Spotlight on Hemingway’s Watamu Hotel

A beachside retreat in one of East Africa’s finest big-game fishing destinations, Hemingway’s Watamu overlooks the stunning beach of Watamu Marine Park. With a fabulous day spa, a wide array of international cuisines, numerous water sports and activities, plus a traditional Arabic dhow, this is the perfect way to encounter Kenya.

The low thatched buildings at Hemingway’s Watamu blend well into the coastal environment. The rooms and suites are contemporary in design with distinct local touches in the woodwork and artifacts. Palm-filled gardens and spacious public rooms provide a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.

Be sure to go fishing on a big game vessel. Then bring your catch back to Hemingway’s Watamu and the chef will cook it any way you wish. Enjoy snorkeling in the marine park or take to the waters for dolphin, whale or turtle watching. In the evening, take a sunset cruise on a dhow and return for a sumptuous seafood diner in the restaurant.

Hemingway’s has rooms in two wings: the original sea view wing, which has double rooms, and a newer “superior” wing, which includes triples and suites. The bedrooms of the older wing are fairly small in size; however, they are quieter, close to the ocean, and have superb sea views. Those in the new wing are larger and more luxurious and have views of the sea beyond the gardens and swimming pools. All were fully refurbished recently, and the rooms are all very comfortable.

The beach at Hemingway’s is long and sandy. The sea is actually part of the marine park, so there is good snorkeling nearby. Hemingway’s does get a great deal of seaweed from June to August. It is still present in September but in a lesser amount. It tends to be totally gone by October.