Dhow House, Shela, Lamu

A glamorous, luxurious and expansive private retreat tucked away in a quiet position on the fringes of sophisticated Shela, the Dhow House is a stylish and secluded sanctuary with all the attractions of village and beach just a few minutes stroll away

Dhow House in Shela, Lamu
Dhow House in Shela, Lamu
Dhow House in Shela, Lamu

“A spectacular private villa and perhaps the chicest beach house in Africa, this seven-bedroom home is generously proportioned, comfortably accommodating 14 people in airy and sunshine-flooded rooms. Tasteful accents throughout the house reflect both the owner’s eclectic style and Lamu’s exotic history. The gardens are stuffed with palm trees, hibiscus and flat-topped acacias, with a tamarind tree providing the fruit for fresh juices every morning.”

Departures Magazine

“Shela’s Dhow House overlooks the sea and is fronted by a beautifully-designed pool and its whitewashed exterior is dominated by a charmingly quirky turret. Stone floors, ornately carved furniture, sunken seating areas, shuttered openings and carefully-chosen pieces of art are all arranged to make maximum use of Lamu’s light, and the accommodation works for families or groups of friends alike.”

Harper’s Bazaar

  • A gorgeous hideaway designed and furnished in opulent style
  • Elegant and dramatic inside and outside living & entertaining areas
  • Perfect for a serene and luxurious break at the beach
  • Dazzling 13-metre swimming pool and lush tropical gardens
  • Rooftop massage and yoga room, multiple al-fresco terraces and verandas
  • Direct private access to Shela seafront and beach
  • Accommodates up to 14 guests in 7 ensuite bedrooms
  • From $1,500 per night for up to 10 resident guests ‘self-catering’ with chef and staff

Dhow House sits less than 50 metres from the seafront in Shela Village, near a traditional dhow-building workshop and close to the eastern tip of Lamu Island. The island’s main beach is just a few minutes’ stroll from the house, as are Peponi Hotel and the other attractions of the village. Lamu Town is two miles north of Shela, and Manda Island and its airport are just a short boat ride away across the Lamu channel.

Lamu is best accessed by air and there are usually several scheduled flights per day to and from Nairobi. Some flights also arrive or depart via Malindi. Airlines serving Lamu include :

“A spectacular private villa and perhaps the chicest beach house in Africa, this seven-bedroom home is generously proportioned, comfortably accommodating 14 people in airy and sunshine-flooded rooms. Tasteful accents throughout the house reflect both the owner’s eclectic style and Lamu’s exotic history. The gardens are stuffed with palm trees, hibiscus and flat-topped acacias, with a tamarind tree providing the fruit for fresh juices every morning.”

Departures Magazine

“Shela’s Dhow House overlooks the sea and is fronted by a beautifully-designed pool and its whitewashed exterior is dominated by a charmingly quirky turret. Stone floors, ornately carved furniture, sunken seating areas, shuttered openings and carefully-chosen pieces of art are all arranged to make maximum use of Lamu’s light, and the accommodation works for families or groups of friends alike.”

Harper’s Bazaar

Self-Catering Accommodation Rates

  • Minimum stay – 3 nights.
  • Maximum occupancy – 14 guests including children and infants
  • Minimum stay in August – 5 nights
  • Minimum stay over Christmas, New Year – 10 nights.

Special Offer Kenyan Resident Rates – standard season

$1,500 per night for up to 10 guests ‘self catering’ in 5 bedrooms in Main House, no breakfast

$1,800 per night for up to 14 guests ‘self catering’ in 7 bedrooms in Whole Property, no breakfast

Minimum stay – 3 nights, preference given to 5+ nights

Non-Resident Guests – Standard Season

$1,500 1-6 guests in Main House, breakfast included

$2,000 7-10 guests in Main House, breakfast included

$2,500 11-14 guests in Whole Property, breakfast included

Minimum stay – 3 nights

High Season Rates (resident and non-resident guests) 15 Dec 2024 – 12 Jan 2025

$4,500 per night for the Whole Property, breakfast included

Minimum Stay – 10 nights

Rentals are on a ‘self-catering’ basis including the services of the chef and team of staff

Check in from 3pm, Check out by 10am

Available at additional cost: Dhow trips, speed boat hire, massages & yoga, extra meals

These rates, terms and conditions are valid for stays up until 12th January 2025

The owners require all adult guests to sign an indemnity / disclaimer form on arrival

The swimming pool is unfenced.  Children must be closely supervised around the pool by an adult guest and should never be left unattended in any part of the property at any time.

Please contact us to make a booking

Please familiarise yourself with all the terms & conditions on our website when making a booking

Bookings can only be confirmed upon receipt of payment.  Until a booking is confirmed, availability is subject to change without notice.

Availability Calendar

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Please contact us for further information or to make a booking