Banana House, Shela Hot

Everything picturesque. Staff a delight. Food delicious. We felt so well taken care of and couldn't stop finding new pieces of charm in Banana House or Lamu. Highly recommended! The traveler who gave it a "1" was not inaccurate--it is a brief walk to the beach (via sand-covered alleys), and the meals they provide do need several hours notice, which did not find to be a problem at all (esp. as the meals were relatively cheap and so tasty). Rooms are fairly "al fresco," but meant to break down barriers between indoor/outdoor living--we loved them. If you want American-style luxury, look elsewhere. If you want charm, nurturing, delicious, hand-crafted meals...look no further.

23rd March 2011

Stayed for over a week at Banana house, Lamu in Februar 2012, together with a friend. This place is so special. We felt so much welcome and more than good taken care of by Monica and her staff. It is built in attractive Swahili style, with open spaces and veranda's where you can launch and relax. The whole atmosphere is tropical and quiet and provides many possibilities to relax and gain new energy. The spa treatments (foot reflexology!), yoga classes and fantastic meals (Lamu's best food if you like healthy, tastefull meals prepared with lots of attention) contribute to well being. What makes it special is that everything is done with respect to local culture. The view (not from the beach but a little higher from a top) is amazing, with sunrising and sunset, dhows and the sea. It is really a beautiful never-to-forget experience to visit Banana House at Lamu! It is the kind of place that you surely want to visit again when leaving.

Stayed 15th February 2012

Only two days and I completely fell in love with this place! Visiting Lamu is a total experience, but staying in a place like Banana House, makes the experience an unforgettable one! The beautiful decoration of the place, the seclusion of its rooms, the intimacy it projects, and the tranquility you can feel there allowed us to enjoy Lamu to the most! The staff is extremely friendly, the service is excellent, custom made meals served in the terrace, with no one else but the view as a witness. You can relax outside your room in the confortable hammock-like beds, the pillows, and the delicious swimming pool. For less than 20 dollars we had a delicious dinner with fresh fish, coconut rice, and fresh squeezed juice. Another plus is the fact that the hotel arranges transport from the airport in boat to the hotel for free, and it gives you a guide who can show you around. The owner of the property is also a yoga teacher, and there are yoga lessons twice a day at the same place. The hotel is also available for rent as yoga retreat. Try it!

Stayed 22 February 2012

Just returned from a fabulous week at Banana House in Shela Village on Lamu Island. Given all the travel warnings for this part of Kenya (Somali pirates etc), I had no idea what to expect. It all went very smoothly. We were greeted at the small Lamu airport and within minutes were taken by boat across the Lamu Chanel, skimming past mangrove forests, the sandy beaches and large houses of Manda Island, past Lamu Town onto Shela Village. Banana House is a five minute bare foot walk from the water front and slightly further from the beginning of the very beautiful, clean, un spoilt and empty 12 km beach. The house is built in the traditional Swahili style. Tall ceilings, arched windows, locally sourced furniture, chill out areas, hammocks etc. We stayed in the penthouse which was perfect. Simple yet very comfortable. Private. Open views to the sea. Gentle sea breezes. Like most places in Africa outside the big cities, you sleep under mosquito netting. Yes there are bugs, geckos, etc. The hotel operates as bed and breakfast. Every morning we had our breakfast delivered to our room by Salim who would arrange our table with care and decorate it with fresh flowers from the garden. Other meals could be arranged upon request. Delicious fresh fish, prawns, crab. Monika, the owner, was very friendly and helpful. Many activities to choose from, sunset sailing trips, snorkellng, water skiing. Shela is truly a special place, beautiful and magical. We were very pleased with staying in the penthouse at Banana House.