Carolina Ramirez Herrera

The Moon Houses

  • Where:
  • Why:To disconnect + enjoy the simple things.
  • When:Mid-August.
  • Who:Family + friends.
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The Moon Houses My kind of lobby.

My kind of lobby.

The Moon Houses Obsessed with architecture and design details.

Obsessed with architecture and design details.

The Moon Houses Dreamy room views.

Dreamy room views.

The Moon Houses Details.

Details.

The Moon Houses Making mosquito nets regal.

Making mosquito nets regal.

The Moon Houses Bathroom with natural elements.

Bathroom with natural elements.

The Moon Houses Standard infinity pool insta.

Standard infinity pool insta.

The Moon Houses Swahili crab, could have this everyday.

Swahili crab, could have this everyday.

The Moon Houses Breakfast is served - organic and locally sourced.

Breakfast is served - organic and locally sourced.

The Moon Houses Friends around here are real asses.

Friends around here are real asses.

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

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

The Moon Houses Rooftop views for days.

Rooftop views for days.

The Moon Houses

Highs & Lows

  • 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

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Plastic Free

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 44/50

Important Bits

  • 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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