Fly me from... Lamu to Zanzibar
Forget the overrun hotspots. Let yourself be drawn to the Indian Ocean’s two island gems: Lamu and Zanzibar. With dazzling beaches, intricate craftsmanship, and unspoiled sanctuaries, we’ve crafted an itinerary as exclusive as it is thoughtful. A journey with soul, like a capsule collection, where each stop reveals a treasure worth lingering over.
Swahili soul, island rhythm
A journey woven with spice, salt, and stories. Here, time doesn’t rush. It sways. From the carved doors of Lamu to the barefoot elegance of Zanzibar, the Indian Ocean whispers a different way of living, warm, generous, grounded. You won’t just visit; you’ll share a meal, sail on the wind, greet strangers who feel like old friends. Between each moment, a memory. Between each step, a feeling.
A world of coastal magic.
A place where the soul drifts gently, carried by the rhythm of tides and timeless Swahili grace.
We love Lamu-Zanzibar for…
From freshly grilled seafood and coconut rice to stories shared in the shade of coral-stone houses, every encounter is a window into Swahili life. Here, culture is served with warmth, rooted in tradition, flavour, and connection.
There’s no script, just instinct. At golden hour, leap from the deck, laugh mid-air, and disappear into warm, glowing water. Some memories are made in a single splash.
As the sun melts into the sea, your table is lit by lanterns and the hush of waves. Dinner is served with elegance, simplicity, and the feeling that time has quietly slipped away.
Start the day barefoot on warm wooden floors, surrounded by jungle and soft light. Here, yoga isn’t a practice, it’s a way of tuning in, with yourself and the island.
Step into a local kitchen where every spice has a meaning, and every gesture echoes tradition. As you grind coconut or shape flatbreads, you’re not just learning a dish, you’re tasting the soul of the Swahili coast, one ingredient at a time.
Weisse’s selection
Manda Bay, a timeless hideaway on Manda Island, embodies rustic elegance and unfiltered romance. Built in the 1960s by Bruno Brighetti, this iconic retreat, once the Blue Safari Club, still enchants with its bohemian charm. Evenings unfold barefoot under the stars, where laughter mingles with the gentle sound of the waves, creating a touch of magic. Immortalized by Slim Aarons, Manda Bay remains a dreamlike escape where understated luxury meets natural simplicity, offering a rare kind of freedom in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Settle into this sun-drenched villa, inspired by Swahili architecture, nestled between a mint-green lagoon and lush tropical vegetation on Manda Island. In the morning, sip strong coffee while watching graceful dhows glide by. In the evening, the ocean breeze drifts across the terraces as you dine on seafood and spices beneath a star-filled sky. Here, there’s no noise, just a perfect harmony of understated luxury and natural beauty. The Majlis is a secret sanctuary, a timeless escape where island serenity is savoured, slowly.
NaiSabah, a magnificent Omani dhow, sails the emerald waters of Lamu, offering a sanctuary where time stands still. On board, the atmosphere is pure and refreshing, rich with adventure and connection. Between stopovers on remote islands, you sip a cold beer, lulled by the call to prayer and the sight of swimming buffalo. Designed to reconnect you with what truly matters, NaiSabah supports local communities and ventures into untouched corners of the coast. An authentic marine safari, far from the beaten path, where every wave carries a new story.
Final act: Zuri Zanzibar. This is the archipelago’s in spot. The first Design Hotels address in the region, this boutique resort blends bold style, think trendy studio vibes, with lush tropical gardens designed by Ferdinand Leffler. Minimalist bungalows, raw materials, ethical hammocks, thatched roofs, fusion dining, the mood is cool, chic, and consciously green. You dive, you meditate, you get a massage, you savour inventive cuisine that’s part globetrotter, part local soul. A living postcard. An unfiltered design manifesto. A celebration of refined island living, where understated elegance meets tropical sensuality.
The story
“The dhow was still moored when we left. A final coffee in the salt-heavy breeze, the soft creak of wood beneath our feet, and that golden silence only islands can hold. No need for ceremony. Just a last barefoot step into the world, lighter than when we came. Lamu and Zanzibar are not places you leave behind.
They stay with you, folded into the fabric of your days, like spice in the air, or a rhythm in the chest that no longer matches the city’s pace.”
— Olivier Weisse
Localisation
Dreaming of a tailor-made escape to the Swahili coast? With Weisse curating every detail, all you have to do is kick off your shoes and let the rhythm of the islands carry you. Dhow sails at sunset, coral-stone alleys, secret beaches, and warm encounters await. Ready to surrender to coastal magic?
