Nestling amid the dunes Kiwayu is luxury the East African way. Relax in the Bajuni bandas - made in the traditional fashion without a single nail - and drink in the natural surroundings. Eighteen spacious and beautifully decorated bandas, each with its own hammock-strung verandah and panoramic view of the bay, provide perfect luxury, total seclusion and great water sports.

For centuries the bay of Kiwayu has been a calling point for Arab dhows trading ivory, carpets and carved chests travelling between Arabia, Mombasa and Zanzibar filling their debis with sweet water from the wells here. For Kiwayu lies on Kenya’s east coast on the Indian Ocean and forms part of the northern Lamu archipelago. There are few places in the world which can boast such total seclusion, visited only by fishermen, the dhow that still come to collect sweet water and the occasional sports fishermen in search of the magnificent marlin or sailfish.

Kiwayu is surrounded by a marine reserve, protected by the Kenya Wildlife Services and to the north and west, the adjacent Dodori and Boni Game Reserves. These wild areas are vital to the protection of the flora and fauna of eastern Kenya and the animals which inhabit these reserves are often migratory.

The sea is home to many types of coral fish, dugong, whale shark, basking whale, tuna, marlin, sailfish, wahoo, kingfish and many others. Turtle lay their eggs on the sandy beaches and together with Kenya Wildlife Services, Kiwayu is instrumental in protecting their territory. Fishing trophies such as marlin and sailfish are always released to live and swim another day.

Bandas built in the local Bajuni tradition have palm thatching and carpeted floors. They are suites consisting of a bedroom, dressing room and shower with running water and loo. Each verandah offers perfect privacy, cushioned comfort and a panoramic over the bay - and each is just a few metres from the water’s edge and so constitutes a very good place to spend a day or two.

Failing that, walking is really a pleasure; along sandy beaches stretching on either side of the oasis or on Kiwayu Island. Make a memorable foot safari over the dunes to watch the sun set over the miles of bush - there is always a chance to detect the elusive lesser kudu coming through the doum palms to drink at the water holes below. An experienced tracker from a local tribe will point out to you the pugmarks and spoor of lion or the prowl of a baboon and while he accompanies you he will be happy to tell you know what all this great nature is about.

Relax, recharge and become at one with a handmixed sundowner at the beach bar - Kiwayu has alternative treatments for almost everything!