Dhow House, Shela Village Hot

User rating

5.0 (4)

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Accommodation

Finished in 2004 by Katy Barker, Dhow House is a spectacular property combining both traditional Swahili and modern design. Dhow House is an oasis of calm, sitting between the Indian ocean and timeless sand dunes set back in 3 acres of garden; a hidden treasure offers maximum privacy.

Dhow House Courtyard, Shela Village

Expect five star service with a full staff of seven, a beautifully lush landscaped garden, swimming pool, brand new kitchen, 50 inch TV and WIFI for guests. Situated on the Island of Lamu in Kenya, Dhow house is encompassed by the village of Shela, which is a destination in its own right. Traditional stone houses, winding paths, mosques and ancient ruins surrounding a central square all create an authentic African experience.

The Experience

Dhow House's Unique packages allow you to tailor-make your own unforgettable experience:

Menu planning can be arranged prior to arrival, download a sample menu
The house comes with staff: Chef, Room Stewards, Local Ground Manager,
Table Waiters and Escari (Watchmen)
Take to the water in the speedboat and visit Manda or Kiwiyu.
Indulge in a luxurious massage.
Day trips around Lamu and 'Rabinson Crusoe' picnics on deserted beaches
Yoga studios are just a minute's walk away
Evening cocktails at the Peponi Hotel
Exotic Moroccan-style dinners arranged at your whim on any of the house's terraces
Locally-arranged Dhow sailing, deep-sea fishing,bodyboarding and snorkelling (fins, masks and gear provided).

Features

1 MASTER SUITE, 4 DOUBLE BEDROOMS, 2 ROOF BEDROOMS, SWIMMING POOL, 50' TV, WIFI, NEW KITCHEN, RAW FOOD CHEF, PRIVATE TERRACES, TOWELS & LINEN, TELEPHONE, STAFF, ACCOMODATION, SPEEDBOAT

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Rates for Dhow House, Shela Village

Book with Lamu.org and receive up to a 10% discount off the lowest advertised rates!
Simply fill-out the form on the left to make your booking.

Dhow House Rates

About Katy Barker

An agent turned actress and interior designer whose career sparkled in the photography and fashion business for years. Katy discovered and nurtured many of the top photographers such as Terry Richardson, David Bailey and the youngsters still at the forefront of the industry, as well as managing some of the world most talented stylists. Living as an army child across the world, her love remained first and foremost for Africa.

Reservations & Fine Print for Dhow House

Please inquire for availability by filling-out the form on the left or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Upon confirming rates and availability, you will receive an electronic invoice and a deposit can then be made by credit card, paypal, m-pesa or bank transfer to secure your booking.

On receipt of your deposit, your hosts at Dhow House will send a confirmation and invoice for the balance owing. The balance for the house rental is due prior to your arrival in Lamu.

Cancellation fees may apply.

Dhow House Rooftop

Owner: Katy Barker
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: http://www.dhowhouse.co.uk

Guest Reviews

Average Guest Rating from: 4 user(s)

Overall rating		5.0
Service		5.0 (4)
Location		5.0 (4)
Value		5.0 (4)

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Overall rating

5.0

Reviewed by Victoria from France

Out of this world!

There is a sense of otherworldliness which envelops you on arriving in Lamu with its mangrove swamps and gliding dhows. It is only heightened as you ease your way between snoozing donkeys down a narrow passage and emerge into the oasis which is the Dhow House. The owner has succeeded in creating a super-stylish modern home inspired by its surroundings but ensuring a level of living not found elsewhere on the island. An airy inner courtyard provides one of many entertaining areas. The glittering pool and verdant garden offer a welcome respite from sand and sea for those who seek it.

Bedrooms are airy and spacious and there are a number of other reception areas including a covered roof terrace with views over Shella ensuring that guests can choose to spend time either in company or to take shady sanctuary. The cheerful major duomo presides over a household of efficient staff including an excellent chef and full security team.

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Overall rating

5.0

Reviewed by Niall & Siobhan

Highly recommended

We've just arrived home from our honeymoon. We had a wonderful time in your house for the last two days. It's a fabulous house and your staff are wonderful, we were gutted that we didn't have more time. The level of professionalism and hospitality was far superior (in our opinion) in Dhow House than in the Majlis.

Chui was brilliant also, really helpful and friendly. The food was superb also (again better than we experienced in the Majlis, which we had thought was excellent also).

We'll defo be recommending Dhow House to friends and family. We notice that it is not on tripadvisor so we are unable to place a review there currently.

Thanks for all your help and best of luck for the future!

Stayed June 2011

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5.0

Reviewed by David and Constance

Fantastic!

We are now back to London, all relaxed and tanned after a fantastic vacation.

Thank a lot again for having taken care so well of us during our stay in Lamu. We absolutely loved the house, the parties, the people... all was just perfect! We will definitely be back soon. Our stay in Nairobi was short but fun, the Safety Line Lodge is a true "caverne d'Ali Baba", much more interesting than the tourist places like Utumandi!! We bought a few masks for our flat, hopefully we will catch-up in London soon and we can show them to you.

Stayed December 2012

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5.0

Reviewed by Shabnam

Thank u

Katy I want to thank u from the bottom of my heart we really had fun at your place your hospitality had no bounds you were amazing we can't imagine a holiday so beautiful if it was not for you. Thank you Thank you for everything. We spent two nights in Malindi but kept thinking of Dhow House and the lovely time we had, I'm especially missing Jamhuri's cold coffee, Chuis lovely stories, Harusi's beautiful smile and most of all you.

Stayed January 2012

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