Top Hotels in Watamu
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The 10 best hotels in Watamu, Kenya
The delightful village of Watamu is an eco-tourist’s dream, lined with sandy white beaches and hotels dedicated to sustainable tourism. Watamu is a quick snorkel away from the Malindi Marine Reserve Park, and Turtle Beach is the ideal spot for a swim and a tanning session. The village proper features quaint Kenyan shopping stalls called dukas, where you can stock up with supplies. Make sure to visit the Gede Ruins, a mysterious and heavily overgrown 12th century Swahili village, and the beautifully fluttery Kipepeo Butterfly Project.
Restaurants in Watamu
1. Medina Palms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 526 reviews
Medina Palms is perfectly situated on the powder white sand beach of the Indian Ocean in Watamu, Kenya. This ground breaking hotel offers a range of luxury suites and villas, with views over tropical gardens and pools, tree top level penthouses with inner courtyards, and magnificent beach front villas. The hotel offers fine dining at our signature Amandina Restaurant, the sophisticated Long Bar and Star Lounge, as well as our tropical coffee garden. On site facilities includes Tribe Watersports Centre, a fitness studio, the luxury Sakina Ocean Spa offering 5 treatment rooms, state of the art conference facilities and a choice of exclusive spaces for meetings and weddings.
Family holiday
Reviewed By joycewmExcellent location, we stayed in ocean villa and despite the June rain, enjoyed the beach - 2 minutes walk-, the pools, in particular the infinity pool! The food at the restaurant was excellent, we enjoyed many long, lazy breakfasts and were very well taken care of by all staff in particular Fatima and Martha. Yummy fresh eggs made as you request, freshly made pancakes and waffles, fresh fruit and a selection of other breakfast foods which changed over the 5 days we were there and ranged from lentils, oxtail, soups, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, arrow roots- as well as cereals, breads, selection of pastries, bacon! So so good! One thing you can improve on was the pork sausages - they didn’t hit the spot. I suspect they were not farmers choice. Down in the bar area Collins and Janji were extremely helpful and went out of their way to help e.g. when we requested an early breakfast last minute! Collins- thank you for organising this. In housekeeping Zawadi kept our villa clean, and fresh. Julius was there to answer questions & guide us as needed. Emmanuel taught us how to wind surf, with lots of patience & grace! Can’t wait to try out my new skills again. Excellent location & facilities, friendly & welcoming staff (apologies to all the other amazing staff I’ve not mentioned). The well-being spa was great. One thing to note, the floors are a significant falls risk in the rain - good foot wear is essential! When dry, not a problem. All in all, an excellent location, excellent villa, lovely staff.
2. Hemingways Watamu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 644 reviews
Hemingways Watamu is an iconic tropical paradise on the Kenyan coast sitting right in the middle of the pristine Watamu Marine National Park with its idyllic white sand beach and turquoise waters. The exceptional personal service and sincere charm of this established hotel has come to represent Kenyan coastal luxury to so many travellers for close to 30 years. There is so much to do here - learn to kite-surf; 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 our cocktail menu.
We loved the service.
Reviewed By marykL9350KSWe were so welcomed and touched by the good and personalized service from Juliana, Omondi, Tom and Godfrey. They went out of way to make us comfortable. Kennedy and Julius, sacrificed their time too to Stay and wait for us as we came from an outside visit.
3. Medina Palms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 526 reviews
Medina Palms is perfectly situated on the powder white sand beach of the Indian Ocean in Watamu, Kenya. This ground breaking hotel offers a range of luxury suites and villas, with views over tropical gardens and pools, tree top level penthouses with inner courtyards, and magnificent beach front villas. The hotel offers fine dining at our signature Amandina Restaurant, the sophisticated Long Bar and Star Lounge, as well as our tropical coffee garden. On site facilities includes Tribe Watersports Centre, a fitness studio, the luxury Sakina Ocean Spa offering 5 treatment rooms, state of the art conference facilities and a choice of exclusive spaces for meetings and weddings.
Family holiday
Reviewed By joycewmExcellent location, we stayed in ocean villa and despite the June rain, enjoyed the beach - 2 minutes walk-, the pools, in particular the infinity pool! The food at the restaurant was excellent, we enjoyed many long, lazy breakfasts and were very well taken care of by all staff in particular Fatima and Martha. Yummy fresh eggs made as you request, freshly made pancakes and waffles, fresh fruit and a selection of other breakfast foods which changed over the 5 days we were there and ranged from lentils, oxtail, soups, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, arrow roots- as well as cereals, breads, selection of pastries, bacon! So so good! One thing you can improve on was the pork sausages - they didn’t hit the spot. I suspect they were not farmers choice. Down in the bar area Collins and Janji were extremely helpful and went out of their way to help e.g. when we requested an early breakfast last minute! Collins- thank you for organising this. In housekeeping Zawadi kept our villa clean, and fresh. Julius was there to answer questions & guide us as needed. Emmanuel taught us how to wind surf, with lots of patience & grace! Can’t wait to try out my new skills again. Excellent location & facilities, friendly & welcoming staff (apologies to all the other amazing staff I’ve not mentioned). The well-being spa was great. One thing to note, the floors are a significant falls risk in the rain - good foot wear is essential! When dry, not a problem. All in all, an excellent location, excellent villa, lovely staff.
4. Turtle Bay Beach Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1091 reviews
Looking for a place to stay in Watamu? Then look no further than Turtle Bay Beach Club, a charming all-inclusive resort that brings the best of Watamu to your doorstep. Turtle Bay Beach Club offers guests an array of room amenities including air conditioning, a mosquito net, and a desk, and getting online is possible, as free internet access is available. The all-inclusive resort offers a concierge, to make your visit even more pleasant. The property also features a pool and free breakfast. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking. Bio-Ken Snake Farm (2.4 mi), located nearby, makes Turtle Bay Beach Club a great place to stay for those interested in visiting this popular Watamu landmark. While in Watamu, you may want to check out some of the restaurants that are a short walk away from Turtle Bay Beach Club, including NON SOLO GELATO by anna (0.7 mi), Pilipan Restaurant - Watamu (0.8 mi), and Willy Beach (0.2 mi). We’re sure you’ll enjoy your stay at Turtle Bay Beach Club as you experience everything Watamu has to offer.
Amazing place
Reviewed By muscatbintWonderful experience with comfortable accommodation, amazing views and wonderful staff. A big thank you to Ali in food and beverage for his extra effort to accommodate our requests and make us feel extra welcome. His attention to other guests was also clear.
5. Crystal Bay Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1127 reviews
Welcome to Crystal Bay Resort, your Watamu “home away from home.” Crystal Bay Resort aims to make your visit as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, which is why so many guests continue to come back year after year. Guests have access to room service and a concierge while staying at Crystal Bay Resort. In addition, Crystal Bay Resort offers a pool and free breakfast, which will help make your Watamu trip additionally gratifying. And, as an added convenience, there is free parking available to guests. While in Watamu, you may want to check out some of the restaurants that are a short walk away from Crystal Bay Resort, including papa Remo (0.5 mi), Come Back Club Watamu (0.6 mi), and NON SOLO GELATO by anna (1.2 mi). Best of all, Crystal Bay Resort makes it easy to experience some great Watamu attractions like Bio-Ken Snake Farm (0.6 mi), which is a short distance away. Crystal Bay Resort puts the best of Watamu at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.
A splendid beach resort in watamu
Reviewed By Restaurant_StaffBeautiful Hotel with amazing service… I really enjoyed my stay at this splendid beach resort. The rooms were clean and the staff was very kind and helpful. I would definitely recommend crystal bay as a vacation spot and visit again soon. Best resort in watamu
6. Seven Islands Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 819 reviews
Seven Islands Resort is an excellent choice for travelers visiting Watamu, offering a family-friendly environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay. Guest rooms offer amenities such as a flat screen TV, a minibar, and air conditioning, and guests can go online with paid wifi offered by the all-inclusive resort. Seven Islands Resort features a concierge, to help make your stay more enjoyable. The property also boasts a pool and an on-site restaurant. If you are driving to Seven Islands Resort, free parking is available. While in Watamu be sure to experience local crab favorites at Crab Shack Dabaso Mida Restaurant or Pilipan Restaurant - Watamu. If you are interested in exploring Watamu, check out Bio-Ken Snake Farm (0.3 mi), which is a short walk from Seven Islands Resort. Enjoy your stay in Watamu!
Italian resort located on one of Watamus best beaches.
Reviewed By Nadine MItalian resort located on one of Watamus best beaches. Good accommodations with air conditioning. Food is a bit hit and miss but you can walk to the fabulous Papa Remo restaurant. Located towards the Malindi end of Watamu.
7. Ocean Sports Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 254 reviews
The plaque on our famous 1952 bar boat states "Ian Pritchard sailed his boat through the reef and staked his claim right here. Cheers Ian!" And so the legend of Ocean Sports was born.Our ambiance is relaxed, friendly and barefoot chic. Frequented by a loyal following of East African residents and savvy overseas guests, many consider this being their second home.Located 20km south of Malindi Airport, within the protected Watamu Marine Reserve, our 30 rooms, suites and self catered cottage overlook Kenya's favorite, white sand beach.Our outdoor, ocean-side deck dinning venue is simply stunning! Freshly caught, sustainable seafood and local organic produce, inspired our French chef, Florian's new mouth watering menu choices. Delicious stone-oven piazzas and a 'daily specials' board, ensure something for all. Nature will nourish your soul! Our 14 acre plot boasts indigenous African fauna and wildlife that includes monkeys, bird-life and night bush babies. Low-tide reveals rock pool aquariums of sea life, crabs and even King George, our grumpy resident Moray eel! Turtles, dolphins and whales are observed further out to sea.Our name reflects our love of ocean activity and adventure. Deep sea fish with our professional charter boats to experience adrenalin hook ups. Blue water dive over sparkling coral reefs, all organized by our PADI scuba centre. Try kite-surfing, kayaking and boogie boarding - the ocean is your playground! Onshore we offer trail-biking, tennis, squash, hokey, beach volley and touch rugby. On weekends our resident DJ entertains all age groups in total harmony.We are "A small, stylish and sociable beach hotel for free spirits and active families in search of Africa"
Watamu
Reviewed By angelicadiverNice resort right on the ocean! lovely cottages, everything was outdoor makes you feel safe with covid going around. the staff very helpful. Breakfast was excellent and food in general A place for all ages and in the premises have a totally professional Scuba Dive shop Aqua Ventures Watamu
8. Rock and Sea Resort
Overall Ratings
5 based on 67 reviews
Totally immersed in nature, built according to an eco-friendly design, it is the ideal place to spend unforgettable moments in a unique and incomparable setting. Magical atmosphere and delicious Gourmet food ... that is the way you can summarize this fantastic place.
Magical Experience
Reviewed By karinstreetWe stayed at The Rock and Sea in March 2022. Everything was amazing! The staff is friendly and so helpful! We arrived with not much of a plan but we were able to get help setting up a driver to take us to the snake farm and the Gede Ruins. The water taxi is a lovely way to get to the other side of the creek. The Dhow boat excursion was the best!! Such a lovely way to spend a whole day and one of our favorite memories of the trip. We stayed in the Baobab Bubble Lodge and it was a unique experience. We felt like we had plenty of privacy and loved watching the monkeys play in the trees above us and waking up to the creek lapping on the beach below us. The staff also helped my now fiancé propose by taking lots of photos of us during the proposal. We couldn't have asked for a better adventure and have nothing but wonderful things to say about The Rock and Sea resort!!
9. Lily Palm Resort
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 509 reviews
Lily Palm Resort is an excellent choice for travelers visiting Watamu, offering a family-friendly environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay. For those interested in checking out Bio-Ken Snake Farm (1.3 mi) while visiting Watamu, Lily Palm Resort is a short distance away. You’ll enjoy relaxing rooms that offer a refrigerator and air conditioning, and you can stay connected during your stay as Lily Palm Resort offers guests free internet access. Plus, Lily Palm Resort offers a pool and free breakfast, providing a pleasant respite from your busy day. Travelers looking to enjoy some crab can head to Crab Shack Dabaso Mida Restaurant or Pilipan Restaurant - Watamu. Otherwise, you may want to check out a Mediterranean restaurant such as papa Remo, Hosteria Romana Watamu, or Amici Miei. Enjoy your stay in Watamu!
DO NOT BOOK THIS RESORT
Reviewed By TrailBlazer714405hi so wanted to give a feedback on our stay first and foremost before u take peoples money let them know what their getting in return we ddnt pay to stay in the dark whenever you please! how do you cut electricity of your clients? are you guys serious the staff was nice but the management was just horrible. as to which we have decided to post everywhere and write and give reviews so that people know what their paying.
10. Zawadi Residence
Overall Ratings
5 based on 147 reviews
Zawadi Residence is an excellent choice for travelers visiting Watamu, offering a family-friendly environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay. Zawadi Residence is a family-friendly bed and breakfast offering a kitchenette in the rooms. Plus, guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, which has made this a popular choice among travelers visiting Watamu. For guests with a vehicle, secured parking is available. Travelers looking to enjoy some fish and chips can head to Pilipan Restaurant - Watamu or The Ocean Sports Restaurant. Otherwise, you may want to check out a cafe such as Bahati Gelateria Italianna Andrea. Best of all, Zawadi Residence makes it easy to experience some great Watamu attractions like Bio-Ken Snake Farm (1.0 mi), which is a short distance away. Enjoy your stay in Watamu! We inform all the guest that Zawadi Residence has the Health Kenya Licence to operate according with the rules of Kenya lows for Covid 19. Thank you
Worst B&B Ever
Reviewed By sherifady99This B&B is horrible and the owner of this property is incredibly rude and unwelcoming. I would not recommend this property to anyone at all as I really did not enjoy my stay here and hope everyone think twice before booking here. Terrible service and terribly run B&B.
