Arriving by boat at Shela the beautiful Forodhani House, christened “a dream house along the beach of Shela”, provides an epistrophe introduction of Shela’s vernacular architecture of simplicity and functionality. The minimalist border wall with a rustic coral finish is as dazzling as the contiguous sea wall. The overlap of the above indented whitewashed tiers shapes the building’s final form and skillful adaptation to the coastal setting. At the entrance of Shela, on the very spot where a watch-post once stood, Forodhani House, the Swahili equivalent of a look-out post, enjoys a stunning 270° seaview of the jetty, village and channel separating Lamu and Manda Islands: Built in authentic Swahili style and exquisitely finished.

It comfortably sleeps 10 to 12 people, in 5 en suite bedrooms (3 double and 2 triple), all with breathtaking and peaceful views. Elegance is the leitmotif of this property, commensurate with its prime real estate at the entry of Shela. Stairs coil down past the white facade to a good-sized pool on a terrace with breathtaking views. At ground floor, a fully equipped kitchen, the dining terrace with zidaka niches, a large lounge alongside the pool offer lots of different areas to unwind. From the terrace of the 1st and 2nd floors, you overlook the whole channel and the view gives onto Lamu Town and Manda. At your feet, the sails of the dhows skim the house enroute Lamu jetty. On the roof terrace, the view is staggering.