![]() |
|||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||
Nyumba PapayaFollow a sandy path through Shela toward the dunes which form the backdrop to the village, and just before you start the steep ascent which will take you over the top to the beach a doorway beckons you into a luxuriant shady garden. Nyumba Papaya was designed by Florence based artist Patrizia and the house is her escape; decorated in what she describes as a simple but elegant “African zen” style with a riot of colourful fabrics and cushions blended with beachcombed treasures and traditional Swahili architectural features. The house has three levels all of which invite the outdoors in, embracing the dunes with soul-succoring views and aquamarine flashes of the Lamu channel. The ground floor living area flows into the garden and has ample seating both inside and out for both dining and relaxing with a good book. A wonderful double bedroom opens out onto the garden. On the first floor there are two bedrooms (1 double and 1 twin) all with their own bathrooms and all decorated in a unique and eclectic style mixing modern and traditional African elements with great fun. There is another spacious living area with a veranda overlooking the oasis like garden. Ascend to the rooftop and there are three more comfortable chill out areas with swing beds, barazza with comfortable cushions and spectacular views allowing shady repose or private sunbathing. Another small twin bedroom with its own bathroom allows additional accommodation for kids or singles with the added bonus of extra privacy. In total there are four (4) bedrooms all of which are en suite. In addition there is a further and fifth bathroom downstairs next to the dinning room which can be used for kids if needed. The garden is lush and private, filled with colour and with the paw-paw trees that give the house its name….perfect for children and a wonderful setting for al fresco Swahili dinners and seafood barbecues. Nyumba Papaya is less than ten minutes walk from the wild and mostly deserted stretch of beach beyond the iconic Fort (a private house that has become something of a Shela landmark) if you continue on the path over the dunes. Or take a gentle stroll through the village past Peponi Hotel to the popular and sheltered swimming beach in the Manda Channel and you'll be in the water in less time than that. Alfred Charo the house manager will help you with all your needs, advising you on everything from what to eat to what to do, and the gracious Elizabeth and helpful Daniel will look after the housekeeping and catering, leaving you free to explore and enjoy.
|
|||||||||||||||
Retreats: Jasmine House | Banana House | Fatuma's Tower | Madakani | Mtende | Baitil-Aman | Mnarani House | Lamu House | Nyumba Papaya | Fishtrap | Kijani |
|||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||
| Email Lamu Retreats | www.lamuretreats.com | |||||||||||||||