Places to See and Stay: Hemingways Hotel - Watamu

Hemingway's is an intimate, privately owned hotel built right at the edge of the beach - the ocean can be seen from most rooms. The impression is one of pristine whitewash and spacious stone terraces. There are two sparkling blue swimming pools and a multitude of tall palm trees. The hotel exudes a certain upmarket elegance and is popular with British Kenyans and overseas visitors alike. Hemingway's was built in 1988 on the sight of an old hotel. The new hotel was raised high from the ground and right above the beach so wherever you are you can look down onto the beach and sea. The bar, dining room and reception are huge white rondavels with dramatic soaring roofs. Hemingway's places an emphasis on dining and the elegant dining room has starched white tablecloths, fresh flowers and lots of candles. The sundowner 'bitings' are particularly popular - small spicy snacks that go perfectly with an early evening drink. Hemingway's has rooms in two wings: an older sea-view wing which has double rooms, and a brand new 'superior' wing which includes triples and suites. The bedrooms of the older wing are fairly small in size however they are quieter, close to the ocean and have superb sea views. Those in the new wing are larger and luxurious and have views of the sea beyond the gardens and swimming pools. The beach at Hemingways is long and sandy. The sea is actually part of the marine park so there is good snorkelling nearby. Hemingway's does get a great deal of seaweed from June to August. It is still present in September but in a lesser amount. It tends to be totally gone by October.

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