Peponi 

Barefoot beach retreat

Peponi is an unpretentious escape for those in the know.

Peponi is a small boutique hotel started by Danish-born Aaga and Wera Korschen who fell in love with the property in 1966. Today, the third generation of Korschen's run the hotel. Offering barefoot luxury, the hotel is located on a beautiful stretch of beach overlooking the Indian Ocean. There are plenty of watersports to enjoy and the mangrove forests are a haven for birds. Beyond the beach, Shela Village and Lamu Town are definitely worth a visit to explore the mosques, local restaurants and artisan shops. Peponi takes a proactive role in its local environment through the Lamu Marine Conservation Trust.

Why we love Peponi

  • Celebrities and expats choose the Peponi for its laid-back, barefoot atmosphere

  • Pick up a map from the team to explore the rich Islamic culture of Shela village or the historical sites of Lamu Town

  • Set sail on a traditional dhow, particularly special at sunset

  • The magic happens at around 6.30pm when everyone gathers for sundowners around the terrace

Jun - Oct
Kenya
8½ hours to Nairobi; 9½ hours to Mombasa via Nairobi
Peponi is located on the remote island of Lamu, in the Indian Ocean off the North Kenyan coast. There is a 12-kilometre unspoilt beach on its doorstep and access from the airport is by small motor boat
Lamu can be reached by air from Nairobi, Mombasa and Malindi. Flights land at on Manda Island, Lamu where hotel staff meet you and transfer you to Peponi by boat

Facilities

  • Restaurants & bars
  • Spas & wellness
  • Activities
  • Sustainability

The restaurant offers an incredible range from Japanese and Italian cuisine to Southeast Asian and Swahili fare with dishes like prawn biryani on the menu. Sundowners are served around the terrace every evening, where you may be able to watch fishermen fixing their dhows.

There are two masseurs who will relax tired muscles.

Take a walk along the stretch of beach, go bird watching in the mangrove forests or visit the historical sites of Lamu Town and the Takwa Ruins.

The Lamu Marine Conservation Trust (LaMCoT) was set up by Carol Korschen in 1992. Its projects include educating the community on the local environment, regular beach clean ups and turtle tagging.