Lamu
Lamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a charming island found on the northeastern coast of Kenya. Known for its rich history, Swahili architecture, and vibrant culture, Lamu is a perfect destination for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation and exploration. This guide provides detailed information about ten of the best hotels in Lamu.
The Majlis Resort
The Majlis Resort is a luxurious beachfront hotel offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean and personalized service.
Accommodation: The resort features 25 rooms and suites, including deluxe rooms, family suites, and seafront villas. Each room has air conditioning, a minibar, a safe, and a private balcony or terrace with breathtaking ocean views.
Dining: The Majlis offers a variety of dining options, including a main restaurant serving international and Swahili cuisine, a beach bar, and a poolside bar.
Recreation: Guests can enjoy two outdoor pools, a spa offering various treatments, a fitness center, and water sports such as snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing.
Family-Friendly: The Majlis is ideal for families, featuring family rooms, a children’s pool, and babysitting services.
Payment: The hotel accepts credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), cash, and bank transfers. A deposit is usually required at the time of booking.
Peponi Hotel
Peponi Hotel is a historic beachfront hotel known for its charming atmosphere and excellent amenities.
Accommodation: The hotel offers a variety of rooms and suites, including garden-view rooms, sea-facing rooms, and luxury suites. All rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, minibars, and private balconies or terraces with ocean or garden views.
Dining: Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including a main restaurant serving international cuisine, a seafood grill, and several bars.
Recreation: The hotel features an outdoor pool, a spa offering various treatments, a fitness center, and a range of water sports and activities, including scuba diving and deep-sea fishing.
Family-Friendly: Peponi Hotel has a kids’ club, a children’s pool, and family-friendly entertainment programs.
Payment: Accepted payment methods include credit/debit cards, cash, and bank transfers. A deposit is required to confirm a booking.
Kizingo beach
Kizingo is an eco-friendly beach lodge that offers a tranquil and unique experience on the island of Lamu.
Accommodation: The lodge features eight spacious bandas (cottages) with stunning ocean views, designed to blend with the natural environment. The staff equips each banda with a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom, and private veranda.
Dining: Guests can enjoy fresh, locally sourced cuisine at the restaurant, which offers a variety of Swahili and international dishes. There is also a bar for refreshing drinks and cocktails.
Recreation: Kizingo offers a range of activities, including dolphin watching, kayaking, snorkeling, and guided walks. The lodge also has a spa offering various treatments.
Sustainability: Kizingo is committed to eco-friendly practices, including solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and waste recycling.
Payment: Accepted payment methods include credit/debit cards, cash, and bank transfers. A deposit is required to confirm a booking.
The Red Pepper House
The Red Pepper House offers a luxurious and exclusive retreat with personalized service and Swahili architecture.
Accommodation: The property features five spacious suites designed in traditional Swahili style, each with a private terrace, outdoor shower, and ocean views. All the suites are equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning and minibars.
Dining: Guests can enjoy personalized dining experiences with a private chef, offering a variety of international and Swahili dishes. Meals are served in the main dining area or on private terraces.
Recreation: The Red Pepper House offers a range of activities, including dhow sailing, cultural tours, and guided walks. The property also has a spa offering various treatments.
Exclusive Features: Personalized service, including butler service and private dining options.
Payment: Accepted payment methods include credit/debit cards, cash, and bank transfers. A deposit is often required to confirm a booking.
Lamu House Hotel
Lamu House Hotel is a charming boutique hotel found in the heart of Lamu Town, offering a blend of luxury and traditional Swahili design.
Accommodation: The hotel features 10 individually designed rooms and suites with modern amenities such as air conditioning, satellite TV, minibars, and private balconies or terraces.
Dining: Guests can enjoy dining at the restaurant, which offers a variety of international and local dishes, or opt for private dining experiences.
Recreation: The hotel features an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a spa offering various treatments, and a range of water sports and activities.
Cultural Experience: Lamu House Hotel offers guided tours of Lamu Town, showcasing its rich history and culture.
Payment: Accepted payment methods include credit/debit cards, cash, and bank transfers. A deposit is often required to confirm a booking.
Diamond Beach Village
Diamond Beach Village is a laid-back beach resort offering a relaxed atmosphere and stunning beachfront views.
Accommodation: The resort offers a variety of rooms and cottages, each equipped with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas with ocean or garden views.
Dining: Guests can enjoy fresh, locally sourced cuisine at the restaurant, which offers a variety of Swahili and international dishes. There is also a beach bar for drinks and snacks.
Recreation: The resort offers a range of activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, and dhow sailing. Guests can also relax on the beach or by the outdoor pool.
Family-Friendly: Diamond Beach Village is suitable for families, with family rooms and children’s activities available.
Payment: Accepted payment methods include credit/debit cards, cash, and bank transfers. A deposit is required to secure a booking.
Jannat House
Jannat House is a charming guesthouse offering a blend of comfort and affordability in the heart of Lamu Town.
Accommodation: The guesthouse features a variety of rooms, including single, double, and family rooms. Each room is equipped with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and ceiling fans.
Dining: Guests can enjoy home-cooked meals at the restaurant, which offers a variety of Swahili and international dishes. There is also a rooftop terrace for drinks and snacks.
Recreation: Jannat House offers guided tours of Lamu Town, showcasing its rich history and culture. Guests can also relax in the courtyard or by the outdoor pool.
Budget-Friendly: Jannat House offers affordable rates without compromising on comfort and service.
Payment: Accepted payment methods include credit/debit cards, cash, and bank transfers. A deposit is required to confirm a booking.
Kipungani Explorer
Kipungani Explorer is a luxury beach lodge, offering an exclusive and tranquil retreat on the island of Lamu.
Accommodation: The lodge features 14 spacious bandas (cottages) with stunning ocean views, designed to blend with the natural environment. Each banda is equipped with a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom, and private veranda.
Dining: Guests can enjoy fresh, locally sourced cuisine at the restaurant, which offers a variety of Swahili and international dishes. There is also a beach bar for drinks and snacks.
Recreation: Kipungani Explorer offers a range of activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, and dhow sailing. The lodge also has a spa offering various treatments.
Exclusive Features: Personalized service, including butler service and private dining options.
Payment: Accepted payment methods include credit/debit cards, cash, and bank transfers. A deposit is often required to confirm a booking.
Banana House and Wellness Centre
Banana House and Wellness Centre is a boutique hotel offering a blend of relaxation and wellness in a tranquil setting.
Accommodation: The hotel features 16 individually designed rooms and suites with modern amenities such as air conditioning, satellite TV, minibars, and private balconies or terraces.
Dining: Guests can enjoy healthy, organic meals at the restaurant, which offers a variety of international and local dishes. There is also a juice bar for refreshing drinks.
Recreation: The hotel offers a range of wellness activities, including yoga, meditation, and spa treatments. Guests can also relax by the outdoor pool or take part in guided tours of Lamu Town.
Wellness Focus: Banana House and Wellness Centre offers a variety of wellness programs and retreats to promote relaxation and rejuvenation.
Payment: Accepted payment methods include credit/debit cards, cash, and bank transfers. A deposit is often required to confirm a booking.
Manda Bay Resort
Manda Bay Resort is a secluded beachfront resort offering a luxurious and serene escape on Manda Island.
Accommodation: The resort features 16 spacious cottages with stunning ocean views, designed to blend with the natural environment. Each cottage is equipped with a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom, and private veranda.
Dining: Guests can enjoy fresh, locally sourced cuisine at the restaurant, which offers a variety of Swahili and international dishes. There is also a beach bar for drinks and snacks.
Recreation: Manda Bay Resort offers a range of activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, and dhow sailing. The resort also has a spa offering various treatments.
Exclusive Features: Personalized service, including butler service and private dining options.
Payment: Accepted payment methods include credit/debit cards, cash, and bank transfers. A deposit is often required to confirm a booking.
Have you stayed at any of these hotels in Lamu? Share your experiences in the comments below!