The Moon Houses

Item: The Moon Houses
Rating: 44
Author: Carolina Ramirez Herrera

My kind of lobby.

Obsessed with architecture and design details.

Dreamy room views.

Details.

Making mosquito nets regal.

Bathroom with natural elements.

Standard infinity pool insta.

Swahili crab, could have this everyday.

Breakfast is served - organic and locally sourced.

Friends around here are real asses.

Organic and locally sourced daily fruit platters, not even a fruity girl but man these were good.

Rooftop views for days.

Incredibly friendly and hospitable staff.
Spectacular sunsets, especially aboard a traditional Dhow, a must.
Over 13 km of deserted sandy beaches ideal for daily long beach walks (No need for a gym here).
Donkeys and Dhows remain the only form of transportation on the island, which immediately transports you to another time - where life is best enjoyed pole pole; the swahili phrase for take it slowly.
Fascinating architecture and antique details throughout the property influenced by the international trade with Oman, Zanzibar and India.

To avoid a culture faux paux, remember to dress appropriately when visiting Lamu town or walking around Shela village - as Lamu is predominantly Muslim, it's important to respect the culture

Total: 44/50

Type
Boutique Swahili guest houses.
Vibe
Barefoot (literally, leave your shoes on your complimentary boat airport transfer) peaceful, and laid-back island life vibes.
Location
Located in the pristine village of Shela, along the Lamu archipelago and a 10 min boat ride to Lamu town.
Rooms
16
Music
None that I remember, just standard island life with occasional call to prayer.
Year Opened
Originally a family holiday house, The Moonhouses has been running as a boutique Swahili Guest House since 2009.
Designed By
The Moon Houses are the legacy of famous flying doctor Anne Spoerry, also known as Mama Daktari, who visited remote villages in Lamu for vaccination campaigns . The furniture was also curated by Anne with antique pieces over 100 years old. Anne Spoerry’s Sailing Doctors was set up in her honour. Additionally, The Moon Houses supports various local initiatives, including another medical organization, called Safari Doctors.

Health & Wellness
Oui, A very much Instagram-worthy infinity pool and on-call masseuse.
Restaurant
The fully staffed kitchen prepares the most colorful breakfasts and delicious traditional Swahili dishes - the Swahili crab and local lobsters are a must!
Bar
No, but give the staff a heads up and they’ll be happy to have the kitchen stocked with some ice cold local beers, (Tusker!) and wine during your stay.
Minibar
No
Children
If you have them bring them, there is endless beach to run around barefoot and beautiful gardens to play in.
Price
Worth every Kenyan Shilling.
Tel.
+ 254 (0) 7 58 85 88 57

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