Bembea House, Shela

“We had such a fantastic time, I’m so pleased we chose Bembea over the other couple of options – what luck! We absolutely loved the house from the moment we stepped in the door, the look and feel of it and the team. It blew away all expectations. So well located too.”

A little bit about Bembea – from its owner

The large and lofty entrance hall is decorated in traditional Swahili style with a zidaka wall – an intricate art that has been perfected over centuries by local craftsmen – and hung with two large Arab lanterns. Its size ensures that it remains cool throughout the whole day. Leading from this is a bedroom with two single beds and an ensuite bathroom.

The First Floor has a large, well-equipped, European-style kitchen and dining area. It is one of the areas where meals can be served as an alternative to either the more formal area on the third floor or on the top floor roof terrace.

The Second Floor has two large bedrooms, both with ensuite bathrooms, each with two wash basins and solar-powered hot shower. The beds are raised and Emperor sized. One can be split to create two single four-poster beds. Both overlook the sand dunes, a great deal of which are covered in green vegetation.

The Third Floor has the Master Bedroom with an Emperor raised four-poster bed, ensuite bathroom and the same outlook as those on the floor below.

All bedrooms have ample hanging space, shelves for clothes, a writing desk, and a combination safe. They are equipped with ceiling fans and mosquito nets. Each has zidaka artwork on one wall.

On the Third Floor, opposite the Master Bedroom is a large sitting room with a dining table for eight people. There are large, shuttered windows on every wall, plenty of comfortable seating, and the room is decorated with pieces of African art.

The Top Floor is completely open under a beautiful, newly-constructed makuti roof. The area is naturally divided by the central staircase allowing for two separate seating areas both with large sofas. One is constructed to allow for sun beds, the other for a dining table. There is a minibar with fridge and a writing desk with lamp.

During your stay you will have access to the entire house and to the services of the staff who will also guide and help you with the many activities available during your time at Bembea, from water sports and fishing to a massage in your room or sunset sail on a dhow.

You will be able to relax from the moment your plane lands at Lamu airport on Manda Island. Your luggage will be carried to the waiting boat captained by Nasir who will ferry you to the jetty in Shela. There you will be met by the staff who will take you and your luggage to the house.