Hemingways Watamu : Kenya’s coastline, which is linked with safari in Kenya and the Big Five, is frequently overlooked in favor of the country’s world-class wildlife reserves. But this is one part of the world you don’t want to miss out on, with miles of white sand and an ocean overflowing with humpback whales, wild spinner dolphins, and vividly colored fish.
But it’s the people who work here who truly make this five-star resort feel like a home away from home—it’s not just the scenery that adds to the magic. The devoted workers at Hemingways elevate this hotel from great to quite exceptional. They are constantly ready to converse.
The town of Watamu, where Hemingways is located, is a truly extraordinary natural retreat. It is the beginning point for one of Kenya’s first protected marine parks and is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its abundance of coral gardens and amazing marine wildlife.
Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is an hour and fifteen minutes by plane from the hotel, which is located in Malindi, 30 minutes away. If not, it takes about two hours to get there from Mombasa over a stunning coastline path where the sea regularly changes color from cobalt blue to azure to bright turquoise. British Airways operates daily direct flights from London to Nairobi, with return tickets starting from £600.
What style?
The hotel’s modern color palette features bright whites, mild blues, and sage greens, emphasizing the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The vast open restaurant area is the facility’s focal point, providing breathtaking views of the ocean from practically every angle. Wicker tables and chairs are covered with floral-printed cushions, fresh flowers, and artwork inspired by shells and coral, paying respect to the ocean.
On the other hand, the bar’s laid-back attitude gives off a little more rustic vibe due to its wooden elements and emphasis on deep-sea fishing, as seen by the life-size cast models of hammerheads and marlin that proudly line the walls. It reminds me of places I’ve visited in Key West and Havana, where the hotel’s namesake, Ernest Hemingway, frequented. I can easily imagine the intoxicated writer drinking a strong cocktail and observing the scene as dusk falls.
A huge on-site tennis court and well-equipped gym are ideal for a holiday run or workout, while a few pristine swimming pools and a calm spa cater to those who simply want to fly and flop.
Hemingway’s rooms
Hemingways Watamu has 76 rooms, ranging from premium singles to two-bedroom suites, each with an ocean view. The Residence flats are the ideal choice for a memorable trip. The eighth property is one of the most stunning, with a spacious open-plan dining-living-kitchen area that is larger than most London apartments, a separate double bedroom with its own en suite bathroom and enormous bathtub, a private wrap-around patio with daybed and loungers, and much more.
Hemingways provides luxury Kenya safari accommodations for tourists who remain for several months at a period, featuring two huge, comfy sofas, a work desk, a circular wood dining table, and a fully equipped kitchen. A large walk-in wardrobe is also included. The design, like the rest of the hotel, is beautifully simple, with no hint of pomp or circumstance. The true lure, however, are the views.
Hemingway’s Food and Drink
Buffet dining can sometimes result in bland or low-quality cuisine, but this is not the case at Hemingways. Pancakes, tangy passion fruits, fresh fruit juices, and locally grown melons are just a few of the many great breakfast options. But there’s everything you could desire, served with a view of the Indian Ocean, including waffles, pastries, eggs, crispy bacon, and plenty of great Kenyan tea and coffee.
Every evening, there is a buffet and a la carte options, with seafood being the most popular. Fresh shrimp with garlic and chili, native grilled rock lobster coated in butter, and any of the house specialties, such as fish creole, Swahili coconut chicken, and black pepper kingfish, are all fantastic.
The Watamu beach region has a substantial Italian community dating back to the 1960s, thus finding delicious gelato and spaghetti in the city is not uncommon. Papa Remo, who is close, delivers outstanding service while delivering authentic Italian meals.
Visit the Coral Gardens.
Even while it would be easy to unwind for a week at Hemingways, it would be a mistake to miss a visit to the coral gardens, which are home to very graceful marine species such as snappers, lionfish, parrotfish, and sweetlips. The hotel can arrange boat cruises that depart directly from the beach in front of the hotel. This allows guests to spend a few hours snorkeling, watching wild dolphins, or even getting up close and personal with humpback whales, who are visible for about four months of the year, beginning with June.
A community-run program called Eco World Watamu, located just a short drive from the hotel, collects plastic rubbish for sorting and recycling. The organization promotes recycling and beach cleanups in partnership with local women’s and youth organizations. You can book a tour of the center through the hotel, which provides an amazing overview and the opportunity to purchase a recycled keepsake.
Are you still hankering for the big five? Elephants are occasionally observed at the watering holes in Arabuko Sokoke Swamp just before dusk. After that, grab a bottle of wine and embark on a lovely single-sailed dhow for a sunset cruise around Mida Creek. It’s the ideal way to end a day spent in paradise.
This setting is ideal for everyone, including daydreamers, nature lovers, couples, friends, and families. With direct beachfront access, various activities, friendly staff, and wonderful home-cooked seafood, Hemingways Watamu is the ultimate tropical vacation destination or the greatest location to relax after a Kenya safari.
