Hemingways Watamu

Hemingways Watamu is an iconic boutique beach hotel and a Kenyan institution. This long-standing favourite was given an extensive makeover in 2018.

The property is located in the heart of the pristine Watamu Marine National Park. Watamu means ‘home of the sweet people’ in Swahili and this charmingly picturesque village is 20km south of Vasco de Gama’s first landing point in East Africa.

There is as much or as little to do at Hemingways Watamu as you like. Watersports abound, with kite surfing, paddle boarding and fishing all easily arranged. The coral reefs in Watamu are some of the healthiest on the Indian Ocean coastline, so snorkelling and diving come highly recommended.

At the hotel there are two swimming pools, as well as the ocean on hand, and the spa is a lovely destination in itself, to get all those safari-acquired aches and pains sorted out!

Cultural trips can be made close to the hotel (there are ruins of a 13th century Arab town close by for example), or further afield into Mombasa. There are many markets on hand to be explored, as well as coastal forests and snake parks.

If all this sounds like far too much effort, simply enjoy the sea breeze from your balcony with a cocktail in hand. The Hemingways Residences here are particularly suitable for families and offer flexible dining arrangements, as well as large kitchens and huge living areas. You can make use of all the hotel’s facilities, or be entirely self-sufficient.