Hemingways Resort General Impressions

If you are looking for a bit more luxury during your stay in Watamu, Hemingway is a great choice. The hotel overlooks the stunning beach of Watamu Marine Park. The ambience of the hotel is of relaxed sophistication, with the friendliness of a privately owned hotel coupled to the facilities and standards of an international resort. This Indian Ocean luxury 5-star boutique beach hotel in Kenya is an iconic tropical paradise on the Kenyan coast. There is so much to do here – learn to kitesurf; 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 the cocktail menu.

The Accommodations At Hemingways Resort

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. 

Ocean view rooms
Spacious and with easy access to the beach and the botanical pool, the 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 the North Wing, the Deluxe Ocean View Rooms offer a whole new flavour 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.

The ultra-lux residence 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.

1 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.

2 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.

2 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.

4 Bedroom Ocean View Penthouse Apartment
Penthouse style duplex apartments featuring living and dining areas and exquisitely 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

Dining al fresco at the beach with a gentle breeze is one of life’s great pleasures. Whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner, the signature menus focus on fresh produce cooked simply and served expertly. There is something to everyone’s taste at Hemingways Watamu. 

Served in the 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, speciality 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. In the evenings, a full white linen service a la carte restaurant is available for dinner, providing a wealth of flavourful options freshly caught from the ocean at your doorstep. If seafood is not to your taste, there is always a variety of land-based favourites ranging from aged beef steaks to traditional favourites such as Tandoori Chicken. A selection of pastas and vegetarian dishes are also available.

The iconic Hemingways Bar is located right on the seafront and offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and Watamu Beach. With an extensive wine and spirit list and a variety of fresh, tropical cocktails there is simply no better place to enjoy the traditional Kenyan sundowner. The Gede Café food menu is available in the Bar.

Spa

Choose from our selection of African inspired skincare and massage treatments to reinvigorate and recharge after a long day in the sun. 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. The small, experienced team of therapists are on hand to rehydrate, restore and re-energize.

At the gym, 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 cardiovascular workout machines and a good selection of free and standing weights. There is also a floodlights tennis court for guests.