Lamu House

Built into the interior courtyard is a glistening swimming pool, surrounded by colourful cushioned loungers. At one end sits a broad-canopied drooping palm, ideal for some sun-reprieve. There are another two plunge pools on the property, and several shaded sitting areas, including a thatch-roofed lapa. Moonrise Restaurant, open from 8am to 10pm, offers an a la carte menu with a variety of seafood and local dishes, as well as a few international favourites and an excellent list of wines and cocktails.

11 rooms are scattered between the hotel's three levels. Elaborately carved wooden doors, coral stone, and rich, dark timber, are just a few characteristic aspects of the fusion of Swahili, Arabic, Persian, Indian and European design. All rooms sleep two guests in twin or a queen-sized four-poster beds. They are furnished with gorgeous hardwood chairs, crisp linens and mosquito nets. Windows have carved wooden shutters that can be opened wide for the sea breeze. All rooms are en suite with a toilet, basin and shower. Some rooms face the courtyard, others the city or the seafront.

On-foot excursions present the best opportunities on the island with plenty of photo ops and serendipitous encounters with locals, food and crafts. Alternatively, hitch a ride Lamu-style – on a donkey! Lamu House also has two dhows (a Swahili sailboat), which can be chartered to explore the island's outer reefs, inlets and pristine beaches. Afternoon excursions include a lunch of freshly-caught fish, and snorkelling gear and fishing rods will be at your disposal. Evening cruises are also possible – perfect for a romantic star-lit dinner - and back at the hotel, a massage on the roof terrace is the perfect end to the day.