PEPONI HOTEL, LAMU
For sheer charm, you can’t beat Peponi. It has justifiably chalked up a superb reputation for fine dining – one place you can reliably find dressed crab and great cocktails. For a hotel, Peponi has a very personal feel, which even the best small hotels might find hard to retain over many years. Much thought has gone into the breezy rooms and while each is unique, all take advantage of Lamu furnishings from day beds to swinging beds. Price from Ksh 28,000.
WATAMU TREEHOUSE, WATAMU
This is one of Kenya’s most unique seaside properties with its intricate glasswork, spiral architecture and open design which allows for 360-degree views of the ocean and inland coastal forest. Attend one of their scheduled yoga retreats or just go for a relaxing break. There is a wide selection of yoga and meditation ranging from yoga on a sandbar to sessions on a stand up paddleboard in the mangroves.
MANYIKA HOUSE, THIKA
Held every couple of months, the retreats here focus on more than just physical wellbeing. There’s a strong emphasis on silent meditation and personal reflection. Participants break their silence with a final meditative session on the last day. The house itself is perfect for rejuvenation while enjoying all the flowers and trees or wandering the gardens with a book. Accommodation rates start at Ksh 19,000.
BANANA HOUSE & WELLNESS CENTER, LAMU
Photo: Nichon Glerum
The atmosphere here is welcoming, the environment spacious and the staff friendly. They offer yoga, spa and massage sessions, and serve fantastic organic food. There are four teachers and yoga classes are therefore taught daily from 9:00-10:00am and 5:00-6:00pm. Private classes and meditation are also offered. Various retreats are available through the year, and this is also the home of the annual Lamu Yoga Festival.
