Best hotels in Lamu

For over 40 years the Peponi Hotel has carved out a name for itself amongst a myriad of palm trees along the edge of the beautiful Shela Beach, two miles south of Lamu, Kenya. Small and intimate and in an utterly idyllic setting Peponi has all the laid back beauty of a luxury beach break with the ambiance of a home away from home. Admire the traditional dhows sailing gracefully past or perhaps spot the odd celebrity peeking out from behind the white washed walls surrounded by the largest collection of tropical palms and exotic plants on Kenyas coastline.

Tucked away on the northern peninsula of Manda Island in Kenya's Lamu Archipelago, Manda Bay is a family-owned, boutique lodge that manages to seamlessly blend rustic, barefoot island living with total luxury. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean play host to many activities (think watersports, fishing and paddleboarding), but equally for those who just want to chill, there are miles of empty golden beach to walk on, spa treatments and swing beds to relax upon with a good book. Reach the lodge by boat from Lamu Airport or make use of the Manda Bay airstrip by private charter.

Stylish and comfortable, this small private house has been converted into a holiday home, situated alongside the dunes and two minutes walking distance form Shela beach. Tucked into a walled,shady tropical garden the surrounding trees are filled with birds offer sweet solace from the busier outside town. Enter though a traditional ornately carved wooden door to a secret sanctuary that will be your ideal base for exploring the rich cultural diversity that makes up the greater Lamu town.

Named after the South Monsoon wind, Kusini Villa offers a mix of Arabic and Swahili style. Nestled among lush gardens, this spacious holiday villa is situated just above Kizingoni Beach, a 24-acre stretch of golden sand, close to the southernmost tip of historical Lamu Island (20-minutes by boat from the towns of Shela and Lamu). The quaint fishing village of Kipungani supplies many of the furnishings to this secluded hideaway, giving it a charming, local feel. A fantastic holiday destination for family and friends along a spectacular stretch of the Northern Kenyan coastline.

Couples with a passion for tropical island life will love Lamu Island, with its historic, narrow-alleyed Lamu town, swaying-palm beaches necklaced with traditional dhows, and cheerful children playing football on the sands. And for the ideal romantic getaway, Betty's Suite is perfect. One of four units called The Moon Houses on a private property in Shela village, Betty's is a charming Swahili-style love nest, with a cool bedroom, sheltered dining area, out-of-this-world bathtub and infinity pool. In front of the property, the tranquil beach stretches for some 13 kilometres, perfect for hand-in-hand strolls.

Neatly poised along Shela beach, with its tumbling array of pretty buildings and picture-perfect sandy beach, Forodhani House is every bit as beautiful as its unique surrounds. Rented on a self catering basis, this authentically-styled, five-roomed house is the ultimate holiday retreat for groups of friends and family. Whether you want to simply relax and gaze at the sparkling Indian Ocean through the traditional, white-washed arches of the terrace, or take a boat down to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamu Town, and explore the winding streets and enchanting architecture, Forodhani is the perfect holiday sanctuary in one of the most sought-after locations on the island. Truly a unique house for a unique location.

Wazi Dubu House is an exclusive villa at the southern end of Kizingoni Beach, on the beautiful island of Lamu. This majestic Kenyan residence has a delightful air of colonial grandeur mixed with traditional Swahili style, and is a wonderful destination for families or groups of friends looking for a special Kenyan beach holiday. The villa is huge and set over two levels in lush palm-fringed gardens, with five spacious bedrooms and plenty of entertainment areas; a perfect party venue. It comes with a small team of staff, including a chef, and a private boat with a fully qualified captain.

Named after the historical dhows that skim across the Indian Ocean, Jahazi House sits on the edge of the wide, mangrove-lined Mida Creek, which opens to the sea on the southern tip of Lamu island. Fragrant frangipani, swaying palms and fruit trees flank the house, and a mostly empty beach fronts it. The spacious and simply elegant interiors are typical of Arab and Swahili dwellings, laid-back and tranquil with a central courtyard and a pool. Outside, the creek and ocean sparkle, migrant seabirds call and the odd donkey awaiting your company. Settle back and relax, African style.

The third of the Shela private properties is a wonderful character-filled home away from home. A mere two minute walk from the beach the namesake Shela House is a leafy, shaded restored colonial era village house, built over three floors around an open courtyard and the traditional house well. Hanging arabic lanterns flood the white washed walls and exposed wooden beams with colourful light. With tantalising views over Shela Village and the channel between Lamu and Manda Island days can be spent lounging on one of the two rooftops in either a hammock or a sun bed, listening to village life.

A giant royal palm reaches into the open sky in the courtyard that is the centre of Palm private house, part of the Shela house group. A series of private properties have been converted to holiday accommodation and the Palm sits as the middle ground in their rental portfolio, sleeping up to ten people in a very stylish Swahili inspired house found a mere two minute walk from the main beach in the little village of Shela.

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.

The Majlis is one of the most popular Kenya Luxury Hotels that is ideal for beach holidays, corporate events, business meetings, wedding ceremonies, honeymoons and more. The luxury beach hotel, located on Manda Island in the Lamu archipelago, offers panoramic views of Lamu Island and the Ras Kitau beach. The Majlis Boutique hotel which is conveniently located in front of Shela village (Lamu Island) and only 10 minutes from the Lamu airport (Manda airstrip), is a home away from home that is surrounded by lush green trees, exotic Swahili culture and breathtaking views of the Indian ocean.

Lamu Island, on Kenya's north coast, is a dreamy sand-and-sea destination in a nutshell and Kijani House, a grand old colonial mansion, makes for a lovely place to stay. Located in the quaint village of Shela, just south of Lamu Town, the hotel has front-row access to the beach and the incredible sunsets over the water. There's a gorgeous garden, lush with palms, albizias and bougainvilleas and two sparkling swimming pools, just in case the Indian Ocean is too warm for you. In the town of Shela, you'll find a small harbour, with two dozen fishing boats and a few sailing dhows lining the shore. This means two things: seafood is fresh and plentiful, and your sunset cruise is waiting for you.

Just off the Kenyan coast, Lamu Island (also home to Lamu Town) is an exquisitely preserved architectural relic and an important site of Swahili culture. The town is one of the oldest consistently inhabited in coastal Africa and with narrow, labyrinth streets, curved archways and intricate architectural flourishes, its charm is instantly apparent, as is the reason for its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Lamu House, a boutique hotel located along a pretty waterfront street, occupies two Swahili homes that share an interior courtyard. The authentic charisma sets the mood for a chilled-out holiday, with plenty of exotic romance.

A 75ft traditional Omani dhow, NaiSabah has been repurposed for guests to explore the warm waters of the Lamu Archipelago; celebrating the history of the Indian Ocean using the monsoon winds to follow ancient trading routes in the pristine waters off the Kenyan coast.

Nestled along the sand dunes of Shela Beach, The Fort has been hailed as a monument to Omani architectural ingenuity. Built in 2001, the landmark is the epitome of privacy and seclusion. Its unique architecture occupies an unrivaled position overlooking the Indian Ocean on the deserted 14 kilometre beach. Peaceful and tranquil in it’s setting, surrounded by natural dunes and breezy casuarinas, The Fort is an elegant and unique sanctuary offering privacy combined with personalized hospitality. Extremely private and secure, this oasis is just a ten minute walk along the beach to Shela Village. The Fort is constructed of local coral stone and is enclosed by an imposing 50-foot high sandstone wall. The Omani style heavy wooden entrance doors, decorated with iron studs, open onto the main floor of the property, where large arches surround the central courtyard. The living area, lower dining area and lounge look onto the aesthetic pool and the beautiful garden. From the upstairs formal dining area, guests can enjoy spectacular views of the Indian Ocean as traditional dhows sail by and donkeys and camels cruise the beach. Peering out at the pristine Shela Beach one is reminded that time here has stopped.

Tusitiri was hand crafted as a trading vessel over 50 years ago. She has since been meticulously restored and converted by her current owners, and today she is a majestic and luxurious vessel offering dhow safaris in the Lamu archipelago in Kenya. Tusitiri is ideal for families or a group of friends wanting a unique and private experience amongst the beautiful and historic islands of the north Kenyan coast. Tusitiri can be chartered on an exclusive use basis for multi-night dhow safaris for up to 10 guests, and is also available for day trips from Lamu for up to 25 guests. Life on-board is relaxed and centered on Tusitiri’s broad deck, with sumptuous cushioned seating areas and a dining area arranged around the wooden mast. Meals are prepared in the open-air galley kitchen at the bow, and served in the shaded dining area. There are beautiful views over the ocean, quiet corners to relax, and the day-cabins below deck provide storage and changing facilities. At night, brass lanterns light up the deck and comfortable white linen bedrolls are set up on deck. On Tusitiri, all the beds are star-beds! Tusitiri Dhow is based in the pristine Lamu archipelago – a rare gem in the Indian Ocean. Although quiet and seemingly forgotten, the archipelago has welcomed travelers for over a thousand years and is steeped in history – Lamu Town is the oldest living town in East Africa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Long white sandy beaches are fringed with palm and acacia trees; turquoise waters teeming with marine life are curved and shaped by mangrove forests. The archipelago is unspoilt and has become known as a world-renowned fishing, cultural and historical marine ‘Mecca’.

Mike’s Camp is located on Kiwayu Island, one of the many unspoilt islands of the Lamu Archipelago on the Kenyan coast. You’re essentially offered your own private island, with soft, white sand and turquoise waters on one side, a serene creek system on the other, where you’re completely safe and undisturbed. Situated in the Kiuaga Marine National Reserve you’re immersed in an untouched paradise of natural beauty that you’ll never want to leave. A simply unforgettable location and atmosphere.

Wooden dhows drift past as gentle waves lap at golden shores, setting the rhythm for days filled with saltwater adventures and hammock-bound relaxation. This three-bedroom hideaway, crafted in traditional coastal style, sits proudly on pristine sands where the Indian Ocean meets endless blue skies. Cool breezes sweep through airy rooms while a dedicated local team ensures every moment unfolds exactly as it should - whether that's arranging impromptu water-skiing sessions or serving just-caught seafood under the stars.

Located at the edge of Shela Village, Dhow House is a spacious home that sits in a glorious private garden surrounded by high white walls. The house is an ensemble of white turrets, terraces and polished stone floors, giving it a stylishly modern yet elegant al fresco feel. With stunning 360 views, located directly on the beach, it is simply perfect. Its luxurious swimming pool and beach access allows you to experience the Island magic and at the same time enjoy exclusivity and comfort.

A constellation hotel in Shela Village, on the Island of Lamu - a place of vivid, barefoot childhood memories for Anna Trzebinski. Inspired by the culture and pristine marine nature, Jannah Lamu was born, expressing one woman’s love for a place that has played many important roles in her life and paved the way to a new chapter. Its name translates from the Arabic word for “paradise” and aims to offer a particularly different experience to visitors.

Castle-like in size and appearance with monk-like solitude and all the comforts an abundance of friendly staff provides. One of the many enjoyable features is a 100-foot swimming pool which hugs the front of the entire house. You can step into it from your ground floor bedroom, or come down from the tower for a swim. An eco-friendly, health-oriented diet is provided with a world-class chef and two modern cooks (serving a variety of cuisines including local flavors, vegetarian options, California-style summer fare, Italian, low cholesterol, organic). In fact, we have 3-acres of gardens to pull from. Some of the best cooking in Kenya is done on site! You will have a private beach at your disposal (perfect for jogging and swimming) and a variety of boats for recreation.