An embodiment of Arabic culture at Lamu Palace

By Philip Mwakio

Lamu Palace Hotel at the heart of Lamu Island is a classic collection of Arabic antiques.

Joe Bruehneler, a German tourism investor and architect, is the hotel’s owner and he couldn’t have brought out the historical aspect of the ancient town better.

The frontage of Lamu Palace Hotel faces the seafront.

The hotel’s frontage faces the seafront and lies along a wide paved walkway from the jetty, which is popular for its refreshing drinks given the hot and humid conditions that prevail on the island all year round.

On your way from the jetty, you will encounter numerous donkeys transporting people and goods from the harbour, which have arrived by traditional sail dhows. William Muiruri, the hotel manager, says Lamu Palace’s ambience and attractive setting is unrivalled in the area.

At the entrance to the main hotel lobby are massive solid doors delicately carved with brass and hinged with studded wooden panels. Smartly dressed staff offer wide genuine smiles as they usher you into the hotel rooms.

Culinary delights

In total, there are 22 luxury double rooms and three suites, all air-conditioned. An overhead ceiling fan is also available. In each room are Lamu-styled furniture, richly carved to display traditional Arabic architecture and culture. The comfortable beds boast orthopaedic mattresses, while the walls display paintings and writings in Swahili, like lala salama (goodnight) to wish you a cosy night.

A view of the terrace.

The first and second floors are accessible by staircase. A spacious lounge at the terrace opens out to the seafront. Plump cushions on the chairs and sofas ensure customers enjoy full relaxation while taking pleasure from the soothing viewing of the sea. The rooftop sun parlour offers a much better vantage position to see Lamu.

Antique Lamu furniture at the hotel.

The ‘palatial’ lounge.

The chef’s culinary delights largely focus on seafood, from giant prawns, lobsters to a tempting selection of assorted meat cuts. There are also local and international cuisines for those who do not desire to eat fish. At the back is the Fisherman’s Bar, which serves local wines and a selected variety of international spirits.

"The hotel also bakes its own bread," says Muiruri. "There are varieties of cakes and croissants that have become very popular with guests staying at the hotel or just passing by to have a snack."

Holiday experience

An increase in the hotel guest mix has motivated the chef to introduce tapenyaki and pizza galeria specialties that have become popular attraction for guests.

Some of the decorations at the hotel. Photos: Maarufu Mohamed/Standard

To get to Lamu Palace from Nairobi, one can either take a 90-minute flight or a 20-minute flight from Mombasa. Guests are picked up from the airport and transported by boat to the island. Those travelling by bus have to get to Mokowe mainland then transfer to boats to Lamu island.

All in all, the Lamu Palace Hotel provides a worthwhile holiday experience from Kenya’s oldest and best preserved Swahili town.