Peponi

For those of you who have not had the good fortune of visiting this haven for yourself, let me give you a short lesson on Peponi.  The Peponi Hotel is located in the Shela village of Lamu Island, off the Kenyan coast in the Indian Ocean.  Peponi meaning "in the wind" in Swahili was started in 1967 by the Korschen family and today it is run by their son Lars and daughter-in-law Carol Korschen and their trusty man-Friday Andrew.  A small, intimate place of beauty and luxury, Peponi exists amid a UNESCO world heritage site that dates back to the 1500s, where there are no cars (well, there are 4 but that's another story) and transportation of every kind happens by boat or donkey.  Despite these limitations, it is a place where your every need is catered to with grace and elegance and without shoes.  The barman can pour you any cocktail (including an "old pal" which is the specialty of the house) while wearing a kikoy (the traditional swahili skirt worn by both men and women), the sashimi is fresh from the beach front. and the sounds of the ocean and the call to prayer mingle in the breeze.  There is a loyal staff with beautiful, smiling faces who lavish you with personal service to rival any Four Seasons.  Sunset ride on a dhow with cocktails, no problem.  Swahili dinner by moonlight, no problem.  Spontaneous birthday celebration, no problem.  And then there is Gumbo, the Peponi dog who doesn't miss a chance to swim with you in the pool or in the ocean.  Peponi is a place like no other, with a most unique charm it truly is a secret haven.  No one wanted to leave, we all hope to come back. 

Airport transport to Peponi

Abdullah who will pick you up from the airport and make sure you get back there with
Peponi in the background at low tide.

Peponi Veranda

Welcome to Peponi

Enjoying an "old pal" while Andrew gives us a little 411

Now that's an ocean front view!

Beautiful room #24, done in Swahili chic!

The manual and clothes to use during your stay

The balcony and view from room #24

and the balcony and view from room #22

Muchane the ladies man

Kevin and Muchane gone native

Mary enjoying the poolside hammock

Gin & Tonics all around

Gumbo

Moonlight Swahili dinner - delicious and beautiful!

Our group with Carol and Andrew, the hosts with the most!

Peponi seen during high tide.  This dramatic tidal change happens every 12 hours.

Check out the peponi website for more history and beautiful photos:
www.peponi-hotel.com