If you have been searching for the perfect place to stay in Lamu, you have probably noticed there is no shortage of options. From guesthouses tucked along the waterfront to larger resorts along the coast, Lamu Island hotels come in many shapes and sizes. But every now and then, a place stands out not because of how grand it is, but because of how it makes you feel.

That is exactly what we believe makes Banana House & Wellness Centre so special. Nestled in the quiet village of Shela on Lamu Island, our boutique hotel is more than just a place to sleep. It is a place rooted in love, community, and a deep connection to Swahili culture. Whether you are looking for a wellness retreat in Kenya, a peaceful yoga escape, or simply a warm and welcoming base from which to explore one of East Africa's most enchanting islands, we would love to share what sets us apart.

A Boutique Hotel in Lamu Born From a Love Story

Every great place has a story behind it, and ours is one we are proud to tell. In 1997, Monika Fauth, a Dutch traveller, arrived in Lamu and felt something shift. She was moved by the island's beauty and generosity. It was here that she met a warm, vibrant Shela local named Banana (Mohamed Ali Mbarak). What began as a chance encounter grew into a partnership that shaped not only their lives but that of the village itself.

With little savings but a lot of heart, Monika and Banana opened a small bed-and-breakfast in their home. He cooked fresh seafood from the day's catch, she welcomed guests and shared stories about Swahili life and the island. People came for the rooms but stayed for the feeling, the sense of being part of a family, not just visitors passing through.

More than twenty years later, Banana House has become a small but well-loved boutique hotel in Lamu, known for its Swahili charm and welcoming spirit. You can learn more about our journey on our Our Story page.

Shela Village: The Perfect Location for a Lamu Island Stay

One of the first things guests notice when they arrive at Banana House is the sense of calm. Shela is a quieter, more peaceful part of Lamu Island, just a short boat ride from Lamu Town and its famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Shela offers a slower pace of life, with narrow pathways winding between coral stone houses, bougainvillea spilling over garden walls, and the sound of the ocean never far away.

Our Shela accommodation puts you within easy reach of the beach, local attractions, and the cultural heart of Lamu, while offering the tranquillity that makes a wellness-focused stay truly restorative. Upon arrival at Manda Airport, a boat will ferry you to Shela Village on Lamu Island. Our staff will welcome you at the seafront and help you to Banana House. There are no taxis here (just donkeys), but it is a short two-minute walk, and our team will help you with your luggage and offer you a refreshing welcome drink.

Rooms and Suites With Swahili Soul

When it comes to Lamu accommodation, we believe the best spaces are the ones that feel personal. Each of our rooms and suites has been designed in a soft Swahili style, with makuti ceilings, hand-carved details, and natural materials that reflect the island's heritage.

Our Wellness Penthouse Suite is the largest and most refined space, featuring two generous en-suite rooms, wide louvered doors that open to the breeze, and a private terrace with beautiful views. The Banana Penthouse Suite offers 150 square metres of calm and airy retreat, including a private dining area, comfortable Swahili-style lounges, and wide views over the sea and gardens. For something more intimate, the Sweet Penthouse is a romantic rooftop room where you can watch the sunrise from a wide Swahili bed and see dhows drift into Shela Bay in the evenings.

We also offer double rooms with garden views, family rooms ideal for those travelling with young children, twin rooms, and budget-friendly economy options for guests who want to enjoy everything Banana House offers at a more accessible price. Every room is ensuite and comes with the same warm, homey feel that defines our boutique hotel experience. Included with every stay are breakfast, free high-speed WiFi, a complimentary airport transfer, a welcome drink, a kikoi for use during your stay, complimentary coffee and tea, access to the swimming pool, yoga, an activity manager, and wellness and spa services.

Wellness and Yoga: The Heart of Our Retreat in Kenya

What truly sets Banana House apart from other places to stay in Lamu is our focus on wellbeing. We are not just a boutique hotel; we are a wellness centre with yoga, spa, and massage offerings woven into the rhythm of daily life here. Guests can practise yoga in our beautiful open studio, enjoy spa treatments, and simply allow themselves the time and space to unwind.

Whether you are a seasoned yogi or have never stepped onto a mat before, our wellness offerings are designed to be welcoming and accessible. If you are looking for a yoga retreat in Kenya or a dedicated wellness retreat in Kenya, Banana House provides an authentic, nurturing setting that is hard to find elsewhere among boutique hotels in Kenya.

We are also excited to be hosting a Yoga Teacher Training programme by Shri Gaia Institute from 10th to 24th November 2026. It is a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking to deepen their practice in one of the most inspiring settings imaginable.

Fresh Food That Brings People Together

Food is central to the experience at Banana House. Our kitchen sits at the heart of everything we do. Meals are cooked fresh each day using local ingredients from our garden and surroundings. The food is rich in flavour, generous in size, and prepared with care.

With guests arriving from many parts of the world, our kitchen is naturally flexible. Our chefs are happy to adapt dishes to different tastes, dietary needs, and spice preferences. Whether you enjoy traditional local flavours or lighter meals, it is home-style cooking at its best: relaxed, nourishing, and shaped around the people at the table.

Breakfast is included with every stay, and guests regularly tell us that the food is one of the highlights of their visit. It is not unusual to hear that our meals are among the best they have had on the island.

A Garden, Pool, and Spaces Designed for Relaxation

Beyond the rooms and the kitchen, Banana House is filled with spaces designed to help you slow down. Our tropical garden provides shade and colour, while the swimming pool offers a refreshing escape during the warmer months. Sun loungers are dotted around the pool area, and outdoor seating beneath palm trees creates a relaxed atmosphere where you can read, chat, or simply watch the light change throughout the day.

These shared spaces are part of what gives Banana House its unique character. Rather than feeling like a hotel, the property feels more like a home, one where you are welcomed as part of the family.

Activities and Excursions From Your Doorstep

Lamu Island is a place rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From Banana House, you can arrange a wide range of activities and excursions to explore the island and its surroundings. Think sunset dhow sails along the coast, snorkelling trips, walking tours through Lamu Old Town, visits to the Lamu Museum and Lamu Fort, and trips to stunning nearby beaches.

Our activity manager is on hand to help you plan your days, whether you want a packed itinerary or prefer to take things at your own pace. This personal, tailored approach to helping guests enjoy the island is just another way we go the extra mile.

Who Is Banana House Best For?

One of the things we love most about Banana House is the diversity of guests who find their way to us. Couples looking for a romantic escape enjoy the penthouse suites and rooftop terraces. Solo travellers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to practise yoga each day. Families love the garden, pool, and the relaxed feel of the family rooms. And wellness travellers from across the globe come to us for the combination of yoga, spa, fresh food, and island calm that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Whether you are planning a short break or a longer stay, Banana House suits anyone who values authenticity, personal service, and a genuine connection to the place they are visiting.

What Guests Say About Staying With Us

We are proud of the reputation we have built over the years, and the words of our guests mean the world to us. Banana House has received Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2023, which reflects the consistently warm feedback we receive.

One guest described their stay as "a small piece of paradise," praising the penthouse room, the breakfast, and the quality of the staff. Another called Banana House their "favourite place in Lamu," highlighting the pool, food, and excellent staff. Others have praised the peaceful setting, the beautiful open yoga studio, and the warmth of our host, Monika, who continues to meet and welcome guests personally.

These reviews are not just kind words. They reflect the spirit of what we have built over more than two decades: a place where people feel genuinely cared for.

A Place Rooted in Community

Banana House is not just about our guests. It is about the community around us. From the very beginning, Monika and Banana have been committed to ensuring that Banana House contributes positively to Shela and the wider Lamu community. This community-oriented approach is something we carry forward in everything we do, from sourcing ingredients locally to supporting local initiatives.

When you stay with us, you are not just booking a room. You are supporting a vision of tourism that values people, place, and purpose.

Why This Boutique Hotel in Shela, Lamu Stays With You

What makes Banana House & Wellness Centre so special is not one single thing. It is the combination of a heartfelt origin story, a stunning Shela location, beautiful Swahili-inspired rooms, daily wellness offerings, exceptional food, and a team that genuinely cares about every guest who walks through the door. It is a place where you arrive as a visitor and leave feeling like family.

If you have been searching for hotels in Shela Lamu, a wellness retreat in Kenya, or a boutique hotel experience that feels truly personal, we hope you will consider making Banana House your home on the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Banana House & Wellness Centre unique compared with other Lamu Island hotels?

Banana House combines boutique accommodation with a dedicated wellness centre, including daily yoga, spa treatments, and fresh locally sourced food. Its origins as a family home give it a warmth and character that larger hotels simply cannot match.

Where is Banana House located?

We are located in Shela Village on Lamu Island, Kenya. Shela is a peaceful area just a short boat ride from Lamu Town and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, with the beach only a couple of minutes away.

What room types are available at Banana House?

We offer a range of options, from penthouse suites with sea views and private terraces to garden-view double rooms, family rooms, twin rooms, and budget-friendly economy rooms. You can view all options on our rooms page.

Is Banana House suitable for families?

Absolutely. Our family room features two adjoining rooms with a shared bathroom and opens directly into the garden and pool area, making it ideal for families with young children.

What wellness and yoga experiences are available?

We offer daily yoga sessions in a beautiful open studio, spa and massage treatments, and a calm, restorative environment throughout the property. We are also hosting a Yoga Teacher Training programme by Shri Gaia Institute in November 2026. Visit our wellness page for more details.

What activities can I do from Banana House?

Guests can enjoy sunset dhow sails, snorkelling, walking tours of Lamu Old Town, visits to the Lamu Museum and Lamu Fort, and beach excursions. Our activity manager is happy to help you plan your perfect itinerary. Explore our activities page for inspiration.

Ready to Experience Banana House for Yourself?

We would love to welcome you to our home in Shela, Lamu. Whether you are planning a wellness retreat, a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or simply a few days of island calm, Banana House & Wellness Centre is here for you.

Get in touch with our team to ask any questions or start planning your stay. You can reach us through our contact page or call us on +254 (0) 721 275 538. We look forward to hearing from you.