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Banana House, Lamu | Timbuktu Travel
Lamu

Banana House

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About Banana House

A tranquil wellness retreat on Kenya’s Lamu Island
With its sparkling white walls, tropical gardens and remarkable views of the shimmering Indian Ocean, we couldn't imagine a better place to get away from it all than Banana House on Lamu Island. Tucked away in Shela Village, the stylish hotel-come-bed-and-breakfast is a world away from glowing screens and ringing telephones, and the twice daily yoga sessions, massage therapies and spa treatments are heavenly. There's a choice of rooms, apartments and swanky penthouse suites across three buildings, all built in a traditional Swahili style, and you'll find swaying hammocks and elaborate day beds tucked into every corner. This really is the perfect mix of opulence and relaxed beach living.
Lamu , Kenya
From $90 per person/per night
Retreat
8 Rooms
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Property details

The property

Cool, Swahili-white walls and ornate archways shade a selection of hammocks and day beds that are perfect for lounging away an afternoon, the ocean shimmering in the distance. At the Wellness Centre itself, there's an airy yoga hall on the ground floor and a rooftop spa for manicures, scrubs and blissful massages. Cool off between sessions in the saltwater pool, or top up your tan on a sun-lounger amongst the jasmine, and at the end of the day, sit down to dinner under the stars - all food is homemade, delicious and 100% local.

The rooms

The original Banana House has three bedrooms on the ground floor, sharing two bathrooms, and can be interlinked to make a family suite. On the first floor, four en-suite bedrooms with showers lead off from the terrace, and the top floor consists entirely of a penthouse suite, with a huge romantic double bedroom, and a private dining area with sun terrace and loungers. Five similar rooms are next door in the yoga retreat. Book one room, a floor, or all of them for your own private retreat.

Activities

Banana House offers twice daily yoga sessions and regular in-house courses on meditation and wellness by experienced therapists and instructors. The house is two minutes’ walk to the lively seafront and markets, and about five minutes from the stunning Shela Beach and Peponi Hotel. Dhow cruises, sundowner trips, snorkelling, and tours of the historic Lamu Town and further afield can be arranged, and once you've got your zen back, try a festive beach party or a night sleeping under the stars on Manda Island for something different.
Why we love it

Why we love it

Banana House uses mostly organic, and freshly harvested ingredients from local farmers, fishermen and their own organic farm.
Trips

Lamu Tours & Trips

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12 nights from $10.2K per person

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How to book Banana House

How do I book Banana House?

Banana House can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Kenya trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Kenya trips featuring Banana House or get advice and suggestions from one of our Kenya specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Banana House?

Stays at Banana House start from around $90 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Banana House

Kenya

Lamu Island

Uncover the magic of a bygone era on this sultry island that’s Kenya’s ultimate beach hideout.