PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Glorious beaches and wonderful wildlife. Fascinating culture and thrilling water sports. And a sleek boutique hotel perfectly placed for making the most of every moment. For lovers of luxury, Hemingways Watamu – sister hotel to the Hemingways Nairobi – is opening up the treasures of the Kenyan coast. If you want to pair an African safari with a stay at the beach, Zanzibar has a new rival.
- Spacious rooms and private residences are set among botanical gardens, with every window framing endless Indian Ocean views.
- If relaxation is on the cards, stroll down to the white sand beach, dip in and out of two pools, or make for the luxury spa.
- When it comes to dining, savour fresh, local seafood at Hemingways Restaurant and Mediterranean favourites at Gede Café.
- When you’re ready to explore, Hemingways Watamu offers plenty of memorable experiences. Sail on a traditional Dhow, or grab a snorkel to discover the Marine Park’s under-the-sea wonders. Take a guided shopping trip into Malindi Town. Or get closer to the region’s wildlife – from seasonal whale watching to a chance for a forest elephant sighting. What better way to earn an ice-cold sundowner back at Hemingways Bar?
EXCLUSIVE LUXE VOYAGER VIP BENEFITS & BEST PRICE
We negotiate rates & benefits for our clients directly with the hotels’ senior management. Our rates match or in many cases are lower than the best online rate for the property. Our clients also enjoy a suite of extra VIP privileges and recognition while staying at a partner hotel.
- Complimentary room upgrade on arrival.
- Daily complimentary buffet breakfast for two.
- Up to $100 dining or spa credit per stay, and or in-house dining / spa discounts.
- Welcome amenities (wine/chocolates/fruit) and card from the GM.
- Complimentary private airport transfers.
- Complimentary roll-away bed if required.
- Early check-in and late check-out.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Enhanced recognition through VIP status at all touch points in the guest experience.
A complete or partial suite of VIP benefits will be offered, subject to the property T&C, including availability, category of room & length of stay.
ACTIVITIES:
If you are up for the challenge, sign up for one of the courses at Tribe Watersports, one of the best kite surf school in Kenya, which is a stroll away down the beach. It welcomes beginners and experienced kite-boarders. The warm, forgiving waters and the sand-cushioned sea bed are kind to beginners while the reef with its swells, kickers and sliders is a wild water-park for confident kite-boarders.
A fantastic sport to enjoy in Watamu as the area provides the right conditions with constant wind and flat water. It is a great way for the family to enjoy a beach holiday and discover and new way to be active on the water.
Stand Up Paddle (SUP) is one of the most up and coming sports for everyone, which is fun and great for communing with wildlife on their level. Whether its watching sea turtles take a breath or the sharks and rays swimming in Turtle Bay, or to entice the curious Watamu dolphins who may join you, this is the best, most natural way above the water to view the marine life in our Park and Reserve.
The five-star golf resort of Vipingo Ridge is a popular day trip for Hemingways’ Watamu guests. 40 minutes’ drive from Watamu, a meandering system of water features runs through the course, keeping the greens bright and spongy. The course is also an oasis for myriad birds and butterflies. The fairways have been expertly modeled so that every hole poses a unique strategic challenge to golfers. Once you’ve mastered the effects of the fickle monsoon breezes to complete this 72-par course, head to the terrace bar of the Swahili style clubhouse to watch the sun set over the western inland horizon of baobabs and sisal plantations.
Diving takes place all year round although in our rainy season can be limited to inside the lagoon. Dives range in depth from only 6 or 7 metres to 30 metres, all taking place on the fringing reefs that grow along the shore of Kenya. The Watamu Marine Park is amazingly rich with over 500 species of fish inside the lagoon and over 1000 if you include the second and third reefs. Lion fish, groupers, barracuda, damsels, moray eels, butterfly fish and parot fish abound. Wonderful Nudibranchs are also fascinating to watch. Whale shark and Manta rays are also seen and provide a very special experience even to the experienced diver. Over 200 brightly coloured coral species also inhabit the waters giving food and shelter to this underwater world.
Exceptional snorkelling conditions in the Park allow all visitors easy access to the spectacular undersea life. Whether a newcomer to the sea, or an experienced diver, you’ll be able to find some exciting things to do. The Marine Park is about 5 kms long from North to South and approximately 1 km from the shore to the fringing reefs. Snorkelling conditions are ideal at low tide, and especially good at spring low tide. There are hundreds of beautiful coral reef fish which leave you awestruck and dazzled by their vibrant colours. If you are lucky, you may see a sea turtle, a guitarfish or large grouper.
The Mida Creek reserve is formed of extensive mangrove forests, warm shallow waters and large areas of mud flats at low tide. This area hosts not only many local birds, such as greater flamingo, yellow-billed stork, great white egret and malachite kingfisher, but is also the winter home of many migrants such as the crab plover, curlew sandpiper, whimbrel and sanderling. The osprey and African fish eagle are often overhead. The Creek is used by the local population for subsistence level fishing. Many small, dugout canoes will pass as you cruise in the creek. A bird-lovers paradise, Mida Creek is also the spot to watch the spectacular African sunsets whilst sipping an icy cold Dawa aboard an old Arabian dhow at the end of an active day.
Get out on the water at sunset in a locally made bamboe canoe with a fisherman guide, your camera and your balance! Very famous is the Crab Shack at Dabaso fish landing site. This is a wooden walkway leading to a number of wooden shelters from where you can relax with amazing views and perfectly observe the birdlife of Mida Creek. You can also enjoy a Swahili fusion lunch and dinner, or simply drinks watching the glorious sunset. Canoes can be chartered either from the Mida Creek Boardwalk or from the Dabaso Landing Site, a small anchorage ground for canoes on the east side of the creek. Mida Creek Conservation Community group offer special trips to Kirepwe Island including a picnic with traditional food of fish, rice and fresh fruit. Alternative experiences include a trip to Dongokundu to be entertained by traditional Giriama dancers.
Hemingways Watamu is renowned for deep sea fishing and has also recently pioneered humpback whale watching excursions during the months of June – September. The migration of the majestic humpbacks along the coast of East Africa is truly something to behold.
As you wander the stone streets of this sea-town, you’ll notice it has a distinctly Italian flavor – you can even find homemade Italian gelato here. Unusual Swahili treasures lurk amidst the dusty wares of haphazard shops. The House of Columns, Malindi’s museum, contains a library and photographs of the colonial history of the town. Vasco de Gama himself stands in stone just across the bay, near the Portuguese chape.
Chat with one of our expert travel designers today to begin planning your perfect vacation
Call: +852 9465 4577
Email: travel@theluxevoyager.com
Welcome to Hemingways Watamu. This Indian Ocean luxury 5 star boutique beach hotel in Kenya is everyone’s favorite and our guests just keep coming back for more. An iconic tropical paradise on the Kenyan coast sitting right in the middle of the pristine Watamu Marine National Park with its idyllic white sand beach and turquoise waters. Watamu – meaning “home of the sweet people” in Swahili – is a small village on the Kenyan coast approximately 120kms north of Mombasa – Kenya’s second largest city. It is also 20kms south of Malindi – Vasco de Gama’s first landing point on the coast of East Africa. Watamu’s shoreline features pristine white sand beaches and offshore coral formations arranged in different bays and sheltered by a reef.
The exceptional personal service and sincere charm of this established hotel has come to represent Kenyan coastal luxury to so many travellers for close to 30 years. And it’s just got even better with a mega makeover. There is so much to do here – learn to kite-surf; get your PADI certificate, take a sunset dhow cruise on Mida Creek, play a round of golf on the nearby world class golf course, Vipingo Ridge; or go on safari for a few days in Tsavo or the Maasai Mara. If that all sounds a little too energetic, relax around the pool with a good book as you work your way through our cocktail menu.
Bright, airy rooms measuring 40m² with en-suite bathrooms and private balconies all offering exceptional views of the Indian Ocean – a view you wish you woke up to every morning. There are 13 newly renovated Deluxe Ocean View Rooms on the second floor of our North Wing and 26 Ocean View Rooms on the ground and first floor. ultra lux apartments are located in the South Wing of the hotel and offer 1, 2 and 4 bedroom configurations. The Residences have been designed and finished to the highest degree of modern coastal luxury and feature majestic open terraces with magical views of the beach and Marine Park, comfortable lounge and dining areas flooded with natural light, en-suite bathrooms and fully equipped contemporary kitchens. Guests of the Residences enjoy full access to all hotel facilities with the added benefit of being completely self sufficient if that’s what you’re looking for.
Ocean view rooms
Spacious and with easy access to the beach and the botanical pool, our ocean view rooms are found in the North Wing of the hotel on the ground and first floor. En-suite bathrooms and a beautiful balcony overlooking the Marine Park provide guests with the utmost comfort and luxury. The quiet grassy area in front of the rooms is a relaxing place to read and soak up the coastal sunshine.
Deluxe ocean view rooms
Located on the top floor of our North Wing, our Deluxe Ocean View Rooms offer a whole new flavor of laidback luxury. Marble tiled en-suite bathrooms and private balconies with jaw dropping views of nothing but ocean and horizon offer the quintessential R&R experience. Add to that a flat screen TV and the magical Watamu breeze and you may not want to leave your room.
One Bedroom Ocean View Apartment
Approaching 150 m² in size, these beautifully appointed apartments offer a large master bedroom with marble tiled en-suite bathroom adjoining a tastefully furnished living and dining area with a fully equipped modern kitchen. The large open terrace provides fantastic sea views and ample space to kick back and relax. These are perfect for couples seeking a little more space and privacy.
Two Bedroom Ocean View Apartment
Ranging from 200m² to 230m², soaked with natural light and offering a large master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and a second large twin bedroom with adjoining bathroom, these apartments are ideal for families. Both bedrooms have wonderful ocean views and direct access to the terrace. Featuring interior and exterior lounging and dining space and a fully equipped modern kitchen, the 2 bedroom apartments have ample room for socialising or retreating to a quiet spot.
Two Bedroom Deluxe Ocean View Apartment
The Deluxe 2 Bedroom Residences are larger in size and range from 240m² to 305m². Soaked with natural light and offering a large master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and a second large twin bedroom with adjoining bathroom, these apartments offer even more space. Both bedrooms have wonderful ocean views and direct access to the terrace and the common areas feature interior and exterior lounging and dining space and a fully equipped modern kitchen.
Four Bedroom Ocean View Penthouse Apartment
Penthouse style duplex apartments featuring living and dining areas and exquisite furnished terraces on both floors offer the perfect set up for groups of friends or large families. Offering two large master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and two large twin bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms, all bedrooms provide wondrous ocean views and direct access to the beautiful terrace. These apartments offer both interior and exterior lounging and dining space and a fully equipped modern kitchen.
Dining al fresco at the beach with a gentle breeze is one of life’s great pleasures. Whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner, our signature menus focus on fresh produce cooked simply and served expertly.There is something to everyone’s taste at Hemingways Watamu. Served in our main restaurant, breakfast offers a range of options to suit all types from the super hungry, the health conscious or the continental. For a mid morning treat, specialty coffees, cakes and the finest gelato are available at the Gede Coffee Gardens. The Gede menu also includes a varied selection of delicious wraps, sandwiches and sharing platters plus a variety of grilled meats and seafood along with healthy salads, perfect for lunches and more casual evenings.
Hemingways Watamu Brasserie
Dining al fresco at the beach with a gentle breeze is one of life’s great pleasures. Whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner, our signature menus focus on fresh produce cooked simply and served expertly.
Gede Café
Gede Café, whose structure is inspired by the Ruins of Gede, is your go to for a lighter, more casual setting for guests. The menu includes homemade pastas, pizzas and other light bites.
Relax and unwind with massages, body treatments, and facials. You can take advantage of recreational amenities such as an outdoor pool, an outdoor tennis court, and a fitness center. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and babysitting/childcare.
Spa
The Hemingways Watamu spa is a natural extension of the property’s commitment to quality and personalized service. Sitting adjacent to the botanical pool in its own pavilion, the Spa offers guests the ideal hideaway to retreat for a few hours of ‘me time’. The treatment menu combines signature treatments from Terres D’Afrique, an African skincare company that takes inspiration from the traditional uses of African plants, as well as Hemingways’ own treatment recipes using the best locally sourced ingredients.
Fitness
Our energetic instructors are on hand seven days a week to put you through your paces. Fully air conditioned, the gym is equipped with a variety of cardio-vascular workout machines and a good selection of free and standing weights.
Pool
At Hemingways Watamu, relax by an outdoor pool or hit the beach where you can enjoy scuba diving.
Area & Location
Area, Country
Watamu, Kenya
Nearest Airport
Moi International Airport, Malindi
Local Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Time Change
GMT +3
Language
Swahili, English
Best time to go
July through February
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