Dhow House Lamu

Unwind at the wonderful Dhow House, found at the edge of Shela village on Lamu Island. Lying discretely behind a white sandy beach and a wooden Indian door, this beautiful, spacious home sits in a glorious private garden surrounded by high white walls. Designed by a renowned French architect, the house is an ensemble of white turrets, terraces and polished stone floors, giving it a stylishly modern yet elegant al fresco feel. Dhow house has stunning 360 views, located directly on the beach, it is the perfect setting to reconnect with your loved ones. It is one of the few houses in the area with a luxurious swimming pool and beach access.

Dhow House caters for up to 14 guests, has a staff of 6, and consists of 7 bedrooms, a dining room, lounge and a number of spacious terraces. Design-wise, the effect is extraordinary: stone floors, ornately carved furniture, sunken seating areas, shuttered openings, carefully chosen pieces of art all of which are placed or positioned in such a way as to never seem cluttered, and are designed to make maximum use of Lamu’s light.

A fascinating local dhow workshop is right on your doorstep. A two-minute leisurely beach stroll will take you to the beautiful white, sandy beaches and beautiful waterfront restaurants. Activities include swimming at Shela beach, dhow trips, snorkelling, cultural visits and lazing about the pool. The large infinity pool overlooking the lawn provides a great place to cool off and relax whilst the top-floor round terrace is a wonderful, breezy yoga spot. They can supply yoga mats and organise an instructor. They also have a dedicated massage room and can hire a private masseuse. As the sun drops, the sunken seating area becomes the perfect evening hub, a great place for cocktails and canopies.

Candle lamps are put out at night and after dinner there is nothing better than lying on the sunbeds by the pool and gazing up at the stars and Milky Way. The staff at Dhow House always prepare delicious meals which you can enjoy either at the dining tables or on the upper terrace.

Upon arrival at Manda Airport you will be met by the boat captain who will drive you to Dhow House. Here, you will be welcomed by the house staff.

All laundry is done on the premises; towels, beach towels and sheets are changed every few days and more often if needed.

The house has Wifi and a speaker that connects via Bluetooth.

Lamu town is a 15 minute taxi-boat away from Shela.

Shela & Lamu:

The Lamu Archipelago is a chain of extensive mangrove forest islands in the Indian Ocean, rich in history and bursting with nature’s charms. Lamu Town, with its meandering streets, stone courtyards and wooden doors, is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, gaining it status as a world heritage site.

Shela, where Dhow House is located, is just 2 miles down from Lamu. Beautiful white stone houses and restaurants line its seafront, whilst in the sandy streets of the village you will find some excellent clothes and jewellery shops and delicious traditional Swahili food.

From Shela, hire boats and Dhows so that you can sail away through the winding mangrove forests, take trips to the ancient Takwa ruins or simply enjoy a drink in the setting sun.

Take a boat to the nearby reefs of Kinyika and Manda Toto and snorkel with some of Kenya’s most spectacular sea-life or, if you’re wanting some more water-sport action, kitesurfing, windsurfing and water-skiing schools can also be found in the village.