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Hemingways Watamu recently reopened after a multi-million-pound refurbishment to create an elegant retreat with historic charm. The hotel has a stunning setting – it fronts a white-sand beach within the protected Watamu Marine National Park and is backed by the Mida Creek Mangrove Forest, which is rich in birdlife. The snorkelling in Watamu Marine National Park is outstanding and during July and August, the area is a hot spot for humpback whales. You’ll receive a warm welcome at Hemingways and the service is personalised and genuine. The classic Hemingways Bar has been the hub of the hotel since its opening over 30 years ago, and returning guests will be happy to hear that it retains its original charm. Hemingways Restaurant is a brasserie-style restaurant that focuses on local produce and boat-fresh seafood, served up with a side of ocean views, while Gede Café Bar is a relaxed spot for snacking on pastries or pizzas by the botanical pool. There’s also the seasonal Rock Bar, which serves up light bites by the beach. Every room at the hotel has a beautiful view of the Indian Ocean. In the north wing, Ocean Rooms are located on the ground or first floors, while Deluxe Ocean Rooms sit on the top floor with views out over the bay. One-, two- and four-bedroom Residences offer the best of both worlds, with the privacy of a fully-equipped apartment and access to all hotel facilities.
With just ten rooms, AfroChic feels more like an exclusive villa than a hotel. Part of the Elewana collection, its home-from-home atmosphere makes it a little gem amongst the larger hotels on the Diani beachfront. There are no fixed dining times here – just let the staff know when suits you. The dining room has an international à la carte menu and serves up some excellent fish dishes. If you want a romantic al fresco dinner, ask for a table to be set up at the beach gazebo. AfroChic has an eclectic decor and no two rooms are the same. All have a traditional African design, wooden bedframes, local artwork, a private balcony or terrace with sun loungers and garden or ocean views. Amenities include tea and coffee facilities, a TV, iPod sound dock and in-room Wi-Fi. Upgrade to the Executive Suite for plusher furnishings and a Jacuzzi bath in the bathroom. The surroundings offer plenty of beach- and water-based activities, like exploring the reef at low tide with a local fisherman or joining a small group snorkelling trip to the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park. On land, take an island tour of Mombasa or tee off at the 18-hole championship golf course nearby, which has a large lake and plays host to bird life and monkeys.
The resort’s location – on a coral headland overlooking vast stretches of world-famous Diani Beach – is idyllic. Shaded by indigenous coastal vegetation and exotic coconut palms, it stretches over 500 metres of golden beachfront. There is a great range of facilities which include main restaurants in all three wings of the hotel with live show cooking, two restaurants serving delicious seafood and bars serving snacks and drinks. If you’re looking to be active on holiday there is plenty to keep you entertained, from three swimming pools to archery and volleyball. For more sedate travellers, there's also the beautiful Afya Bora Spa and wellness centre, ideal for some rest and relaxation. Rooms are split between three wings, though only two are bookable in the UK. The main Baobab hotel has rooms in the main building and bungalows spread throughout the gardens. The Kole Kole Wing largely operates as a separate hotel, with its own reception area, dining room, lounges, bar and pool. Some facilities are shared with the main hotel, including the gym, wellness centre, amphitheatre and watersports. Standard Rooms are in the main hotel or in bungalows in the main hotel gardens. Superior and Deluxe Rooms as well as Suites are in the Kole Kole Wing.
Kinondo Kwetu has a tranquil beachfront location. It’s cut off from the main stretch of Diani Beach thanks to a rocky cliff, meaning there are no beach boys or crowds to spoil the peace. The local area is classified as sacred ‘kaya’ land and the surrounding holy forest is protected by the National Museum. The hotel is quiet and has a home-away-from-home vibe; it’s family-owned-and-run and the Swedish owners live on site with their children, so the service is warm and personalised. The family are related to Baron Blixen, husband of Out of Africa author Karen Blixen, and at Kinondo Kwetu they have created a traditional Swahili-style retreat. Rooms are dotted around the shaded gardens and are individually designed, but all have a traditional Swahili décor with cool white-washed walls and hand-carved furniture. The thatched cottages are ideal for couples, while the layout of the villas allows for flexible living. Each villa is made up of various rooms and suites that can be booked privately or together; families with young children are well catered for with interconnecting rooms and a family cottage. Some rooms have a terrace or balcony with sea view. Kinondo Kwetu’s daily set menu focuses on fresh seafood and local vegetables, but the hotel is happy to go off-menu. As well as the restaurant, guests can dine in a cute wooden fishing boat on the beach, tables out on the sand or on top of the water tower with views out over the resort. For relaxation, the hotel has two pools, a sauna and a yoga deck. There’s a focus on wellbeing, with yoga retreats held throughout the year. Watersports include kitesurfing and stand-up paddle boarding and there’s an on-site dive centre. Guests can also venture further afield to explore the surrounding sacred forest.
This rustic and charming resort has long been a favourite with Kuoni customers due to the exemplary levels of service, quiet ambience and its secluded and beautiful natural setting. Dining here is a pleasure and there is no shortage of choice. The rooms and suites are located in two-storey whitewashed buildings throughout the resort. The first floor Deluxe Rooms and spacious ground floor Suites feature a balcony and terrace respectively which overlooks the resort’s gardens. For panoramic sea views you should choose either an Luxury Ocean Front or Grand Ocean Front Suite which have an enviable setting on the beachfront.
Whether you're seeking a beautiful setting in which to relax, a whole host of entertaining activities and facilities or a base from which you can explore the underwater world of the Mombasa Marine Park, this resort has it all. There are five pools here, including a lido pool with swim-up bar and a children’s pool with a slide. All tastes are catered for with three restaurants serving a variety of cuisines from around the world as well as local Swahili dishes. Meals are served at the buffet Pavilion Restaurant. If you are on holiday with your children we recommend eating at the Minazi Café which features a special kids’ menu and early evening buffet. Rooms here are simply designed with charming coastal-themed art works and light tones, and feature comfortable furnishings and modern amenities. The Garden Facing Rooms feature a balcony or terrace with garden views while Pool Facing Rooms overlook the lagoon-style Palm Pool. The sea views at the Sarova Whitesands are fantastic and if you choose a Sea Facing Room you will be able enjoy these vistas from your balcony or terrace.
Set among tall palms beside a beautiful beach, Voyager Beach Resort has a quirky nautical theme and offers comfort and a wide range of facilities and activities for all the family. Overlooking Nyali Beach, it’s perfectly positioned for lovers of the ocean which is of course complemented by the hotel's décor. When it comes to dining, Voyager has plenty to choose from. There are three restaurants each offering something a little different, so whether you fancy feasting on international buffet fare at Mashua, fresh seafood at Smugglers’ Cove or Italian cuisine at Minestrone, you won’t be disappointed. Each of the rooms reflects the nautical theme echoing through the resort, with plenty of whites, blues and wood furnishings. If you want to be close to the action Gardenview Rooms are located closer to the pools and restaurants whilst Superior Gardenview Rooms are in the landscaped gardens a little way off. For sea views you’ll want to upgrade to either a Superior Seafacing Room or Superior Deluxe Rooms.