A boutique Swahili guesthouse overlooking Manda Bay, where four intimate rooms, open terraces, and the oldest trading island on the East African coast await you.
- Shela Village
- Lamu Island
- Manda Bay Views
- 4 Unique Stays
- Rooftop Garden & Co-Work
ABOUT SHELA BLISS
A sanctuary above the village
Nestled in the quiet lanes of Shela, one of East Africa’s most preserved Swahili villages, Shela Bliss is a hand-crafted guesthouse with sweeping views over Manda Bay. Every corner is designed with intention u2014 raw mangrove ceilings, hand-plastered walls, earthy vessel sinks, and vibrant textiles woven from the region’s rich heritage.
Whether you’re here to unwind completely, work remotely from a rooftop perch, or explore the archipelago’s timeless beauty u2014 this is your place of bliss.
4
UNIQUE ROOMS & SUITES
360
ROOFTOP BAY VIEWS
5 min
WALK TO SHELA BEACH
u221e
SUNSETS FROM THE TERRACE
Accomodation
Four Rooms. Four Experiences.
Each room at Shela Bliss has its own name, its own character, and its own way of making you feel completely at home.
The Apartment
Al Naeem
- COMFORT
- BLISS
- TRANQUIL
- LUXURY
- 2ND FLOOR
- SLEEPS 4 - 5
- FROM $250/NIGHT
Swahili beam ceilings · Rope pendant lights · Bohemian & Arabic décor
Amirah
ARABIC FOR “PRINCESS · LEADER”
This exquisitely designed space features a luxurious Super King bed, inviting you to unwind in total comfort. Step out onto your private balcony, where the serene green surroundings create an atmosphere of timeless relaxation and enchanting views of the peaceful neighbourhood.
Hayat
ARABIC FOR “LIFE · EXISTENCE · SOUL”
This room features two comfortable double beds, ideal for siblings or friends. For a more intimate setting, the beds can be easily combined — creating an ideal retreat for couples travelling together. An adaptable, beautifully appointed space that ensures a delightful stay for all.
PRIVATE ROOMS
3rd Floor Rooms
Both rooms lead to the shared terrace dining area with panoramic Manda Bay views
Azizah
ARABIC FOR “PRECIOUS · CHERISHED”
Two double beds (combinable for couples), ensuite with organic plaster shower and hand-crafted vanity, direct access to the terrace with sweeping Manda Island and sea views. From $85/night solo · $140/night for 2.
Safiyah
ARABIC FOR “PURE · VIRTUOUS”
Queen bed, ensuite bathroom, direct terrace access with panoramic views of Manda Island, the sea, sand dunes and village rooftops. Pure simplicity in the most beautiful setting. From $90/night solo · $130/night for 2.
SHARED AMENITIES
Spaces that invite you to linger
Every guest at Shela Bliss shares in the magic of these rooftop escapes, gardens, and creative corners.
THE ISLAND
Lamu — Where Time Stands Still
Lamu is one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa — a UNESCO World Heritage Site where donkeys still roam car-free lanes and 700 years of culture live in every carved doorway. Shela sits at its quietest, most beautiful edge.
"Time moves differently here. The dhows still sail as they did a thousand years ago. That is the gift of Shela."
- UNESCO World Heritage
- Car-Free Island
- 700 Years of History
- Pristine Beach
- Traditional Dhow Sailing
BREAKFAST & DINING
Mornings worth waking up for
Every morning begins with a generous spread of tropical fruit, fresh-squeezed juices, and your choice of a full English or traditional Swahili breakfast — served right on the terrace with the bay below.
OPTION 1
Full English
Fried or scrambled eggs, sausages, beans, toast — all served with fresh juice and the fruits of the season.
- Eggs your way
- Sausages
- Beans
- Toast
- Tropical fruit
- Fresh juice
- Coffee/Tea
OPTION 2
Swahili Breakfast
A true coastal Swahili spread — samosas, mahamri, viazi karai, coconut beans, kaiamati — all served with fresh juice and the fruits of the season.
- Samosas
- Mandazi
- Coconut Beans
- Kaiamati
- Viazi Karai
- Fresh juice
- Coffe/tea
ON REQUEST
Private Dinner
A private Swahili dinner served at the long hardwood table — whole fish in rich coconut sauce, chicken biryani, chapati rolls, vegetable curry, kachumbari salad and kaiamati. Arrange 24 hours ahead.
- Coconut fish
- chicken biryani
- Vegetable curry
- Chapati
- kaiamati
RATES & AVAILABILITY
Choose Your Room
Direct bookings receive our best rates — no platform fees, no middlemen. Book directly and save up to 20%.
Save 15–20% by booking direct. All direct bookings include complimentary breakfast, flexible check-in, and personal attention. Also available on Booking.com and Airbnb.
CURATED EXCURSIONS
Unforgettable moments
beyond the walls
We arrange these experiences directly — speak to us when you book your room and we’ll take care of the rest.
UNESCO Lamu Heritage Tour
We arrange these experiences directly — speak to us when you book your room and we’ll take care of the rest.
Sunset Dhow Cruise
We arrange these experiences directly — speak to us when you book your room and we’ll take care of the rest.
Mangrove Fishing
We arrange these experiences directly — speak to us when you book your room and we’ll take care of the rest.
Deep Sea Fishing
We arrange these experiences directly — speak to us when you book your room and we’ll take care of the rest.
Takwa Ruins
We arrange these experiences directly — speak to us when you book your room and we’ll take care of the rest.
Snorkling - Manda Toto
We arrange these experiences directly — speak to us when you book your room and we’ll take care of the rest.
Shela Beach
We arrange these experiences directly — speak to us when you book your room and we’ll take care of the rest.
Shela Sand Dunes
We arrange these experiences directly — speak to us when you book your room and we’ll take care of the rest.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Lamu's Annual Must-Experience Events
Time your visit with one of Lamu’s legendary festivals and witness something truly unforgettable.
Dhow Sailing Competitions
Traditional racing dhows compete during both Maulidi and Cultural Festivals. Watching these ancient vessels race at full sail is one of Lamu’s most breathtaking sights.
Lamu Cultural Festival
The grandest celebration of Swahili heritage — traditional dances, poetry, crafts, the legendary donkey races, and spectacular dhow sailing competitions. Three days of pure magic.
Lamu Yoga & Wellbeing Festival
A week of yoga, meditation, and wellness drawing practitioners from around the world. Classes held in scenic rooftop and beachside locations across Shela.
Maulidi Festival
Lamu’s most sacred celebration — honouring the Prophet Muhammad with processions, singing, and dhow races drawing visitors from across East Africa and Arabia.
CURATED EXCURSIONS
Photo Gallery
We arrange these experiences directly — speak to us when you book your room and we’ll take care of the rest.
