LAMU, KENYA – The new project of Anna Trzebinski, Jannah Lamu, is now open to guests in the form of a “constellation hotel” aiming to immerse them into the authentic Life on Water experience. The new property is formed currently by two main buildings with seven keys, three communal spaces, and four lovingly restored traditional wooden boats. In signature’s sensibility, the artistic community will be woven into the project via the village in the form of the “Shela Rooftop Artist in Residence” program under Anna’s Eden Project, launching 2025/2026, together with a third building to be unveiled.
Inspired by the culture and pristine marine nature, the new Jannah Lamu is born and expresses one woman’s love for a place that has played many important roles in her life and paved the way to a new chapter. Its name translates from the Arabic word for paradise and aims to offer a particularly different experience to visitors.
The constellation, inspired by and named after stars in the Southern Cross, will include, for now, three different buildings, all located around the old village square to immerse guests in village life. All suites and common areas are decorated in a contemporary airy Swahili Chic Style, with Anna’s signature attention to detail and layering of textures and colours as well as juxtaposing different worlds whilst always staying loyal to the Swahili DNA and putting it firmly in the African context.
Alpha Crusis ~ [Jannah House]
[Archipelago Penthouse Suite | Kizingitini Suite | Pate Suite | Faza Suite]
The first property named after the first star in the constellation Alpha Crusis, features four independent suites with en-suite bathrooms, a living area, and a private kitchenette. All bedrooms are also fully air-conditioned. Located on the old village square, Alpha Crusis is one of the tallest buildings in Shela and offers an incredible Rooftop Terrace, simply decorated for ultimate comfort and communal privacy in the form of four seating areas. From this height, guests can enjoy undisturbed views of Shela, Lamu Town and Manda Island, the channels and far into the mainland and the archipelago.
II Beta Crusis ~ [Pink house}
[Siyu Suite | Kiwayuu Room | Mkokoni Room]
The second building, Beta Crusis, features one suite and two rooms on the first floor: the suite has one double bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and kitchen, while the two rooms have en-suite bathrooms with a shared kitchen and a small lounge. Beta Crusis has a beautiful second-floor rooftop, featuring the communal dining area where guests are served breakfast as well as a separate lounging area to relax.
Communal Areas
Alpha Crusis ~ Jannah House Rooftop: Simply decorated for ultimate comfort and communal privacy in the form of four seating areas. From this height, guests can enjoy the perfect direct view of Shela, Lamu town, Lamu and Manda Island, the channels and beyond far onto the mainland and the archipelago.
Beta Crusis ~ Pink House Rooftop: A charming second-floor rooftop featuring the communal dining area where guests are served breakfast as well as a separate lounging area to relax.
Contemplative Scented Garden: Amongst the buildings, a “Contemplative Scented Garden” has been created to embrace the energy of a traditional fragrant garden typical of so many Arab-influenced cultures. It features three covered day bed areas – named baraza – and a Moroccan fountain.
Life on Water- Jannah Lamu Dhows
Immersing in the Archipelago life – Jannah’s guests are offered preferential access to the lovingly restored traditional hardwood boats, called Dhows. All four boats (three Dhows and one taxi boat), found at the end of their lifespan, were discovered by Anna and rehabilitated to their previous grandeur by local boat builders on the beach of Shela, with her artistic signature in sight.
Part of the experiences available while sailing are spiced coffee with dates for breakfast, wild swimming in the estuaries at sunrise, and anchoring off a deserted sand bar. Day trips to Mada Bay and Kipungani, including the opportunity to experience traditional bush dinners on land.
Jannah Boutique
Located on the ground floor of Alpha Crusis (Jannah House), Anna Trzebinski’s boutique and lifestyle store showcases a fusion of traditional Kenyan heritage and global influences. Anna Trzebinski curates a unique collection, drawing inspiration from her diverse experiences. The collection includes intricately handcrafted fashion pieces and distinctive home decor items, each reflecting a narrative of artistry and sophistication.
The article Jannah Lamu, the new creation of Anna Trzebinski, is now open to guests first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
