As you’ve probably noticed, our range of properties at Barefoot Breaks is dominated by small beach lodges – it’s somewhat unusual then to see a “town” hotel listed. The Peponi though is no ordinary town hotel – in fact, it’s no exaggeration to say that this delightful little hotel has assumed near legendary status in Kenyan tourism. It’s perched right on the water’s edge in the tiny village of Shela on the island of Lamu, at the start of a 12km long stretch of near deserted beach backed by majestic dunes. Shela has seen the gorgeous restoration of many of its old buildings as holiday villas in recent years and has become extremely fashionable – Princess Caroline and her husband are regular visitors and the festive season inevitably sees an influx of minor royalty and celebrities who flock to enjoy this idyllic paradise.

The Peponi is a privately owned hotel which has been in the hands of a Danish family - the Korschens – since 1967. In their own words “the truth is Peponi ‘happened’. It was a house that grew into a hotel, an idea that, little by little, took shape from its sea-mad proprietors.” The result is a 24 room boutique hotel boasting dazzling white-washed terraces covered with flaming bougainvillaea and surrounded by chunky baobabs and tall waving palm trees. it’s no exaggeration to say that this delightful little hotel has assumed near legendary status in Kenyan tourism

Peponi started as a family home and has grown over the years into a charmingly intimate, rather interesting collection of rooms scattered somewhat haphazardly amidst wonderfully lush, tropical gardens. Lying in your bed looking at the sea whilst the smell of fresh frangipani blossoms floating in small bowls of water fills the air and it’s difficult to imagine any other way of living.

Every single room is uniquely different – but what they all share is a sense of simplicity and tasteful, elegant style - typically with sea views, overhead fans, mosquito nets, showers (no baths) fresh flowers and lovely Swahili furnishings. The minimalist light and airy style - cool cement floors covered with colourful matting, white walls with hangings – combined with the cooling sea breezes make for rooms that you’re more than happy to laze about in.

Whilst the rooms are simple and classy, the reason Peponi has forged such a superb reputation is largely due to the fantastic personal hospitality and the excellent food (wonderful seafood a particular passion) Peponi comes across as an oasis of calm in an increasingly mad world – cellphones are banned (except in your bedroom) because they “scare the crabs” according to the warning notice! Walk into the entrance of the hotel and you’re also pretty much in the main bar, a famous watering hole that also acts as the hotel reception area. That’s probably appropriate as the bar at Peponi’s is pretty much the social epicentre of Shela (it’s the only bar in this Muslim village) As such you’re likely to mix with fellow guests from all over the world as well as some fascinating expat characters from the village – altogether a great opportunity to people watch and enjoy some conversations with an eclectic group of adventurers.

Part of the furniture is the barman, Charles, who knows his clients and their preferred tipples almost telepathically. Get him to expertly mix you one of the house cocktails, the “Old Pal” – a potent blend of vodka, angostura bitters, soda water and sugar.

You could of course just lie around the gorgeous pool shaded by a couple of huge baobabs sipping ice-cold Tuskers and watching the dhows plying the channel as the high tide laps against the sea wall below - but there are a host of other activities that make a stay at Peponi’s so memorable. If you’re keen on deep-sea fishing you’ll salivate at the prospect of venturing on one of the hotel’s boats to the area’s world-famous sailfish and marlin waters. There’s also snorkelling on the reefs (about 45 minutes speedboat ride away); visits to the old town of Lamu, a World Heritage Site and Africa’s oldest inhabited town where life carries on in timeless fashion (there’s still just 1 motor car on the whole island!); water-skiing, windsurfing, and the ever-popular dhow trips around the archipelago including dolphin spotting trips at certain times of the year.

Puts you right in the centre of village activities with its fantastic waterfront position

THE place to stay in Shela village if you're wanting a bit of lively socializing due to the legendary pub

Fantastic seafood on offer in the excellent restaurant

Lovely secluded pool area

Its position in the village means it's probably not the best choice for travellers wanting purely a beach experience

Outside visitors to the restaurant and bar mean that it might be a little too lively and crowded for those looking for absolute tranquility