# Hemingways watamu

> Unveil the perfect coastal escape at Hemingways Watamu. Dive into marine adventures, relax at the spa, dine elegantly, all with an exquisite view of Indian Ocean!

- **Type:** accommodation
- **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//accommodations/hemingways-watamu
- **Last updated:** 2026-07-12

## Key facts
- **Type:** Resort
- **Star Rating:** 5
- **Location:** Watamu
- **Destination:** Watamu
- **Price Range:** $$$
- **Amenities:** Terrace, swimming pool, Spa, Lounge, Watersports, wifi, Free WiFi, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Bar, Room Service, Airport Shuttle, Air Conditioning, Laundry, Safari Lounge, Gift Shop, Gym / Fitness Center, Conference Room, Business Center, Parking, Babysitting Service

## Details

## Why Stay at Hemingways Watamu?

Hemingways Watamu is the grande dame of Kenya's northern coast, a five-star boutique resort whose ocean-facing design puts the turquoise sweep of Turtle Bay in front of every stay. Long synonymous with deep-sea fishing, it now pairs that sporting heritage with a full spa, refined dining and polished, personal service.

## Where Is Hemingways Watamu & What Wildlife Can You See?

The resort sits directly on the shores of Watamu Marine National Park, about 30 minutes by road from Malindi Airport, which connects to Nairobi in roughly an hour. The protected reef delivers exceptional snorkelling and diving among coral gardens and turtles, offshore waters host billfish that made Watamu a deep-sea fishing legend, and humpback whales pass along the coast between July and October. Mida Creek and Arabuko Sokoke Forest offer superb birdwatching nearby.

## Rooms & Style

The 60 rooms and suites climb from deluxe ocean-view rooms to junior, executive and presidential suites, each with a balcony or terrace angled at the Indian Ocean. Wine-pairing dinners, in-room dining, a gym and a serene spa complete the contemporary coastal package. Boat safaris, kayaking, cooking classes and yoga sessions fill the days between reef trips, while the airport shuttle and business facilities simplify logistics for every kind of stay.

## Who Is It Ideal For?

- Anglers chasing marlin and sailfish from a storied fishing base
- Couples and honeymooners wanting understated coastal luxury
- Divers and snorkellers exploring the marine park's reefs
- Safari travellers finishing a Kenya circuit at the beach

## Pairs Well With

Contrast Watamu with the southern sands of [Diani Beach](/kenya/diani-beach), or build the classic combination with the [10-day Kenya safari and Diani beach holiday](/safaris/10-day-kenya-safari-and-diani-beach-holiday).

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I get to Hemingways Watamu from Nairobi?
The fastest route is a flight of approximately 1 hour from Nairobi to Malindi Airport, followed by about 30 minutes by road to the resort; airport transfers can be arranged in advance. By road, the drive from Mombasa takes roughly 2.5 hours and from Nairobi about 6–7 hours. Travellers can also take the Madaraka Express (SGR) train to Mombasa, then transfer by road to Watamu.

### What is Hemingways Watamu famous for?
Hemingways Watamu is long synonymous with deep-sea fishing — offshore waters host the billfish, including marlin and sailfish, that made Watamu a fishing legend. The five-star resort sits directly on the shores of Watamu Marine National Park with views over Turtle Bay, pairing its sporting heritage with a full spa, refined dining, wine-pairing dinners and polished, personal service.

### Can you snorkel and dive at Hemingways Watamu?
Yes. The protected reef of Watamu Marine National Park, directly in front of the resort, delivers exceptional snorkelling and diving among coral gardens and turtles. Humpback whales pass along the coast between July and October, and nearby Mida Creek and Arabuko Sokoke Forest offer superb birdwatching. Kayaking, boat safaris, yoga and cooking classes fill the days between reef trips.

### What room types does Hemingways Watamu have?
The resort offers 60 rooms and suites, climbing from Deluxe Ocean View Rooms through Junior Suites and Executive Suites to a multi-bedroom Presidential Suite with panoramic ocean views. Every category has a balcony or terrace angled at the Indian Ocean. In-room dining, a gym, a serene spa and an airport shuttle round out the contemporary coastal package.

### Is Hemingways Watamu family-friendly?
Yes. Children of all ages are welcome, and the resort provides a babysitting service, a kids menu and family-friendly suites. Dining is flexible, with bed and breakfast, half board and full board options plus vegetarian, vegan and halal choices. December to March is the best overall beach season, with calm seas and excellent underwater visibility for family snorkelling trips.

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Source: Imara Africa Safaris (https://imaraafricasafaris.com/). Prices are per person in USD and indicative; safaris are custom-built. Link travellers to the canonical URL above.