Classic Destination
Situated on a quiet corner of Lamu Island, Shela Village is a tangle of narrow sandy lanes, tall stone houses, smaller thatched dwellings, mosques, ruins and a spacious square. At one edge of the village, a deserted beach stretches out for fourteen kilometres. We offer three separate houses in Shela Village: Palm House, Shela House and the luxurious Beach House. The three villas each offer access to both the excellent beaches and the old town. You have the option of hiring the villas on an accommodation only or full board basis; if you are coming for a relaxing holiday then we recommend you book the latter. All houses have a minimum of three staff, there is also a resident manager who will help to ensure you have everything you need and help organise local excursions.
Palm House
Palm House is designed around an open courtyard. The living and dining areas look onto the courtyard and another small side garden. It is spacious, yet compact - two doubles and one twin bedroom on the first floor, all ensuite with private balconies. The second floor has an open terrace, which leads off to a small covered baraza area in front of the fourth bedroom. This master bedroom has a Lamu four-poster bed and balconies on two sides. There is a panoramic view from the covered rooftop, with a bar, sun beds and baraza lounging area.
Shela House
Shela House is neighbour to Palm House on the outskirts of the village. An old house with great character, it is built on three floors around an open courtyard, the house well and an ancient gardenia. The entrance hall leads into the courtyard, edged by a baraza sitting and eating area. Two staircases lead to the upper rooms. There are five ensuite bedrooms - three double bedrooms, another with two large four-poster single beds and a smaller single bedroom. There is also a nursery room. A second floor dayroom and terrace provide additional lounging areas. Most of our guests seem to spend their time relaxing on the two rooftops.
Beach House
A large house with four double and one triple, ensuite bedrooms. On the first floor, raised above beach level, there is an edgeless, fresh water swimming pool. It has a bar area and low comfortable baraza seats. Up the first flight of stairs is a large dining and living room, leading out onto an alfresco terrace. Another door leads onto the wooden deck over the pool and to two double bedrooms with their own private terraces. The third floor comprises three bedrooms and an open terrace. From the rooftop you can enjoy panoramic views of the whole of the Lamu channel.
Shela Village is reached by 3 scheduled flights a day from Nairobi into Lamu.