The Majlis Hotel (Kenya)

Overview

Idyllic, luxurious, stylish, unique, …the Majlis resort is a privately-owned luxury beach hotel on the north coast of Kenya in the Indian ocean. The beach resort is named ‘Majlis' after the Arabic term for an exceptionally comfortable and special place, where the host traditionally entertains and looks after his most important guests in utmost style and comfort.

Located on Manda Island in the Lamu archipelago, The Majlis is a boutique hotel offering just 25 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, all of which are presented in timelessly elegant Lamu style.

Accommodations

The Majlis Hotel Lamu offers elegant and luxurious accommodation, in understated design complementing the natural beauty of Lamu and its tropical location.

The beach hotel facing Lamu island comprises 25 superbly-appointed Superior and Deluxe rooms, Junior and Royal suites divided into 3 villas.  Each villa opens onto the white sand beach and boasts a private veranda with panoramic sea views.  The rooms are spacious with traditionally high, beamed ceilings, large windows and terraces with spectacular views of the beach, garden, swimming pools and Indian Ocean.

Activities

The natural surroundings of Lamu are spectacular and offer a variety of activities to suit all tastes and to keep active all day long.

Lamu’s rich history as a former sultanate marrying Arabic and African cultures can be admired though excursions and Boat Excursions trips.  Visits to Lamu Town or the Takwa ruins offer a glimpse into Lamu’s past.

The ocean’s wonders can be admired on diving and snorkeling trips in the Lamu archipelago. Regular trade winds allow visitors to windsurf or kite-surf along the never-ending Shela beach facing the hotel. Action-seeking guests can enjoy water-skiing, wake-boarding or knee-boarding in the calm waters off the central bay.

Dining

The Majlis Restaurant is a focal point of the hotel due to its unique architecture as well as its excellent cuisine which includes International, Italian (seafood, pasta, wooden pizza oven and home-made ice cream) and Japanese dishes (sushi, sashimi, and tempura).

The Restaurant roof reaches 14 meters high and is built in the local tradition of casuarinas and mangrove poles, covered in very long palm leaves ('makuti' in Swahili). The Restaurant combines an open-plan veranda on the ground floor and terrace/bar on the first floor, offering panoramic views over the Ras Kitau bay.

The Majlis Restaurant offers the finest dining in the Lamu archipelago, featuring the best in local produce and fresh seasonal ingredients. We regularly purchase seafood in the morning from local fisherman returning from the sea on their way to market. The Restaurant's cuisine tastefully combines international dishes with the best local produce.

Seasons

Kenya is famous for its glorious weather, exceptional light and beautiful skies. The coastal area is tropical and daily temperatures consistently range from 27 to 31°C (81-88°F) with some humidity. The Majlis benefits from gentle and refreshing sea breezes which cool Lamu shores.

Rainfall can be expected between April and May (the long rains) and again between October and December. January to March is the dry season and temperatures are generally higher.

Rates & Reservations

To request rates and availability contact us at info@impacttourism.com or call us at 408-642-1922. Otherwise visit: http://www.exclusiveafricantreasures.com/reservations.php.

Press Releases

The Majlis Photo Contest Press Release - April 2011

Location

The Lamu Archipelago is a small group of islands situated on Kenya's northern coast line. It is made up of Lamu, Manda, Pate and Kiwayu Islands.

Lamu Town is the headquarters of Lamu District, one of the six districts of Kenya's Coastal Province, which borders the Indian Ocean to the east, the Tana River District to the south-west and the Garissa District to the north. Lamu Town is the oldest living Swahili town in Kenya, comparable to Zanzibar in Tanzania.

The town dates back to the 12th century. Due to its unique location along Arabic, Indian and African trade routes, Lamu flourished as a maritime hub whose main population, the Swahili, engaged in international trade, fishing and farming. The architecture of Lamu is uniquely Swahili, with its narrow streets, storied buildings, intricately carved wooden doors and numerous mosques. Tightly built along narrow streets bordering the seafront, Lamu's architecture and rich Swahili influences make it among the most charming spots in East Africa.

Media Coverage

November 2010

Lamu Cultural Festival Lamu is a place like no other, a peaceful tropical island where life is lived at its own relaxed rhythm, but a place whose history is as mysterious and fascinating as the winding streets of its medieval stone town. As Kenya’s oldest still inhabited town, Lamu has a rich and colorful history with a local community who are proud of their traditions. Lamu is a year round destination; however, there is another special reason to visit the archipelago - the Lamu Cultural Festival – which takes place in the week commencing 22 November with the main activities featuring from 25 to 28 November. The Festival is a four day celebration of everything that this amazing island has to offer - its unspoiled beaches, medieval ambiance, architecturally magnificent Old Town, gracious community and traditions of an enchanting island where history continues to live. The Majlis Hotel is proud to be located in this UNESCO World Heritage Site and looks forward to hosting you during the Lamu Cultural Festival.

Website

Please learn more about The Majlis by visiting their website at:

http://www.themajlisresorts.com