Featured Hotels and Lodges

Banana House and Banana Wellness Centre in Shela Village, comprises of two private houses which have evolved into a friendly 'Bed & Breakfast' alternative in Shela. The house is spacious, cool and elegant with beautifully plastered walls and it has numerous sitting and lounging areas, hammocks and day beds, and a beautiful tropical garden withing its walls. It has a welcoming and homely atmosphere.

Banana House is a fusion of traditional styles, new ideas and genuine hospitality. One of the few Lamu Retreats that has managed to combine the convenience of a hotel, for small groups or couples, with the privacy and personal space afforded by a home rental. Whether you take a single room or rent the whole house with a group of friends, you will always find a quiet corner to chill out and soak up the sun and the "Shela Mellows"!

Banana House Accommodation

On the ground floor, there are three (3) bedrooms, which can all be interconnecting and share two (2) bathrooms, making these ideal for families with young children if required. The three (3) first floor bedrooms are all ensuite, with hot water showers, and lead off the airy, covered dining area and living area with a sunbathing deck.

The top floor boasts a private penthouse with double bedroom, private dining facilities, and veranda with sun-beds which are equally ideal for star-gazing and moon-bathing.

The Banana House has sea views from first and top floors and is two minutes walk from the lively seafront where dhows and small boats are moored, and a further five minutes to the fabulous Shela Beach and Peponi Hotel if you stroll through the village or along the sea.

Facilities and Services

The Banana House has excellent chefs and a fully equipped kitchen at the disposal of house guests. As with all Retreats the chefs will prepare lunches and suppers of your choice, and will charge only for the ingredients which makes Banana House a flexible and economical option for couples or smaller groups who may not wish to rent a whole house but would prefer the freedom of staying in a home rather than a hotel. The staff will make your stay at Banana House very relaxed as they take care of the whole household.

Banana Wellness offers yoga programs, massage and other holistic treatments and hosts frequent Art of Living and other lifestyle changing courses on cookery, meditation and yoga which they host on the ground floor Yoga Hall. Or you can just have fun and chill with your friends and family.

Activities

Sailing

Day trips include visits to Takwa ruins, Matandoni and Kipungani, or snorkeling, fishing and beach barbeques at Manda Toto or Kinyika Rock.

Overnight trips to any of the surrounding islands, such as Pate or Kiwayu, are also possible.

Swahili Dinner

The dinner is served in our garden, seated on pillows, eaten by hand under the light of candles, the moon and stars.

Beach Barbeque

A fantastic barbeque complete with bonfire, Swahili dancing and drumming can be arranged for you.

Henna Painting

In the Swahili culture is henna the decoration for the women at weddings, ceremonies and celebrations. The local women are happy to decorate your hands or feet with henna.