Overview
Watamu is a stunning beach destination on Kenya’s north coast, known for its turquoise waters, palm-lined coves, protected marine park, turtle conservation, and Swahili culture. With its laid-back vibe, thriving coral reefs, and lush forests, Watamu attracts all kinds of travelers: luxury seekers, families, eco-adventurers, kitesurfers, and budget backpackers. Accommodation options are as diverse as the coastline itself.
1. Luxury Resorts & Five-Star Hotels
World-class service, oceanfront locations, fine dining, and spa indulgence—perfect for honeymoons or special getaways.
- Hemingways Watamu: Iconic beachfront resort, luxury suites, world-class spa, pools, gourmet restaurants, deep-sea fishing.
- Medina Palms: Stylish villas and suites, lush gardens, infinity pools, spa, rooftop and beach dining, family-friendly.
- Kobe Suite Resort: Modern Italian-inspired luxury, suites and apartments, beachfront, infinity pool, refined cuisine.
- Garoda Resort: Elegant beachfront, thatched suites, water sports, diving, entertainment programs.
- Seven Islands Resort: Beachfront, beautiful views, Mediterranean and Swahili cuisine, pools, great for families.
- Temple Point Resort: Sits on the tip of the Watamu peninsula, two beaches, lush gardens, diving, wellness.
- Crystal Bay Resort: Oceanfront, Italian management, good food, active social scene.
- Turtle Bay Beach Club: All-inclusive, huge grounds, family-friendly, pools, kids’ club, water sports.
- Sun Palm Beach Resort: Spacious rooms, pools, beach restaurant, activities.
- Ocean Sports Resort: Sporty, active crowd, on-site bar and restaurant, kite-surf base.
2. Boutique Hotels, Villas & Romantic Hideaways
Intimate, stylish, often owner-run, and perfect for couples or small groups seeking privacy.
- Lonno Lodge: Secluded, boutique luxury, towers and private terraces, personalized service.
- Palm Garden Boutique Hotel: Tranquil gardens, pool, individually designed rooms, excellent reviews.
- A Rocha Kenya Eco-Lodge: Set in forest, ethical, simple and charming, supports conservation.
- Watamu Treehouse: Iconic architecture, yoga retreats, stunning sea and forest views, organic cuisine.
- Mvuvi Boutique Hotel: Elegant, quiet, local flair, Italian cuisine, close to beach.
- Barracuda Inn Resort: Cozy and popular with Italian guests, tropical gardens, relaxed vibe.
- Giriama Residence: Owner-managed, stylishly simple, lush grounds, pool.
- Mawimbi Lodge: Small, welcoming, beautiful design, great for couples.
3. Family-Friendly Resorts & Hotels
Facilities for children, connecting rooms, safe swimming, and lots of activities.
- Turtle Bay Beach Club: Famous for kids’ club, water slides, entertainment, all-inclusive, baby-sitting.
- Medina Palms: Two- and three-bedroom villas, family pools, direct beach access.
- Seven Islands Resort: Spacious rooms, kids’ pool, games, safe beach.
- Garoda Resort: Family rooms, shallow swimming, easy access to the beach.
- Jacaranda Beach Resort: Kid-friendly, activities, pools, direct access to the marine park.
- Temple Point Resort: Playground, entertainment, nature walks, family rooms.
- Crystal Bay Resort: Pool, activities, group rooms.
- Sun Palm Beach Resort: Family suites, pool, children’s activities.
- Lily Palm Resort: Pools, family rooms, easy beach access.
- Paparemo Beach Hotel: Spacious bungalows, family-friendly, direct to Watamu Beach.
4. Eco-Lodges & Nature Retreats
Low-impact, conservation-minded, immersed in nature—ideal for wildlife and birdwatching, green travelers, and those seeking a tranquil escape.
- A Rocha Kenya Eco-Lodge: Supports turtle and forest conservation, simple rooms and bandas, local food, forest trails.
- Watamu Treehouse: Built from local materials, solar power, eco-friendly, yoga, holistic therapies.
- Mida Creek Eco Camp: Rustic, mangrove-view cabins, community-based, great for birding.
- Mida Creek Lodge: Quiet, on the creek, mangrove walks, birdlife.
- Rock and Sea Resort: Tented eco-luxury, perched above the sea, solar-powered.
- Turtle Bay Beach Club: Strong turtle conservation partnerships, reef protection programs.
- Kobe Suite Resort: Sustainable initiatives, local staff, ocean conservation.
- Sita Beach Eco Camp: Simple, off-grid, close to beach and forest.
5. Self-Catering Villas, Apartments & Holiday Homes
Independence, privacy, and value for families, groups, or long-term stays.
- Medina Palms Villas: Full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, pools, security.
- Barracuda Inn Apartments: Italian-managed, private kitchens, short walk to beach.
- Kobe Suite Apartments: Modern, pool access, near the sea.
- Tembo House Watamu: Full villas, lush gardens, pool, staff available.
- Watamu Beach Cottages: Charming, fully furnished, ocean views.
- Paparemo Villas: Large, beautiful villas with beach access, self-catering.
- Watamu Treehouse Villas: Unique architecture, full kitchens.
- Mida Forest Villas: Affordable, nature-immersed, great for birdwatchers.
- Mawimbi Villa: High-end, beachfront, multiple bedrooms.
- Coral Key Beach Resort: Villas and apartments, central, beachside.
6. Budget Hotels, Hostels & Guesthouses
Great value, friendly, social—ideal for backpackers, kitesurfers, solo travelers, and anyone looking to stretch their budget.
- EcoWorld Watamu Hostel: Dorm beds, private rooms, kitchen, eco-activities, close to beach.
- Turtle Bay Backpackers: Social scene, shared kitchen, walking distance to the ocean.
- Pole Pole Guesthouse: Clean, simple rooms, friendly hosts, excellent value.
- Hostel Sirena: Budget dorms, communal kitchen, good WiFi, garden.
- Mida Creek Eco Camp: Camping and dorms, social atmosphere, community vibe.
- Mzungu Backpackers: Fun, lively, great for meeting other travelers.
- Blue Bay Cove Apartments: Budget self-cater, pool, easy beach access.
- Milele Villas: Affordable, tranquil, group stays, further from main beach.
- Little Gem Guesthouse: Clean, basic, local hospitality.
- Beach Road Holiday House: Budget private rooms, walk to town/beach.
7. Camping & Adventure Stays
Perfect for adventurous travelers who want to be close to nature.
- EcoWorld Watamu Hostel: Camping pitches, dorms, eco-tours.
- Mida Creek Eco Camp: Tents and camping, mangrove tours.
- Watamu Treehouse: (limited camping during yoga retreats/events).
- Blue Bay Cove: Camping and budget rooms.
- Paparemo Beach Camping: Seasonal, close to the ocean.
- Backpackers Watamu: Tent pitches and simple rooms.
Watamu Accommodation Comparison Table
| Property/Category | Location | Type/Style | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family Friendly | Pool | On Beach | Eco/Ethical |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hemingways Watamu | Beachfront | Luxury Resort | $250–$600 | Spa, fishing, gourmet, iconic | Yes | Yes | Yes | Some |
| Medina Palms | Beachfront | Villas/Suites | $180–$350 | Stylish, pools, family units | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kobe Suite Resort | Beachfront | Luxury Suites | $200–$400 | Modern, ocean view, Italian cuisine | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Turtle Bay Beach Club | Beachfront | All-Inclusive | $140–$260 | Kids’ club, pools, conservation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Seven Islands Resort | Beachfront | Family Resort | $120–$220 | Beach, pools, family focus | Yes | Yes | Yes | Some |
| Temple Point Resort | Peninsula | Resort | $120–$220 | Two beaches, gardens, diving | Yes | Yes | Yes | Some |
| Watamu Treehouse | Forest/Beach | Eco Boutique | $180–$350 | Yoga, views, architecture, eco | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lonno Lodge | Secluded Beach | Boutique Hotel | $200–$350 | Towers, private, romantic | No | Yes | Yes | Some |
| EcoWorld Watamu Hostel | Near Beach | Hostel/Budget | $10–$40 | Dorms, camping, eco-tours | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Barracuda Inn Resort | Beachfront | Boutique/Hotel | $90–$160 | Italian management, pools | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Watamu Beach Cottages | Beachfront | Self-Catering | $80–$160 | Cottages, kitchens, ocean views | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| A Rocha Kenya Eco-Lodge | Forest | Eco-Lodge | $30–$80 | Conservation, simple, forest trails | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Pole Pole Guesthouse | Town | Guesthouse | $15–$50 | Clean, social, local hosts | Yes | No | No | Some |
| Blue Bay Cove Apartments | Near Beach | Apartments/Budget | $20–$60 | Pool, budget, walk to beach | Yes | Yes | No | No |
*pppn = per person per night. Prices are estimates and vary by season and package.
Conclusion
Watamu offers some of Kenya’s most beautiful and varied accommodations: barefoot luxury, boutique romance, fun family resorts, eco-lodges, affordable hostels, and everything in between.
Book ahead for Christmas, New Year, and August. Always check for special offers, conservation partnerships, and unique inclusions like yoga, diving, or conservation activities.