Dhow House located in Shela Village in Lamu

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

“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

Summary

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 $1,650 per night for up to 10 resident guests ‘self-catering’ with chef and staff

Detailed information

Central living area with sunken ‘conversation pit’
5 ensuite double bedrooms
2 bedroom garden suite with shared ensuite bathroom
2 dining areas
3 terrace areas and roof top
1 guest cloakroom
Fully-equipped kitchen
13-metre pool, poolside dining
Pool shower & beach towels
Beautiful mature gardens
Solar hot water
Speed boat and captain available
Yoga tuition, massage & beauty treatments available
Yoga mats
4G Safaricom network
Free 4G WIFI
House manager
Six members of staff
24-hour mains power (240v)

Location

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.

How to get there

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

Safarilink (from Wilson Airport) www.flysafarilink.com
Jambo Jet (from JKIA) www.jambojet.com
Skwyard Express (from Wilson Airport) www.skywardexpress.co.ke

Lamu Airstrip is situated on the next door Manda Island which is just a few minutes by boat from Lamu Town and Shela Village.

Visitor’s Book

“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

Rates

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.

High Season Rates (16th to 21st Dec, 5th Jan to Feb)

Resident and non-resident guests

$3,825 per night for the Whole Property, breakfast included

Standard Season Rates (March to 15th Dec)

Residents

$1,650 per night for up to 10 guests ‘self catering’ in 5 bedrooms in Main House

$2,125 per night for up to 14 guests ‘self catering’ in 7 bedrooms in Whole Property

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

Non-Residents

$1,700 1-6 guests in Main House, breakfast included

$2,125 7-10 guests in Main House, breakfast included

$2,550 11-14 guests in Whole Property, breakfast included

Christmas and New Year Rates (22nd Dec to 4th Jan)

Resident and non-resident guests

$4,675 per night for the Whole Property, breakfast included

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 4th January 2027

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.