Hotels in Watamu | Timbuktu Travel

Hemingways Watamu

Watamu

Popular |

39 Rooms

From $250 per person/night

Big fish, big names and tall stories on Kenya's tropical coast

Two hours’ drive north of Mombassa on Kenya's central coast, the newly renovated Hemingways Watamu is a boutique beach hotel that combines the old-time charm of a fisherman's paradise, with a fresh injection of luxury. Its hunting- and fishing-loving patron saint, the eponymous Ernest Hemingway, is said to have visited in search of some big game fishing, but allegedly never left the bar! Take this anecdote as an allegory - feel free to be as busy or static as you like. From sailing, deep-sea fishing and diving, to golfing and sunset cruising, there is plenty to keep you entertained, but the sandy beaches and open-plan grounds with two swimming pools are there for lazing and lingering. Whatever your aim, Hemingways Watamu is a gem.

Che Shale

Watamu

Popular |

7 Rooms

From $150 per person/night

Chill out castaway-style on Kenya’s remote northern coast.

Che Shale is a rustic beach lodge on a remote stretch of Kenya’s northern coast, about 20 kilometres north of Malindi. This laid-back tropical resort epitomises relaxed barefoot beach living, with comfortable rustic accommodation to suit couples or families in a beautiful natural setting away from the busier tourist hotspots further along the coast. One of East Africa's top kite-surfing destinations, the lodge offers other exciting watersports and ocean-side activities, endless sandy beaches to explore, and plenty of space to kick back and do absolutely nothing at all. Pack a kikoi – it may be all you need!

Lonno Lodge

Watamu

8 Rooms

From $310 per person/night

A place to unwind in a hidden spot on Kenya's Watamu beach

A mere 25 kilometres from Malindi Airport, the cosy costal town of Watamu is filled with delightful stretches of beach, azure ocean, and a myriad of hidden delights for the stomach and the soul. Hidden away at the northern end of the beach, down a winding sandy track and with not another hotel in sight, is Lonno Lodge. A combination of Swahili fort and Italian luxury villa, the lodge was originally built by the owners as a private home for him and his wife, and it's a friendly haven of personalised service and warmth. This is not a place to come for a party, but one to slow down, relax and take in the beauty of the Indian Ocean coast.

Delta Dunes Lodge

Watamu

7 Rooms

From $570 per person/night

Eco-friendly cabins to savour Kenya's wildest wetland

The Tana River Delta in Kenya is the only wetland of its kind in Eastern Africa. Crocodile, hippo, and more than 400 fluttering species of bird call it home. Perched on a sand dune, the Delta Dunes Lodge is the ultimate gateway for exploring, and relaxing beside, this jewel of Africa. The lodge is shaded by local Doum palm trees and while it overlooks the magnificent delta to the one side, it overlooks a 50km stretch of deserted beach to the other. This wild setting is impossible to manufacturing, yet it's the hospitality that makes the lodge unforgettable.

Cardamom House

Watamu

10 Rooms

From $630 per person/night

A dreamy little getaway right on the beach that quickly feels like home.

Set in a bright, wild garden on Kuruwitu Beach, Cardamom House is the ultimate escape. Created by a Swahili architect to celebrate the beauty of the land and sea, the property has been carefully woven around existing trees and enjoys unspoilt ocean views. This area includes the 7.5 mile-long Kuruwitu Marine Area, the first locally managed marine park in Kenya, which protects the incredible creatures along the coast. A whole host of water activities are available to you, but a good helping of R&R is highly recommended too. Trust us, you won't want to leave.

Watamu Tree House

Watamu

7 Rooms

From $250 per person/night

One-of-a-kind treehouse retreat on Kenya’s lovely Watamu Beach.

Watamu Treehouse is a small family-run hotel and yoga retreat set among the dense coastal forests along a pristine stretch of Watamu Beach, south of Malindi. It must rate as one of Kenya’s most unusual hotels, with two towering wings rising from the forest floor, linked by flowing ramps and spiral stairways, and a beautiful organic feel throughout. Accommodation consists of seven unique bedrooms and a rooftop star bed, and can be booked on a self-catering or full-board basis. This enchanting hotel looks like a fairy-tale castle – a magical spot to relax and reconnect with nature.

Alawi Boutique Hotel

Watamu

5 Rooms

From $210 per person/night

Beached-out pampering on the beautiful Swahili Coast

Feel yourself lulled into comfort and your chilled-out zone at this intimate beachside hotel on Kenya's Swahili Coast. Alawi Boutique Hotel sits near the town of Watamu, just a 3.5-hour drive from Kenya's major coastal city of Mombasa. The Indian Ocean, with its turquoise hues, coupled with pearl-white beaches, make this a postcard-perfect holiday. But the beauty runs deep, too – just north of the hotel is some of the best snorkelling and diving around. Besides the gorgeous surroundings, Alawi's collection of palm-thatched structures and breeze-rustled palms make this a serene location to linger.

Medina Palms

Watamu

18 Rooms

From $190 per person/night

Arabesque-style villas in a palatial resort stretching down to the ocean

Watamu is a peaceful coastal village just a 30-minute drive from Malindi Airport, a central hub for travellers looking for the ideal beach escape. Nestled between tropical sandy beaches and dense coastal forest it's the perfect retreat for both sun seekers and families alike. Right on the doorstep of the village is the magnificent Medina Palms, an impressive resort with luxury accommodation that leads directly onto a fairly quiet beach. With idyllic sea views and architecture that enhances the luxury and exoticism of the natural surrounds, this is the ultimate in beachfront comfort and style, with all the trimmings.

Kobe Suite Resort

Watamu

5 Rooms

From $130 per person/night

Enjoy beached-out luxury at this stylish resort on Kenya's northern coastline.

Sandwiched between two marine reserves and a stone's throw from an elephant-inhabited forest, Kobe Suite Resort sits on a broad swathe of white sand beach on Kenya's northern coast. With coral gardens, mangrove forests, tidal pools and exposed sandbars, the area is lush and varied – perfect for exploring or, equally, simply staying-put. With modern suites, an excellent on-site restaurant and spa, Kobe lacks nothing essential for relaxing. Sure, the atmosphere is laid-back, but don't be fooled, the service here is top-notch, with attentive staff who will put you at total ease.

Ocean Sport Resort

Watamu

70 Rooms

From $90 per person/night

Popular, well-established Kenyan beach resort with excellent watersports

One of Kenya's original beach getaways, Ocean Sports Resort lies in the coastal Watamu region. This is a stellar destination for families and groups of friends, with its decent, mid-range accommodation and huge array of activities. The adjacent marine reserve offers world-class diving, and the deeper waters draw game fishermen. The nearby mangroves at Mida Creek, the powdery white sand and the warm Indian Ocean remain as beautiful as ever. This stretch of coast may no longer be as quiet as it was a decade ago, but it's a great destination if you're looking for a low-key, sociable holiday spot.

Mawe Resort

Watamu

12 Rooms

From $180 per person/night

Laid-back gem of a resort in a marine park on Kenya's Watamu coast

Renowned for its undisturbed coastline and rich waters on Kenya's northern coastline, Watamu Marine Park's mangrove creeks and coral reefs protect creatures ranging from birds to green turtles, a kaleidoscopic array of fish and, offshore, dugongs, whale sharks and dolphins. Mawe Boutique Hotel sits on a private section of the coastline, where ragged coral rocks rise up to a sloping grassy hillside. Kick back in this tropical-chic spot, with waters to explore, the unsullied sounds of nature, delicious food, great staff and the sight of giant dhows threading across the ocean.

Azura Villa

Watamu

4 Rooms

From $490 per person/night

Offering uninterrupted views, Azura is the ideal destination for a stylish beach retreat

Azura Villa, a brand-new residence which opened its doors in October 2023, offers a tranquil escape for those in search of a private experience in Watamu, Kenya. The villa comprises four ensuite rooms, an integrated indoor-outdoor living space with outdoor dining and seating areas, and a separate pergola with a barbecue and a fully equipped kitchen to enhance the outdoor living experience. The villa offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding natural landscape, including the mangroves, Mida Creek, and the Arabuko Sokoke Forest. With no other houses in sight, guests can enjoy a peaceful and undisturbed connection with the pristine beauty of these diverse ecosystems.

The Beach Palace

Watamu

9 Rooms

An exclusive luxury villa to experience the wonderful Kenyan white beach.

One of the most glamorous and exciting houses on the East African Coast, a dramatic, luxurious, and expansive new private home set in three peaceful beachfront acres in Jacaranda Bay, between Malindi and Watamu, on Kenya’s north coast. The Beach Palace, also known as Beach Palazzo, features 9 air-conditioned ensuite bedrooms and a spectacular 40-meter elevated infinity pool. Cool, refined, secluded, versatile, and sophisticated accommodation.

Turtle Bay Beach Club

Watamu

145 Rooms

From $130 per person/night

Turtle Bay Beach Club is situated on 200 metres of beach on the edge of the internationally acclaimed Watamu National Marine Park, one of the best in Kenya. The hotel is set in 10 acres of tropically landscaped gardens with 145 rooms, three restaurants, three bars, entertainment lounge and swimming pool, and as such makes up one of the most extensive all-inclusive properties in Kenya. A supervised Kid’s Club is open daily from 10 am – 1pm and 3pm-9pm, all Kids between 4-12 years can join in and have fun with action packed games, swimming competitions, arts and crafts, field trips, cooking lessons, videos and much more.

Q Boutique Resort Malindi

Watamu

31 Rooms

From $70 per person/night

Swahili charm with European polish at this garden sanctuary just a stroll from the beach.

Part of the Q Experience Collection, this relatively new addition to Malindi's boutique scene has quickly made its mark. Set in a peaceful residential pocket just ten minutes from pristine beaches, the property blends Swahili coastal textures with refined European styling across 31 spacious rooms and suites. Lush tropical gardens provide a verdant backdrop for daily yoga sessions, whilst the on-site spa offers treatments rooted in local traditions. With coastal cuisine that celebrates the freshest catch and an easy-going atmosphere that never feels stuffy, it's the sort of place where you can genuinely unwind without sacrificing comfort.

Watamu

Best hotels in Watamu

Hemingways Watamu

Che Shale

Lonno Lodge

Delta Dunes Lodge

Cardamom House

Watamu Tree House

Alawi Boutique Hotel

Medina Palms

Kobe Suite Resort

Ocean Sport Resort

Mawe Resort

Azura Villa

The Beach Palace

Turtle Bay Beach Club

Q Boutique Resort Malindi

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