Are you planning a trip to Watamu and you are wondering which of the best hotels in Watamu will make your trip unforgettable?
Watamu, which means “ home of the sweet people” in Swahili, is one of the iconic holiday destinations with pristine white sandy beaches that travellers always look forward to visiting for a weekend getaway, honeymoon, family vacation, chama, or a girls’ trip, name them.
When most travellers visit the Kenyan Coast in premier destinations such as Watamu, the challenge is not usually about lack of finances to pay for a hotel or the hotel options, there are hundreds of hotels in Watamu. The challenge that most travellers experience is lack of clarity on which is the best hotel that will favour their travel experiences and why.
Over many years of taking travellers to Watamu, Adequate Safaris has identified the top 15 best hotels in Watamu that travellers enjoy staying at, and they would visit over and over again.
Stay tuned!
How to Choose the Best Hotels in Watamu
a) Settle on the hotel that matches your vibe. Do you prefer a peaceful, quiet and serene environment or an active environment?
b) Most hotels have beachfront views. Is that something you would consider?
c) Check the hospitality, amenities and facilities that the hotel offers.
d) Do the hotel prices match your budget for the days you will be staying there?
e) Do your personal research online and go through customer testimonials and reviews.
f) Is the hotel closer to major tourist attractions that you can access easily?
g) Is the hotel safe?
Where is Watamu Located?
Watamu is located on the North Coast, 100 KM north of Mombasa and 20 KM south of Malindi on the Indian Ocean which is easily accessible by the Standard Gauge Railway ( SGR) from Nairobi to Mombasa Terminus then transfer to Watamu and by flight which takes about 45 minutes from Nairobi from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ( JKIA) or Wilson Airport with the flight partners of your choice such as Safarilink, Kenya Airways or Jambo Jet to Malindi Airport.
Below are some of the best hotels that you can consider staying at during your vacation in Watamu.
Hemingway’s Hotel, Watamu
Hemingway’s Hotel in Watamu is a 5-star hotel in Watamu. It is ranked 5th as the best hotel in Watamu, among 47 hotels, due to its exclusive services and a beautiful beachfront view with direct access to the Watamu Marine National Park, designed to offer luxury, tranquillity, comfort, and an authentic Kenyan Coastal vibe.
During your stay at the Hemingways Hotel, get ready to spoilt and treated like the real MVP from the fine dining at the restaurant or at the beach as you experience the sunset, spa treatment prioritizing your wellness to nurture your body, mind and soul, elegant, clean and comfortable rooms where you spend your nights, and a bar with various collections of drinks such as wine, cocktails etc where you can unwind after a long day.
This hotel is perfect for couples seeking romance and adventure, families exploring fun and adventure, solo travellers, and groups looking forward to experiencing marine life and the Swahili Culture.
Medina Palms
Medina Palms is also a luxurious hotel located in Watamu Beach with a stunning Swahili vibe with views of tropical gardens, just 20 minutes from the Malindi International Airport.
Interestingly, the experience at Medina Palms is one of a Kind where you get to stay at elegant suites, with a sparkling swimming pool, a healing Sakar spa and fine dining options perfect for private and romantic getaways.
Turtle Bay Beach Resort
The Turtle Bay Beach Resort is a sustainable hotel popularly referred to as the life of the party that brings the best of Watamu to you, be it solo, with your partner, family or friends, leaving you with nothing but memories.
Seven Islands Resort Watamu
Seven Islands Resort is a 4-star hotel, located in Watamu along Jacaranda Road built with a mix of swahili, indian and Arabic designs near the Watamu Marine National Park, with views of various islands near the area, hence the name Seven Islands Resort, offering all-inclusive experiences from the comfortable rooms, beach access, restaurants, and spa services, ensuring you are comfortable and enjoy to the fullest making it convenient to all types of travellers.
Visiwa Beach Resort
Visiwa Beach Resort is a 4-star hotel, one of the best hotels located on Watamu Beach, which gives exactly what you are looking for. Beautiful beach views and 5-star hotel treatment prioritizing quality services and value to travellers, which is less crowded than other hotels on the coast.
Mawe Zuri Resort
Mawe Zuri Resort is located 20km from the Watamu Beach, perfect for travellers looking to create unforgettable holiday memories in Watamu in its cliff-top location with stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
The resort has well-furnished rooms, both standard and superior rooms, perfect for your relaxation getaway.
The Charming Lonno Lodge
The Charming Lonno Lodge is exactly as charming as its name, offering luxury, elegance, and serenity with only 9 rooms on board, giving you an experience you’ve been dreaming of, private and intimate, leaving you refreshed and restored.
Lily Palm Resort
Lily Palm Resort is a beachfront Resort in the middle of Blur Lagoon Bay, offering all-inclusive services from accommodation to meals, amenities and facilities, making sure you feel at home without struggles with a price range of KSh. 15,000 per night.
Echo Villas Watamu
Echo Villas is a private hotel in Watamu with as few as 6 villas, perfect for that intimate holiday getaway which believes in sustainable tourism while protecting the environment.
The One Watamu Bay
The One Watamu Bay is a 4-star hotel that is perfect for both business and leisure trips near Watamu Beach, offering that peaceful Coastal feel at an affordable price, perfect for couples, small groups and travellers on a budget.
Other hotels in Watamu are:
Jacaranda Beach Resort, Watamu
Twiga Beach Resort
Rock and Sea Resort
Kasa Tatu Cottages
Sun Palm Beach Hotel & Resort, Watamu
Best Things to do Near the Best Hotels in Watamu
What has always been on your bucket list when you visit Watamu?
Below are some of the fun activities you need to do while in Watamu;
Visiting Watamu Marine National Park
Watamu Marine National Park is the main tourist attraction in Watamu, one of Kenya’s first marine parks, with approximately 600 species of fish and 110 species of stony corals.
When you visit the marine park, you can challenge yourself to participate in snorkelling and scuba diving, giving you a chance to connect with the marine life, especially the turtles and the vibrant coral reefs.
Visiting Garoda Beach
If you are looking forward to enjoying slow beach walks, Garoda Beach is the place to be. You can also enjoy swimming, sunbathing and other watersports.
Sunset Viewing
Viewing the sunset is one of the most therapeutic experiences that you should not miss out on, which happens at LichtHaus at Temple Point, known as a top spot for magical sunset views.
Other activities to experience in Watamu are:
Visiting Mida Creek
Exploring the Gede Ruins
Visiting the Local Conservation Centre
Trying Local Cuisines
The Best Time to Visit Watamu
For you to enjoy the best of Watamu, visit during the dry season between the months of July and October with cool coastal conditions when the waters are cal,m and the skies are clear.
Safety Precautions When in Watamu
a) Avoid walking solo on the beaches or at night, seek guidance or transfers from the hotel.
b) The heat at the Kenyan Coast is always too much, which may lead to damaging your skin, hence you are advised to apply your sunscreen for skin protection.
c) Do not just drink anything handed over to you, ensure you only consume something that you trust to avoid poisoning.
d) While swimming at the beach, do not miss wearing a life jacket incase heavy currents occur.
e) While snorkelling or scuba diving, avoid feeding the turtles and do not swim towards them.
f) Respect the locals as you interact with them, and avoid taking pictures of them without consent.
g) While going for excursions in Watamu, leave your expensive valuables in the hotel to avoid losing them.
Why Should You Consider Adequate Safaris to Book for You the Best Hotel in Watamu?
Over the years, Adequate Safaris has been the most reliable tour company for most travellers, helping them get the best experience from the hotels and excursions all in one package. Also, we walk with you step by step to curate for you a personalized package for you, ensuring you get the best.
To start your booking today, contact Adequate Safaris on +254768555444 or email in**@*************is.com.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Watamu is a premier holiday destination that you should not miss on your bucket list, where you get to discover its beautiful white sandy beaches, luxurious hotels, marine life, culture and sustainable experiences, giving you a unique and rewarding experience.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
1. Is Watamu Worth visiting?
Watamu is 100% worth visiting, where you will get to have an experience of a lifetime since Watamu is full of wonders that will remain with you for a lifetime.
2. Is Watamu safe for visitors?
Absolutely! Watamu is very safe for visitors with very friendly locals. However, not everyone is to be trusted, and you are recommended to be careful so that you do not get scammed or robbed.
3. How do I move around while exploring Watamu?
a) Taxis
b) Tuktuks
c) Motorbikes ( Bajaj)
