possible to add an extra bed for a child in the room?
14 January 2025
A rollaway bed can be added for a child at an additional cost.

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