Book online
From £4,234pp
Sat 9 May · 7 nightsLondon Heathrow2 adults, 1 child · 1 room
Malindi and Watamu
Hemingways Watamu
Our rating
TripadvisorBased on 6,874 reviews
Beachfront hotel in a UNESCO biosphere reserve
This elegant boutique retreat has a beautiful beachfront setting, ocean-view rooms and private residences.
Hemingways Watamu is an elegant retreat with historic charm and is a popular choice for families. You’ll receive a warm welcome at Hemingways and the service is personalised and genuine. The hotel has a stunning setting, fronting a white-sand beach within the protected Watamu Marine National Park and backed by the Mida Creek Mangrove Forest, which is rich in birdlife. The snorkelling here is outstanding and during July and August the area is a hot spot for humpback whales. As well as three swimming pools, there is also a wide selection of water sports on offer, including big game fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, scuba diving, kitesurfing and windsurfing. Hemingways Restaurant offers plenty of fresh seafood which you can enjoy whilst taking in the ocean views. For pre or post dinner drinks, the classic Hemingways Bar has been the hub of the hotel since it first opened and returning guests will be happy to hear that it retains its original charm.
Best for:
Beach
Avg flight time7 hrs
Avg transfer timeIt’s a 30-minute drive from Malindi Airport, or 2-hours from Mombasa Airport
Beachfront hotel in a UNESCO biosphere reserve
Why our experts like it
We've done the exploring, asked the locals, made the mistakes, and found the gems... so you don't have to start from scratch! These are the bits we think you'll love the most. Think of it as travel advice from a friend who just got back and can't wait to tell you everything.
If you love French cuisine, look no further than La Belle Vie
An incredible way to kick off your Maldives holiday
“There's something pretty special about travelling by seaplane. The view from the sky is extraordinary - tiny specs of island and shades of blue that barely look real.”
Jeremy FisherKuoni Travel Expert
The iconic, mile-long sandbank
Perfect for isolated sunbathing, dramatic photoshoots, and watching breathtaking Maldivian sunsets.
Snorkelling and diving isn't the only way to catch sight of the underwater world
“If snorkelling and diving isn't for you, it's possible to catch a glimpse of the reef from a glass-bottomed boat instead.”
Sarah ShepherdKuoni Marketing Team
Kids club at Niva Kuramathi Maldives
Supervised activities through the day, so younger guests get their own adventure while you get a quiet hour by the water.
Beachfront hotel in a UNESCO biosphere reserve
We book this hotel the way you want it
This Maldives hotel is perfect on its own, but add Sri Lanka, Dubai or the Seychelles and it becomes something even better. Discover our multi-centre holidays and make paradise last longer.
Beachfront hotel in a UNESCO biosphere reserve
Rooms and suites
All rooms and apartments enjoy 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 Apartments offer the best of both worlds, with the privacy of a fully equipped apartment and access to all hotel facilities.
North Wing Ocean Room
On the ground or first floor of the hotel’s north wing, with ocean views and easy access to the beach and botanical pool. • air-conditioning • Wi-Fi • TV • tea and coffee facilities • minibar* • mineral water • balcony • 40m²
North Wing Deluxe Ocean Room
On the top floor of the hotel’s north wing, with stunning views over the bay. • air-conditioning • Wi-Fi • TV • tea and coffee facilities • minibar* • mineral water • balcony • 40m²
One Bedroom Ocean View Apartment
The spacious one Apartments are located in the hotel’s south wing. Each has plenty of space both inside and out, including a fully-equipped kitchen, dining area, lounge and terrace with table and loungers as well as access to all hotel facilities. • air-conditioning • Wi-Fi • TV in the living room and bedroom • tea and coffee facilities • minibar* • mineral water • terrace • 150m²
Food & drink
There is something quite special feasting on fresh seafood whilst gazing out across the ocean. Hemingways main restaurant offers just that. For something more intimate, the Gede Restaurant specialises in local and Lebanese dishes. At the botanical pool, Gede Café is a great spot for light lunches. Keep up tradition with a drink in the hotel's famous Hemingways Bar. Sip on a tropical cocktail whilst overlooking Watamu beach. The small village of Watamu also has a number of interesting local restaurants and beach bars.
If you are spoilt for choice, every evening the chef creates a table d’hote menu so you can try a little bit of everything.
Hemingways Restaurant — This brasserie-style restaurant focuses on local produce and boat-fresh seafood, served Swahili style and with a side of ocean views. Gede Café — A relaxed spot for pastries or pizzas by the botanical pool. Hemingways Bar — Since it opened in 1980s, the iconic Hemingways Bar is located right on the beachfront.
Beachfront hotel in a UNESCO biosphere reserve
Things to do nearby
Curated experiences to help you do more, see more, or simply switch off while you're here.
Baa Atoll, Maldives
Private reef snorkelling tour
from £560.00ppMore information about Private reef snorkelling tour
Niva Kuramathi, Maldives
Half day windsurfing
Feel the wind fill your sail as you glide across the lagoon's calm, turquoise waters. A skilled instructor guides you through the basics.
from £485.00pp
Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Maldives
Adaaran resort evening visit – dinner & alcohol
South Ari Atoll, Maldives
Whale shark and manta ray snorkelling tour
Baa Atoll, Maldives
Sunset dolphin watching & night fishing
Watch dolphins play beside your boat as the sky glows orange at dusk. Then cast a line under the stars for a relaxed night of traditional fishing.
North Malé Atoll, Maldives
Private sandbank picnic
from £320.00ppMore information about Private sandbank picnic
Niva Kuramathi, Maldives
Discover scuba diving
A first-timer's guided dive on the house reef, with all equipment and a PADI instructor one-to-one.
from £210.00ppMore information about Discover scuba diving
Vaavu Atoll, Maldives
Sunset champagne cruise
from £275.00ppMore information about Sunset champagne cruise
Beachfront hotel in a UNESCO biosphere reserve
There is more than one way to do this trip
A match made in paradise
This hotel is perfect on its own, but add a second destination and it becomes something even better. Discover our multi-centre holidays and make paradise last longer.
Beachfront hotel in a UNESCO biosphere reserve
In the area
Hemingways Watamu lies on a sandy beach within the Watamu Marine National Park, north of Mombasa
Beachfront hotel in a UNESCO biosphere reserve
Trip ideas
You've come this far - and the world has more to offer. Why not pair Niva Kuramathi with another island, add a stopover in Dubai on the way for city lights and desert skies, or extend to Sri Lanka for tea, temples and safari? Below you'll find our recommendations for maximising your time away...
Book online
From £4,234pp
Sat 9 May · 7 nightsLondon Heathrow2 adults, 1 child · 1 room
Book online
From £4,234pp
Sat 9 May · 7 nightsLondon Heathrow2 adults, 1 child · 1 room
Book online
From £4,234pp
Sat 9 May · 7 nightsLondon Heathrow2 adults, 1 child · 1 room
Book online
From £4,234pp
Sat 9 May · 7 nightsLondon Heathrow2 adults, 1 child · 1 room
Book online
From £4,234pp
Sat 9 May · 7 nightsLondon Heathrow2 adults, 1 child · 1 room
Book online
From £4,234pp
Sat 9 May · 7 nightsLondon Heathrow2 adults, 1 child · 1 room
Book online
From £4,234pp
Sat 9 May · 7 nightsLondon Heathrow2 adults, 1 child · 1 room
Beachfront hotel in a UNESCO biosphere reserve
When to visit
Whether you're chasing guaranteed sunshine or don't mind a little rain with your relaxation, here's how the weather stacks up throughout the year. Use the chart below to find your perfect window, or just pick whenever suits you best, paradise doesn't really have a bad season.
| Measurement | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average temp | 28°C | 28°C | 29°C | 30°C | 30°C | 29°C | 29°C | 29°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C |
| Average rainfall | 110mm | 60mm | 75mm | 125mm | 220mm | 175mm | 150mm | 175mm | 200mm | 195mm | 210mm | 215mm |
| Average price | £4,746pp | £4,992pp | £4,149pp | £4,222pp | £4,827pp | £4,835pp | £5,104pp | £5,176pp | £5,176pp | £5,129pp | £3,958pp | £3,958pp |
Beachfront hotel in a UNESCO biosphere reserve
Current offers
Savings worth having on the departures we think are worth taking. Every offer below applies to this hotel — check each one for the dates and conditions that come with it.
Save up to £300pp
Based on selected departures in September 2026
Save up to 25% when you book by 6th July
Based on selected departures in September 2026
Save up to 35% + complimentary meal upgrade
Based on 20th July 2026 departure
Free half-board upgrade
Based on selected departures in October 2026
Stay 7 nights, pay for 6
Based on selected departures in November 2026
Save up to £200pp on honeymoons
Based on selected departures in January 2027
Complimentary spa treatment for two
Based on stays of 7 nights or more
Free kids' places
Based on selected departures in August 2026
Beachfront hotel in a UNESCO biosphere reserve
Build your trip
Pick your airport, then choose a departure date to see how the price moves across the year. Everything you change here updates the summary alongside.
Select holiday details
Departure details
Can't see your airport of choice?Enquire now
Prices shown are per person, and based on the cheapest flight available that day.
May 2026
| Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su |
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June 2026
| Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su |
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You can upgrade your transfers and flight class when booking (subject to availability).
Local taxes & fees apply upon arrival.
Who's going?
2 adults, 1 child
Duration
7 nights + travel
Departure airport & date
Sat 9 May 2026London Gatwick
Board basis
Speak to an expert | Available until 8pm0800 298 5034
Great offers on Niva Kuramathi Maldives
Escape to Niva Kuramathi and enjoy exclusive savings on your Maldives getaway.
View offersHave you considered a multi-centre?
Maldives pairs really well with other destinations, from Dubai to Sri Lanka.
View multi-centresGood to know
- Includes flights, baggage, and private transfers to and from your hotel
- Total flight time ~ 7 hrs
- Total transfer time ~ 2 hrs
- Overnight in Malé may apply (subject to flights & transfers)
Beachfront hotel in a UNESCO biosphere reserve
Questions? Sorted.
Do I need a visa to visit the Maldives?
British passport holders are issued a free 30-day visitor visa on arrival. You'll need a passport valid for the duration of your stay, a confirmed onward ticket and proof of your accommodation booking.
When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
November to April is the dry season, with the most reliable sunshine and calmest seas. May to October brings shorter rain showers, lower prices and better surf.
What currency is used in the Maldives, and do I need cash?
The local currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa, but resorts price and bill in US dollars and take major cards. Most guests never need cash — a small amount is handy for tipping.
Is the Maldives good for honeymoons outside peak season?
Yes. Off-peak brings noticeably lower rates and quieter islands, and rain tends to come in short bursts rather than all day. Many resorts add honeymoon extras during these months.
What activities are there for older kids and teens in the Maldives?
Most resorts run watersports centres with windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding, plus PADI dive courses from around age ten. Snorkelling safaris, sandbank trips and night fishing all suit older children.
Beachfront hotel in a UNESCO biosphere reserve
Guest reviews
Tripadvisor reviews will appear here once the feed is connected.
Beachfront hotel in a UNESCO biosphere reserve
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