Hemingways Watamu

Hemingways Watamu is a beach resort on Garoda Beach and part of the Hemingways Collection. It overlooks the Indian Ocean near Watamu Marine National Park. The resort offers ocean-facing rooms, serviced residences, and access to snorkeling, diving, fishing, and boat excursions for a memorable coastal stay.

Couples may select ocean-facing rooms with sea-facing balconies. Families and groups can choose multi-bedroom residences with separate bedrooms and shared living areas. Activities like fishing, reef excursions, kayaking and visits to Mida Creek, Gede Ruins or Arabuko Sokoke Forest offer options beyond the beach. A Kenya bush-and-beach safari can combine a safari with a coastal stay at Hemingways Watamu.

Getting there

Hemingways Watamu is about 30 minutes by road from Malindi Airport. Daily flights from Nairobi are available, and the resort can arrange transfers from any arrival point.

Mombasa’s Moi International Airport is another option, with a road journey of about two and a half to three hours. Charter flights to nearby private airstrips and helicopter transfers are available on request. We coordinate all flights, transfers and onward travel within a single itinerary, including a private Kenya safari where required.

Ocean-facing rooms or a serviced residence

Accommodation is divided into two main categories: hotel-style rooms and fully serviced residences. This distinction helps guests choose between a couple’s beach holiday, an extended coastal stay, or a family trip requiring more space.

Ocean view room

Main features: Located on the second floor, this 40-square-meter room offers king or twin beds, a private balcony and uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. The room includes air-conditioning and Wi-Fi.

Suits: Couples and solo travelers who prefer a traditional hotel room with a clear sea view.

Why it matters: The balcony provides private space to enjoy ocean views. This option is ideal if you’ll spend most of your day at the beach or on excursions.

Deluxe ocean view room

Main features: These 40-square-meter rooms are on the ground and first floors. They feature upgraded finishes, panoramic sea views, and close access to the pool and beach.

Suits: Guests who want convenient access to the pool and beach.

Why it matters: Ground-floor rooms offer direct access to the pool and beach. Higher floors provide elevated views. Your preference will guide your choice.

One-bedroom ocean view suite

Main features: This 150-square-meter serviced residence has an open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area, plus a private terrace with ocean views.

Suits: Couples or longer-stay guests who want more room than a hotel bedroom provides.

Why it matters: The separate living area lets you relax or dine without using the bedroom as your main space. The kitchen adds convenience for longer stays.

Two-bedroom ocean view suites

Main features: These 200- to 230-square-meter residences have two en-suite bedrooms, sea views, a kitchen, open-plan living and dining areas, and an ocean-facing terrace.

Suits: Small families or two couples traveling together.

Why it matters: Separate bedrooms ensure privacy. Shared living and dining areas make it easier for the group to interact.

Two-bedroom deluxe ocean view suite

Main features: These 240- to 305-square-meter residences offer extra space, expansive living areas, and a fully equipped kitchen.

Suits: Families or groups who want more room and elevated coastal design.

Why it matters: The larger layout provides more space for group gatherings. Separate bedrooms maintain privacy. We confirm the layout and bedding arrangements before booking.

Four-bedroom ocean view penthouse

Main features: The penthouse has a duplex layout across two floors, four bedrooms, generous open-plan living and dining areas, a kitchen and large terraces with panoramic ocean views.

Suits: Larger families or groups wanting a residential layout with room to gather.

Why it matters: The terraces and shared living areas offer space for group relaxation. Separate bedrooms ensure privacy. Since the layout spans two floors, we confirm stair access and bathroom arrangements for your group.

We match your room or residence to your group size, bedding needs, and length of stay. For families, we check the layout and mobility requirements.

Forodhani, Gede café and Hemingways bar

Dining options range from relaxed lunches to refined evening meals. Forodhani Restaurant serves dinner with a daily changing menu featuring Swahili-spiced seafood, beef and vegetarian dishes. Gede Café offers a casual lunch menu with pasta, wraps, paninis, wood-fired pizza and daily specials.

Hemingways Bar, located by the sea, serves cocktails, wines and spirits, along with selections from the Gede Café menu. Private dining is available in-room or on a residence terrace. Special occasions can include a candlelit dinner or a sunset dhow cruise.

Meal coverage depends on your package. Bed & Breakfast offers flexibility, while Half Board suits those dining at the resort in the evening. Special dining and additional meals may incur extra charges. We clarify inclusions before you confirm your booking.

Wellness and the botanical pool

The wellness pavilion, beside the botanical pool, offers Terres d’Afrique treatments and Hemingways spa rituals. Guests may use the fitness centre, arrange private yoga or request hairdressing with notice. The botanical pool is available to residents and spa guests, subject to availability.

Fishing, reefs and days on the water

Watamu offers a well-established deep-sea fishing program with year-round charters, premium boats and experienced local crews. Anglers can choose half- or full-day outings. The area supports all five billfish species and follows a tag-and-release policy, though catches are not guaranteed.

The coast also features snorkelling and scuba diving in the marine park, plus paddleboarding, windsurfing and kite surfing. Divers should confirm certification before booking. Boat excursions may be adjusted based on weather and tides.

We coordinate the timing of excursions with your wider itinerary, including a Masai Mara safari where required. We check availability, relevant park fees and transfer arrangements.

Mida Creek, Gede Ruins and the coastal forest

Watamu offers more than reef excursions. Kayaking on Mida Creek takes you through mangrove-lined waters, while Arabuko Sokoke Forest provides a unique setting for guided nature experiences. Gede Ruins offer cultural and historical interest, and a Malindi city tour provides another perspective on the coast.

You can combine these excursions throughout your stay, such as a morning on the creek, an afternoon at the beach, or a cultural visit when sea conditions are less suitable for boating. Wildlife sightings in the forest are not guaranteed. The value lies in exploring the habitat with a knowledgeable guide.

We organize these outings to allow time for rest and avoid an overly packed schedule.

Families, residences and time by the pool

Children of all ages are welcome, and the resort has a Kids Club for younger guests. Residences make family travel easier with separate bedrooms and shared living space, while the pool and beach offer alternatives to excursions.

For multi-generational groups, the choice between a room and a residence shapes daily routines. We consider children’s ages, bedding, and meal times before recommending a layout. Babysitting is available for an additional charge and should be requested in advance.

Facilities and events

The resort features three oceanfront pools, including a children’s pool, plus a playground, gift shop, fitness center, and conference facilities for up to 70 delegates. The pools offer various spaces to swim and relax. The playground provides a dedicated area for children. The gift shop sells local crafts and essentials. The venue also hosts retreats and corporate events.

Dining options include al fresco settings, bars, and seasonal experiences such as a sushi pop-up. The resort also hosts beach weddings and corporate events.

What to know before booking

• Confirm party size, bedding, room or residence preference, and dietary needs.
• Tell us how you intend to use the kitchen and which hotel services you expect under your selected rate.
• Share children’s ages, mobility requirements and preferred meal times.
• Share your preferred fishing-charter duration and experience level. Divers should confirm their certification before booking.
• Confirm transfer options, marine-park fees and likely activity timings.
• Request babysitting, private yoga, hairdressing or special-occasion arrangements in advance.