“Marrakech on the beach – talcum-soft sand, maze-like alleyways filled with the scent of spices and ancient dhows bobbing on the Indian Ocean…” The Guardian
Sleepy yet sophisticated, Shela Village sits two miles to the south of Lamu Town at the start of the island’s wonderful 8-mile beach. One of the most relaxing and seductive places you will ever visit, Shela has a languid, undisturbed atmosphere all its own. A generation or two ago Shela was being described as something of a ghost town, but in the past few years numerous ravishing holiday homes and guest houses have been built along the village’s pretty waterfront and jumble of narrow sandy streets. Beyond the charming Peponi Hotel, centre of Shela social life, the beach stretches almost as far as the eye can see – miles of empty white sand facing the Indian Ocean and backed by magnificent dunes.
“There are no words to describe the beauty, the mystery, the tranquility of Shela. It’s like something out of a dream.” Vanity Fair
Uzio House, Shela Village
A lovely, authentic and historic 3-bedroom house situated on a quiet and sheltered stretch of Shela seafront, Uzio – Kiswahili for ‘fish trap’ – looks out over the dhow harbour and enjoys panoramic views across the Lamu channel
Mnarani House, Shela Village
An imposing Swahili mansion in one of the best spots in Shela, close to Peponi Hotel, the seafront and beach, Mnarani House has 4 double ensuite bedrooms, a courtyard swimming pool and is beautifully decorated and furnished in authentic Lamu style
Beach House, Shela Village
This magnificent 5-bedroom private home sits in a commanding position above Shela beach, enjoys wonderful ocean views from its beautiful gardens, roof terraces and dramatic infinity pool and makes the perfect luxurious holiday retreat for up to a dozen fortunate guests
Forodhani House, Shela Village
A spectacular 5-bedroom house in one of the best positions on the island, Forodhani sits close to Peponi Hotel at the very start of the island’s wonderful 8-mile beach. Stylish, sought-after and with wonderful sea views, it is one of the loveliest places to stay on the Kenyan coast.
Kilamawingu House, Shela Village
An exceptionally charming, spacious and beautifully-furnished family house with swimming pool, set in lovely gardens close to the seafront in Shela village, Kilamawingu is one of the most characterful, luxurious and well-appointed places to stay on the island
Kiwandini House, Shela Village
A lovely and exotically-decorated house set just back from the Shela seafront and beach, Kiwandani has three double ensuite bedrooms and a spacious courtyard garden and pool. Kiwandini House is often rented with neighbouring Full Moon House – together they can accommodate 12+ guests.
Mama Daktari House, Shela Village
A charming and architecturally-appealing place to stay which enjoys far-reaching views from upper terraces and seafront gardens, Mama Daktari House has two double bedrooms and is often rented with the adjoining Betty’s Suite – together the two properties can accommodate 6 guests
Full Moon House, Shela Village
A spacious and imposing 3-bedroom home just steps away from beach and waterfront, with lovely views across the channel to Manda Island plus courtyard garden and swimming pool. Full Moon House is often rented with neighbouring Kiwandini House – together they can accommodate 12+ guests.
Garden House, Shela Village
A really delightful 2-bedroom village retreat surrounded by Shela’s largest private garden and enjoying elevated sea views across the dhow harbour, Garden House is often rented with the neighbouring Mama Daktari House and Betty’s Suite – together they can accommodate 10 guests
Betty’s Suite, Shela Village
Betty’s Suite is a perfect and highly romantic 1-bedroom retreat for couples and honeymooners. Just steps away from Shela’s seafront and beach, it enjoys lovely views across the Lamu channel from its own private roof terrace and elevated infinity pool.
The Moon Houses, Shela Village, Lamu
A delightful collection of neighbouring and interconnecting houses set close to the seafront in Shela Village. All are historic and charming, furnished with local antiques and built in traditional Swahili style. Each can be rented individually – or together with one or more of the adjoining properties
Palm House, Shela Village
A really appealing 4-bedroom house set in a quiet part of the village close to beach and dunes, Palm House is the ‘little sister’ to next door Shela House and shares the same excellent management and staff. It enjoys panoramic views from rooftop terrace, dining room and bar
Tusitiri Dhow
A magnificent 65-foot dhow converted for private charter, Tusitiri is available for day excursions from Lamu as well as longer sailing safaris. Tusitiri carries all the latest fishing and water sports gear and there is no better or more luxurious way to explore the Kenya coast.
East African Retreats
For handpicked holiday houses, boutique lodges, private safari camps and other unique and special places to stay all around the region, both in the bush and at the beach, please see our East African Retreats website
Shela House, Shela Village
One of Lamu’s very first private holiday homes, elegant 5-bedroom Shela House has been charming visitors to the island for more than 25 years. Often rented together with next door Palm House and nearby Beach House, together they can comfortably accommodate over 30 guests
Mtende House, Shela Village
A charming, atmospheric and affordable 3-bedroom family home with a lovely airy makuti-thatched roof terrace, Mtende House nestles close to the sand dunes in a quiet part of the village and is just a short stroll from Shela's seafront, beach and Peponi Hotel
Gaba Gaba House, Shela Village
Lamu meets Morocco in this rich and relaxing addition to the Shela scene. Quietly situated to the rear of the village, Gaba Gaba is unusually spacious and well-equipped and features 3 double bedroom suites, an airy central courtyard and rooftop plunge pool.
Ras Firdaws, Shela Village
A true Lamu landmark, Ras Firdaws sits in a breezy waterfront position just outside fashionable Shela with lovely views across the Lamu channel. An outstanding example of Moorish coastal architecture, it is also a charming and atmospheric 6-bedroom family home.
