A section on Watamu's Hemingways resort. [Photo/Gamewatchers Safaris]
Tourism in Watamu has received a major boost after one of the oldest and iconic resorts completed an 18 months renovation and refurbishment to suit the modern clients.
Hemingways resort which was established in 1988 as the first five Star hotels upgraded the hotel from its former look and introduced a new architectural design with first ever roof made of recycled plastics that have placed the facility as the best in the entire country.
Their aim was to diversify the product range based on market demands and the new international traveler trends.
Many hotels mostly Malindi and some in Watamu are old and require to be upgraded like Hemingways so as to suit the modern client.
The new resort composes of 39 deluxe hotel rooms all with sea view along with Hemingways Residences, a privately owned residential development comprising 21 luxury apartments.
Melinda Rees the Hemingways Watamu Operations Manager said they opted for Environ thatch roofs and not the traditional Makuti due to environmental concerns and durability.
Speaking to journalists during a tour of the luxurious resort she said Makuti was wonderful and locally available but had high risks of fire.
She said the new Hemingways Watamu shall meet the expectations of every traveler; couples and honeymooners who will have an opportunity to get ocean views from the new suites, while families or groups will love the apartment-style living with all the services of a five-star hotel at their fingertips.