Part of the "Small Luxury Hotels of the World" group, Hemingways Resort is among the oldest and most prestigious beach resorts in Kenya. It was established in 1988 and named after the American author who regularly undertook hunting and fishing trips to Kenya.
It is set on the magnificent stretch of beach that links the small village of Watamu to Mida Creek and has been recognized as among the top 10 beaches in the world. It is part of the Malindi-Watamu Marine National Park, and the hotel's location is truly superb, with a palm-lined stretch of white sand hemming in a sheltered bay whose turquoise waters are studded with striking mushroom-shaped coral outcrops. The coral gardens in the bay teem with colorful reef fish, making for wonderful snorkeling in calm conditions, and the surrounding area is lauded for its fine game fishing and diving possibilities.
The resort grounds are entered via a short winding drive lined with coastal greenery and tall palms. The architecture is typical of the coast, with lots of curves and arches set into roughly plastered whitewashed walls topped by a tall roof made of makuti (palm fronds).
The large, breezy lobby has a tall ceiling and stone floor and contains a well-stocked gift shop, a diving and fishing center where all marine activities can be arranged, and an Internet room where four computers offer 24-hour broadband free to hotel guests.
On one side of the reception area is a pleasant English-style pub—reflecting the main nationality of the clientele—with a big screen used to show major international sporting events. On the other side, a circular thatched split-level restaurant serving excellent seafood-dominated buffets leads out to a stunning swimming area with two 
pools, and a snack bar overlooking the main beach.
Although Hemingways and Watamu are ideal for those who just want a relaxing beach holiday, the lodge is especially suited for more active beach holidays, with excellent snorkeling available right on the hotel's doorstep, and diving and angling excursions offered farther afield. Other excursions for more active travelers include the atmospheric Gedi Ruins (the substantial remains of a medieval Swahili trade port), the lushly forested Arabuko-Sokoke National Park, and the bird-rich Mida Creek, all of which lie within 10 km of the hotel along the main road toward Mombasa.
Several types of room are available, ranging from economy doubles in the old wing and superior doubles in the newer double-story wing to more recently built junior and executive suites. The decor is bright and cheerful, with pale tiled floors offset 
by brightly colored curtains, bedspreads and furniture. The economy doubles are rather cramped, however, and it is worth paying the relatively small difference (about 20% more) for one of the larger Superior Rooms. Most rooms have a private balcony with cane furniture, and all have an ocean view, en-suite showers, air-conditioning, fans, mosquito nets, safes and fridges, and 24-hour room service is available.
This is arguably the best hotel on the coast around Watamu and Malindi and has been since it first opened about two decades ago. It has a pleasant beach-front ambience, the standard of food and service is excellent, and the range of activities and excursions is second to none. Linguistic factors might also be a consideration on this part of the coast, and Hemingways is one of the few resorts to cater to a predominantly English-speaking clientele.