Peponi; Luxury Beach House in Lamu, Kenya

$155pppn on a full board basis

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Peponi Hotel

This has long been famous and synonymous with the Lamu Archipelago, although it is actually situated just up the coast in the smaller village of Shela. Peponi hotel has been owned and operated since the dawn of time by Lars and Carol and is a true reflection of them in that there is a very warm and accustoming feel to the place.

Peponi Hotel – The Facts

Peponi Hotel – The Detail

Peponi is a small hotel on the exotic island of Lamu, in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Kenya, the very root of Swahili culture, which spread centuries ago down the East African Coast. The move of the Oman Sultan from Lamu to further off shore Zanzibar left Lamu dormant in a time warp for three hundred years. There is only one car on the island and the narrow streets of the old town are very much as they were.

Peponi’s has gradually grown up from just a few simple rooms set by the calm waters of the bay to an intimate hotel of 24 rooms. The rooms have been designed in a basic, yet stylish Arabic style that reminds of the island’s roots. With the romantic pool dining area being perfect for honeymoons; Arabic ruins gently lit by the flicker of candles, and the globally renowned fisherman’s bar, Peponi hotel has something to offer all.

The hotel offers a whole range of activities from trips to Lamu town, which can easily be arranged with a free transfer in the morning and back in time for one of their famous fish lunches. The hotel also offers waterskiing, snorkeling and fishing trips for the more restless, otherwise you can walk from the hotel along a deserted beach that runs for around 6 kilometers until the next civilisation.

Peponi Hotel – Our view

This has rightly been the place to stay in Lamu for the last decade as it continues to provide great levels of service in beautiful surroundings. The town of Shela is less touristy and crowded than the main town of Lamu and is great to have a wander around of an afternoon. We would say that it is a great place to be based for a couple of nights while exploring nearby Lamu, while, for some, it can also double as a good beach break. This is truly a great hotel and will long remain a firm favourite with us!