SHELA BEACH – LAMU ISLAND – KENYA
A boutique Swahili guesthouse overlooking Manda Bay, where four intimate rooms, open terraces, and the oldest trading island on the East African coast await you.
- Shela Village
- Lamu Island
- Manda Bay Views
- 3 Unique Stays
- Rooftop Garden & Co-Work
ABOUT SHELA BLISS
A sanctuary above the village
Nestled in the quiet lanes of Shela, one of East Africa’s most preserved Swahili villages, Shela Bliss is a hand-crafted guesthouse with sweeping views over Manda Bay. Every corner is designed with intention, raw mangrove ceilings, hand-plastered walls, earthy vessel sinks, and vibrant textiles woven from the region’s rich heritage.
Whether you’re here to unwind completely, work remotely from a rooftop perch, or explore the archipelago’s timeless beauty. This is your place of bliss.
3
UNIQUE SUITES
360
ROOFTOP BAY VIEWS
5 min
WALK TO SHELA BEACH
∞
SUNSETS FROM THE TERRACE
Accomodation
Three Stays. Three Experiences.
Each room at Shela Bliss has its own name, its own character, and its own way of making you feel completely at home.
The Apartment
Al Naeem
ARABIC FOR “Comfort · Bliss · Tranquil”
- LUXURY
- 2ND FLOOR
- SLEEPS 4 - 5
- FROM $250/NIGHT
Swahili beam ceilings · Rope pendant lights · Bohemian & Arabic décor
Amirah
ARABIC FOR “PRINCESS · LEADER”
This exquisitely designed space features a luxurious Super King bed, inviting you to unwind in total comfort. Step out onto your private balcony, where the serene green surroundings create an atmosphere of timeless relaxation and enchanting views of the peaceful neighbourhood.
Hayat
ARABIC FOR “LIFE · EXISTENCE · SOUL”
This room features two comfortable double beds, ideal for siblings or friends. For a more intimate setting, the beds can be easily combined, creating an ideal retreat for couples travelling together. An adaptable, beautifully appointed space that ensures a delightful stay for all.
PRIVATE ROOMS
3rd Floor Rooms
Both rooms lead to the shared terrace dining area with panoramic Manda Bay views
Azizah
ARABIC FOR “PRECIOUS · CHERISHED”
Two double beds (combinable for couples), ensuite with organic plaster shower and hand-crafted vanity, direct access to the terrace with sweeping Manda Island and sea views. From $85/night solo · $140/night for 2.
Safiyah
ARABIC FOR “PURE · VIRTUOUS”
Queen bed, ensuite bathroom, direct terrace access with panoramic views of Manda Island, the sea, sand dunes and village rooftops. Pure simplicity in the most beautiful setting. From $90/night solo · $130/night for 2.
SHARED AMENITIES
Spaces that invite you to linger
Every guest at Shela Bliss shares in the magic of these rooftop escapes, gardens, and creative corners.
THE ISLAND
Lamu - Where Time Stands Still
Lamu is one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where donkeys still roam, car-free lanes and 700 years of culture live in every carved doorway. Shela sits at its quietest, most beautiful edge.
"Time moves differently here. The dhows still sail as they did a thousand years ago. That is the gift of Shela."
- UNESCO World Heritage
- Car-Free Island
- 700 Years of History
- Pristine Beach
- Traditional Dhow Sailing
BREAKFAST & DINING
Mornings worth waking up for
Every morning begins with a generous spread of tropical fruit, fresh-squeezed juices, and your choice of a full English or traditional Swahili breakfast, served right on the terrace with the bay below.
OPTION 1
Full English
Fried or scrambled eggs, sausages, beans, toast, all served with fresh juice and the fruits of the season.
- Eggs your way
- Sausages
- Beans
- Toast
- Tropical fruit
- Fresh juice
- Coffee/Tea
OPTION 2
Swahili Breakfast
A true coastal Swahili spread, samosas, mahamri, viazi karai, coconut beans, kaimati, all served with fresh juice and the fruits of the season.
- Samosas
- Mandazi
- Coconut Beans
- Kaimati
- Viazi Karai
- Fresh juice
- Coffe/tea
ON REQUEST
Private Dinner
A private Swahili dinner served at the long hardwood table, whole fish in rich coconut sauce, chicken biryani, chapati rolls, vegetable curry, kachumbari salad and kaimati. Arrange 24 hours ahead.
- Coconut fish
- chicken biryani
- Vegetable curry
- Chapati
- kaimati
RATES & AVAILABILITY
Choose Your Room
Direct bookings receive our best rates – no platform fees, no middlemen. Book directly and save up to 20%.
Save 15–20% by booking direct. All direct bookings include complimentary breakfast, flexible check-in, and personal attention. Also available on Booking.com and Airbnb.
CURATED EXCURSIONS
Unforgettable moments
beyond the walls
We arrange these experiences directly, speak to us when you book your room and we’ll take care of the rest.
UNESCO Lamu Heritage Tour
Walk the winding stone lanes of Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has barely changed in seven centuries. Visit the famous Lamu Fort, the bustling waterfront, and ornately carved doorways that tell the story of Swahili, Arab, and Portuguese trade. Your guide brings the history to life. Half-day or full-day options available.
Sunset Dhow Cruise
As the sun drops toward the horizon, board a traditional wooden dhow and sail the waters between Lamu, Manda, and Pate islands. The light turns the sky gold, the sea goes flat, and for a short while the Indian Ocean belongs entirely to you. Fresh fruits and cold drinks included.
Mangrove Fishing
Glide through the calm, shaded channels of Lamu’s ancient mangrove forest with a local fisherman who has known these waters his whole life. Cast traditional lines, spot kingfishers and herons, and catch your dinner. A peaceful, intimate experience far from the tourist trail.
Deep Sea Fishing
The Indian Ocean off Lamu is one of East Africa’s most productive deep-sea fishing grounds, marlin, sailfish, wahoo, and giant trevally all patrol these waters. Board a fully equipped offshore boat and spend a full day chasing the big ones. Suitable for experienced anglers and first-timers alike.
Takwa Ruins
Reach the abandoned Swahili city of Takwa by boat, a ghost town of mosques, tombs, and coral stone walls swallowed by the forest on Manda Island. Dating back to the 15th century, it was once a thriving trading settlement. It is now completely uninhabited, hauntingly beautiful, and rarely visited.
Snorkling - Manda Toto
The shallow reef at Manda Toto is one of the most colourful snorkeling spots in the Lamu Archipelago, sea turtles, reef fish, and living coral gardens just minutes from shore. The waters are calm, warm, and crystal clear. Equipment provided; no experience necessary.
Shela Beach
Just five minutes on foot from Shela Bliss lies one of East Africa’s most beautiful and least crowded beaches, twelve kilometres of white sand with barely a soul in sight. Swim in the warm Indian Ocean, walk until the village disappears behind the dunes, and find your own private stretch of paradise.
Shela Sand Dunes
Behind Shela Beach rise extraordinary sand dunes, vast, windswept, and unlike anything else on the Kenya coast. Climb to the top at sunrise or sunset for a view that stretches across the Indian Ocean to the horizon. Bring a camera. You will not forget this.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Lamu's Annual Must-Experience Events
Time your visit with one of Lamu’s legendary festivals and witness something truly unforgettable.
Dhow Sailing Competitions
Traditional racing dhows compete during both Maulidi and Cultural Festivals. Watching these ancient vessels race at full sail is one of Lamu’s most breathtaking sights.
Lamu Cultural Festival
The grandest celebration of Swahili heritage, traditional dances, poetry, crafts, the legendary donkey races, and spectacular dhow sailing competitions. Three days of pure magic.
Lamu Yoga & Wellbeing Festival
A week of yoga, meditation, and wellness drawing practitioners from around the world. Classes held in scenic rooftop and beachside locations across Shela.
Maulidi Festival
Lamu’s most sacred celebration honouring the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) with processions, singing, and dhow races drawing visitors from across East Africa and Arabia.
CURATED EXCURSIONS
Photo Gallery
We arrange these experiences directly — speak to us when you book your room and we’ll take care of the rest.
Top-rated guest experiences
Testimonials
We arrange these experiences directly — speak to us when you book your room and we’ll take care of the rest.
Amazing host
It was one of the most memorable stays I’ve had. The house is a traditional Swahili house, with a beautiful terrace and views, a tastefully decorated interior with all the necessary amenities and a well stacked kitchen, which is always a plus with kids. Our host Abadalla is quite simply the best host I’ve ever had - and we travel quite a bit. He was kind, thoughtful and basically carefully planned our entire stay, coordinating tours, recommending awesome local spots and day activities along the way. He took take of it all, from airport pick up, to sunset Dhow, to Lamu tour, he negotiated the prices and made the trip ultra smooth. He also served us beautiful breakfast every morning, with a large variety of fruits, Swahili pastries, omelettes, etc. He also stocked the fridge and made sure we always had drinking water for a very reasonable fee. The nicest and warmest guy, who also shared many special moments with us, and shared stories and history of Lamu as well. We would highly recommend Shela Bliss to anyone. An outstanding experience!
Our six-night stay at Shela Bliss for our family of four (including two young adults) was exceptional in every way: the two-bedroom/two-bathroom family suite was clean and spacious, the rooftop terrace had several perfect spots for lounging, and the location was a short walk to the beach and restaurants. We enjoyed our delicious Swahili breakfasts with our host Abdalla, who made helpful suggestions for activities and meals in Lamu (including a delicious catered Swahili dinner he arranged), and whose company we very much enjoyed.
Highly recommended!
The room and both terraces are very stylish and at the same time comfortably furnished. The view and atmosphere on the roof terrace are breathtaking and a fantastic retreat. The Swahili breakfast was excellent and highly recommended! Communication and organization were seamless! Abdalla is an excellent contact for all concerns and interests. Among other things, he put us in touch with the seamstress Lucy, who tailored two shirts for us according to our specifications in a very short time. A very special souvenir. What is definitely worth mentioning is the small number of rooms (we think 3), which means that the communal terraces can also become private spaces. Recommended in all areas!
Excellent service and attention!
The service was magnificent and very personalized. They wrote to me before arriving, which greatly facilitated the logistics of the tours. In addition, they gave me great advice on activities, restaurants, and things to do. I booked the tours with them and they were excellent, both the Old Town Lamu tour, the fishing tour and the sunset boat tour. Breakfast was very good. The first day I ordered the Swahili breakfast, which was huge, and then on other days I had the more international breakfast with eggs, bread, etc. I highly recommend the place, and Abdalla was above and beyond in his attentiveness, service, and conversation.
MAKE AN ENQUIRY
Reserve your bliss
GET IN TOUCH
We'd Love to Welcome You
Reach out directly and Abdalla will personally get back to you within 24 hours. Direct bookings receive our best rates — no platform fees, no middlemen.
Location
Shela Village, Lamu Island, Kenya
Also available on
Booking.com and Airbnb.
EXTEND YOUR EXPERIENCE
The Shela Bliss World
Your stay at Shela Bliss is just the beginning. Steps away in the ancient lanes of Shela village, our sister boutique invites you to take a little piece of Lamu home with you.
Locally sourced fabrics, handcrafted treasures, and carefully curated finds from the Lamu Archipelago — each piece carrying the soul of the island.
A SHELA BLISS AFFILIATE
Sun, Sand, and Shopping
Located in the heart of Shela village, Lamu Island, exclusively for guests and visitors who appreciate the art of slow living and beautiful things.