“A charming guesthouse offering an enviable location right on the beach in Shela. It’s an informal place, popular with families and couples. Comfortable and spacious rooms have a spattering of antiques (including four-posters) and there are freshwater pools and a rooftop restaurant with sunset views.”
“A charming guesthouse offering an enviable location right on the beach in Shela. It’s an informal place, popular with families and couples. Comfortable and spacious rooms have a spattering of antiques (including four-posters) and there are freshwater pools and a rooftop restaurant with sunset views.”
Hotel Review
Overlooking the bay across to Manda island, this simple yet comfortable family hotel is right on the sea front so the water taxi delivers guests right to the beach entrance (expect to get wet feet as you exit the boat). Comprising three whitewashed traditional-style Swahili, bougainvilliea-clad buildings with coral walls and makuti roofs, the houses were originally built as a trio of private homes for three friends sharing the garden. Spacious, clean rooms with canopied beds (some have more than one) have decent, functional bathrooms and are accessed via separate entrances each with verandah. All are centred round 3000 sq metres of lush tropical garden shaded by kumazi and oleander trees with two cooling fresh water pools. Lowkey and authentic, the guesthouse has a laidback island beach vibe which feels very easygoing and informal. The best thing about Lamu is there are no cars - absolutely everything is brought in by boat or by donkey. Breakfast is fresh with home-baked bread and presented in the rooftop restaurant where guests can also dine out on seafood and pasta.
Written by Laura Campbell
Recommended For
- Romantic Break
- An intimate hotel complete with romantic rooftop restaurant and sea views
- Families
- An owner-run property with a very family friendly ethos
- Sailing
- Charter a dhow boat and explore the surrounding islands and perhaps even spot some dolphins
- Snorkelling
- The Gordon Reef is one of the best places in Kenya for snorkeling
- Other Activities
- For a romantic experience for two take a sunset dhow cruise
- Fishing
- Fish in the channel between Manda and Lamu
- Yoga
- Family Suites
- Sit-out Terrace
- Full of character
- Quiet
- Romantic
- Intimate
- Charming
- Traditional
- Child friendly
- Antiques
- Boutique
- Restaurant
Facilities
- Swimming Pool
- Two fresh-water pools
- Massage
- No pets
- Library
- Family Suites
- Sit-out Terrace
- Airport transfer
- Bar
- Wifi
- Room service
- Child friendly
- Garden
- Restaurant
Activities
- Sailing
- Charter a dhow boat and explore the surrounding islands and perhaps even spot some dolphins
- Snorkelling
- The Gordon Reef is one of the best places in Kenya for snorkeling
- Other Activities
- For a romantic experience for two take a sunset dhow cruise
- Fishing
- Fish in the channel between Manda and Lamu
- Yoga
Map & Location
