An intimate and charming boutique hotel at the seaside in Lamu, Kenya

The Lamu House is a charming and authentic stopover in the enchanting island of Lamu (Kenya). This romantic and intimate 10-room boutique hotel is sited in two 200 year old patrician Swahili buildings. It offers caring service, excellent fresh sea-food cuisine and breathtaking views of the ocean animated only by the movement of the dhows (traditional Kenyan boats). The Lamu House is the perfect base to discover the centre of the island of Lamu, a UNESCO world heritage site.

Authentic Swahili decoration, four poster beds, terraces with ocean views ...

The Lamu house is split between two traditional patrician Swahili styled buildings and has two plunge pools for guests to freshen up in. The main house, Salama, is three centuries old and was recently renovated by the architect and owner, Urko, in the finest respect of local traditions, craftsmanship and architecture so as to preserve the authenticity of the past. The walls, for example, are ancient and made of coral blocks that are particularly efficient at keeping the houses fresh.

The decoration is stylish and features Swahili antiques of Lamu and Zanzibar and Spanish colonial objects such as old copper lamps, standing clocks, or ancient pots found in the street. The antiques, the traditional Kikoi tissue, and the Mahoney furniture contrast with the coarse aspect of the walls and the atmosphere radiates an undeniable charm.

The rooms are all unique and different from each other but all are genuinely charming. Some have private terraces with sleeping beds or balconies allowing guests to observe life on shore as well as on the ocean with the movement of the traditional Kenyan dhows (sailing boats). The rooms are decorated with style, authenticity, and taste. For example, light veils dress the four poster beds and the room's bathrooms are decorated with a lot of oriental charm.

The JUU room is perfect for honeymoons. It has a private terrace overseeing the old city of Lamu and that also gives breathtaking views over the simmering ocean. Its bathroom with candlelight is a heaven for relaxation.

The Kulia (double room), Kati Kati (twin room), Kushoto (twin or double room) and Chini (double room) also feature a private terrace and have garden or town views.

The Kiwayu (double room), Siyu (twin room), Ndau (double room), Kizingitini (twin room), all have a balcony with beautiful ocean views. Enjoy a magic breakfast with the sunlight and colour of the ocean!

The Dodori room (double) has its own private lounge and has a view on the garden, the ocean, and the interior pool.

The Tempting Experience: Starlight dinner on an authentic Swahili dhow

The Lamu house restored 2 ancient dhows and whilst preserving their authenticity, equipped them with all modern comfort. They are thus perfect for private excursions to discover the archipel. On top, the dhows are also the dream setting for a romantic candlelight dinner served under the thousands of stars of the Kenyan sky. Enjoy the Chef's special crayfish and crabs in an authentic setting and amidst candlelight and copper lamps!

Services and activities

The Lamu House boutique hotel is located in the historical centre of Lamu and nestled between the main street and the ocean. The main sites are thus only a couple of minutes of walking away: the Swahili House Museum, the German post office, Fort Lamu ...

The Lamu House organise the airport transfer and makes available a complimentary shuttle to take guests to the beautiful virgin beaches where guests can swim in the crystal waters of the ocean.

A beautiful swimming pool is planned to be opened by March 2009.

Every morning and every late afternoon an hour of Yoga with mats, a bottle of water and towel provided.

The Lamu House has two beautifully renovated traditional dhows that can be used for unique excursions in the archipel and to visit nearby fishermen villages, stop by desert beaches, and enjoy bare-foot pick-nicks.

The Lamu House Beach Club at Manda Beach will open on August 1st.The facilities will be : a restaurant-bar, a Lounge Club with water sport facilities as canoe, wind surf and water ski.
You will be offered free sun stretchers with shades and the possibility of having there full or half board meals at the beach restaurant. The hotel's boat will bring and take you back for free at different, although scheduled, moments of the day.

Exclusive advantages with Tempting Hotels

A Lamu cocktail will be offered to Tempting Guests so that they can enjoy the beautiful sunset from the comfort of the terrace.

If you reserve a stay of 6 or more nights, then you will be offered a personalised romantic cruise on the Lamu House's dhow and have aperitif served exclusively for you.

For honeymoons, lovers will receive a complimentary wine bottle that they can enjoy on the magnificent terrace of their JUU Suite whilst lovingly letting time go by.

Discover Lamu Island, UNESCO world heritage site

Do not miss a visit of the Central Sultan's Fort (1808) today a museum whose central courtyard also hosts the most important market in town.

Stroll around the small streets by foot or on the back of donkey and discover the hundreds of typical houses with their interior patios and take advantage of the small boutiques with local craftsmanship.

Visit the Swahili House Museum illustrating traditional houses and recounting the history and life of Lamu.

Finally also visit the German Post Office Museum that has become a sanctuary and hospital for donkeys.