Nothing. I loved it all. There's no lift (of course) and we chose to stay on the top floor and when we return (and we will) we will choose the top floor again.

We can't fault Jua House. The place is stunning, the decor feels like its out of an interiors magazine. The staff is top-notch and Thomas is a rock star who I loved talking to. Breakfast is exceptional with freshly baked produce daily.

Stayed in May 2024

Installation of air conditions in the bedrooms.

The architecture The fridge in the common space The rooftop was AMZING! The staff.. All of them are professional and friendly especially Amanu The bakery in the house. Suberb! The 4-6 p. M. coffee and Cinnamon Rolls in the roof top

Stayed in April 2024

Stairs to climb as I have walking difficulty and it was very hot.

Lovely house with hospitable staff, nice bakery with teatime treats.

Stayed in March 2024

Like most places in Shela there is no air conditioning and it was very hot when we visited. Once you work out your coping mechanisms (going to bed early with an iced water bottle!) it's manageable

A stunning guesthouse right in the heart of Shela. Omani and his team were excellent, flexible and very helpful. Their reputation for having the best breakfast around did not disappoint, and they were fantastic in fulfilling our various dietary needs.

Stayed in March 2024

The views, the breakfast, the staff (Amanj was excellent), the size of the rooms, everything !

Stayed in April 2024

The view was amazing and the breakfast was unmatched! But what really made our holiday special was the kindness and efficiency of the staff. The Jua House manager, Amani, was so helpful with our every need and was always willing to help (even if we didn't need it!).

Stayed in March 2024

It wasn’t a problem for us but to note there are quite a few steps up to the rooftop of this property. Also it is set back a small way from the waterfront down a few lanes that might take a little getting used to, but locals will always be kind enough to point you in the right direction.

The place is beautiful, such a clean, peaceful haven. The rooftop is really special and the rooftop bedroom is huge and has a hammock and outside shower (as well as indoor). The breakfast was delicious, Amani and the rest of the guys that work there are really helpful and friendly. Organised a tour of old town, a sunset dow and other boat journeys through Jua, they made everything seamless. The afternoon cakes and coffees are soooo good.

Stayed in March 2024

The breakfast was beautiful on the rooftop terrace. The best part was the other people that were there. We met so many wonderful people and made great friends!

Stayed in February 2024

Excellent stay. Lovely authentic design, super sweet staff (shout out to Amani for always helping out with a big smile), and I LOVE the idea of the tea hour, as well as the wonderful fresh homemade breakfast. We will be back!

Stayed in March 2024

A tiny bit far from the beach. A pool on the roof or even just a shower / splash pool would be the cherry on top as it is so hot.

Loved the host Omani, he was a legend. The breakfast was amazing and the guy carrying everything up the stairs is a beast. House itself is beautiful. They gave us a late check out which was SO nice.

Stayed in March 2024

The space is tastefully designed and the staff are so so kind. Amani was helpful and always willing to go the extra mile. I wholeheartedly recommend this space for a restful time away.

Stayed in March 2024

Only thing was the hard pillows!

Friendly staff, the best breakfast ever with freshly made bread etc and cake at tea time. great decor

Stayed in March 2024

Even though there are fans, it runs hot at night.

Our stay at Jua was amazing. The space is clean and beautiful with a number of common areas to chill. The staff is super helpful and friendly. The baked goods before sunset is a must!!!

Stayed in February 2024

The architecture, location and the amazing breakfast served by very friendly staff members.

Stayed in February 2024

Nothing at all! Apart, maybe, a few pieces of wall art ;)

A wonderful B&B with only seven rooms, small enough to get to chat with the other guests. The building has been entirely redesigned by the owner, Thomas, with a fabulous taste and attention to details: spacious and inviting common spaces, authentic handicrafts, luxurious organic cotton bedlinen and Belgian waffle towels, and an ample supply of organic toiletries made in Kenya and fragranced with plants and spices. There is everything you may need (including good, free Wi-Fi) and no more, to keep it simple and relaxing. There is a large choice for breakfast, which can include Swahili snacks, delicious banana pancakes, freshly made juices and fruit salad, eggs, etc., all home baked. Also, afternoon tea/coffee with a different homemade cake or cookies every day. The staff is truly wonderful; Amani at reception will sort out everything you ask for, "hakuna matata" : airport transfer by boat, excursions, food delivery by local domestic goddess Mariam and her women's association (excellent samosas, curries and biryanis), and wine or beer if you fancy a drink. All extras are very reasonably priced. Shela itself is wonderfully relaxing with boats and donkeys instead of cars, and very friendly people (in majority Muslim. This is not Mykonos or Ibiza, thankfully, and you have to respect their way of life and dress code). There is Maasai craft market, a handful of nice shops, a beautiful beach (involving a fairly energetic walk in the sand over the dunes, and best enjoyed at dawn or sunset). Lamu Old Town, not to miss, is a 30/40-min easy walk away along the seafront (at low tide) or accessible by boat. We hope to be able to come back!

Stayed in February 2024

Have one or two communal tvs would be good idea?

Very clean airy property, secure and with great breakfast. The staff were totally dedicated to the customers.

Stayed in February 2024

Beautifully decorated hotel with stunning views. The breakfast is delicious. The staff are what makes this hotel special in particular Amani. Thank you all for a lovely stay.

Stayed in February 2024

My bed was very high off the ground and I'm not that tall so it was a big step to get up but that was nothing major.

Beautiful hotel with the best breakfast in Lamu. Their fresh baked bread is famous. The staff were so wonderful and went above and beyond to look after guests and the rooms and shared spaces are beautifully styled and really comfortable. I spent a lot of time on the rooftop enjoying the view. I had 3 fans in my room which was great as I didn't get any of the cool breeze that came through the upper floors at night (I was on the lowest guest floor and facing another building).

Stayed in January 2024

Great views from the rooftop terrace during breakfast and whenever wanted. Lovely interiors and great wind ventilation easing the heat outside. Great opportunity for having also dinner at the rooftop….amazing views and delicious food.

Stayed in January 2024

Nothing

Loved the cleanliness , the staff was amazing the rooms were clean

Stayed in January 2024

No aircon was tough to get used to!

The staff, particularly Amani and the breezy rooftop with a great breakfast.

Stayed in January 2024

Spent a very relaxing night here — it’s a quiet, meditative, and uplifting place. Could have spent more time taking in the various viewpoints and also some of the house’s art. Breakfast was of course delicious!

Stayed in January 2024

We had some issues with miscommunication and clarity. Every morning there was some confusion about breakfast. That being said, despite waiting every morning, breakfast was amazing. We also had confusion when trying to book excursions. Be aware that boat trips and such are very expensive - in fact, the whole island is quite expensive.

The building is beautiful and the rooms are beautiful - they have a wonderful collection of local and African art. There are lovely spaces to relax. The amenities are fantastic and cruelty free. You can refill your water and coffee and tea are available. They also have reasonable prices for laundry. Breakfast was tasty and filling. Bread and baking is done onsite and is amazing.

Stayed in December 2023

Nothing, it was heavenly

Absolutely amazing place. Lots of nice pockets to sit and relax, the rooms and the whole hotel are beautiful, and Amani, who runs it, is lovely and incredibly helpful -- we were met at the airport even though we forgot to share our flight time! Could not recommend more.

Stayed in December 2023