It’s a Lamu love story, that 50 years later is as passionate as ever. When Lemmy and Wera Korschen laid eyes on a weathered Arabic-style building right at the water’s edge, they were smitten. Three days later they had the keys and set about opening a four-bedroom guest house. That was in 1967, and today their children and grandchildren continue their legacy with fervour.
Peponi Hotel now has 28 gorgeous suites that are spacious and atmospheric – and all with the most magnificent Indian Ocean views. Rooms are in a variety of sizes and categories – as well as family suites and apartments – but all are individually and vibrantly decorated. The palette is white walls and linens, with splashes of tropical colour and Swahili styling which create a fresh, airy ambience. The carved wooden beds are generously draped in mosquito netting, while overhead fans keep the interior comfortably cool when it’s hot outside. Some rooms also have outdoor swinging beds for naps during the heat of the day. There is romance sprinkled throughout.
Just beyond your private verandah and the rustling palm trees in the garden, is the ocean – ever tepid and tempting. You’re that close to the sea and all that goes with it. Watch the water ebb and flow and fishermen sailing past on their traditional wooden dhows, taste the fruit of their efforts at mealtimes. Fresh fish and shellfish, prepared with flavours from around the globe, and plenty of other delectable options fill the menu. You are truly spoiled for choice, and everything is locally sourced and sustainable. Vegetarians and vegans have plenty of options too and fresh, coconut-laced Swahili cuisine is a favourite.
On Lamu, days are lived according to tides and being in the moment. Activities are the same. Seasonal snorkelling, fishing and a variety of watersports can easily fill your day, followed by a relaxing sunset cruise on a wooden dhow. Do some excellent bird watching on the sand flats and mangrove swamps, indulge in a massage or walk the beautiful beaches – Shella beach is 14km long, and there are others to choose from too. There’s also plenty of history and culture to soak up in the Takwa Ruins and Lamu Town’s enchanting architecture. The people are ever-welcoming and warm and so too is the weather. Here it’s year round summer with all that’s tantalising about being in the tropics.
What we love!
- Sitting on your private verandah and gazing out to sea is a treat for the soul.
- The rooftop lounge and bar is the best place imaginable to watch the sun go down.
- Authentic canons used as historic décor on the rooftop are unique.
- Seeing the ocean from everywhere – even when inside – is rather special.
- The Lamu Marine Conservation Trust, started by Carol Korschen to protect marine turtles and now much more.
Need to know…
- Lamu can be reached by commercial flights from Nairobi, Mombasa and Malindi. Flights land on Manda Island and guests are transferred to Peponi Hotel by boat.
- Children are welcome as there are dedicated family suites.
- Snorkelling is during October/November and March/April.
Reviewed by Keri Harvey