When I wrote a review on Manda homes, a Facebook friend that once lived in Lamu asked me if while there I visited kiwayu island.
This is how the conversation went.
He did not lie. Ras Kitao is on a league of it’s own. Ras kitao is a mini heaven. A completely different ball game to what you are used to.
The beach there is cleaner than anywhere I have been to in the recent past. I thought Diani had the best beaches or Watamu (those who know me know I have an extremely weak spot for Watamu,) but nothing compares to this.
Ras kitao however, is one of those places you have to visit to get a clear image of what I’m talking about.
Even the ocean waves there are polite in their night noises. The water is so clear, so uncontaminated it will make you want to cry. As gen z famously love to say, the ocean on that part of the Lamu archipelago is giving everything it should give.
My stay at Manda homes was nothing short of memorable. To say that these villas are beautiful would be a huge understatement. They are breathtaking. While the house at Manda has a combination of modern and historical touches, this one is modern through and through. This is evident in it’s furniture and even the design of their kitchens etc etc. So if you are not a huge fan of history and what not, this is the perfect place for you.
Only the main door has that ancient vibe going on, but as the saying goes, what’s a Lamu building without an ancient door. (I made that up, I don’t think there is such a saying.) Seriously though, I think it’s a thing there, where all buildings have such beautiful, ancient looking doors.
What makes a wonderful vacation? What gives the feeling of having been to a successful trip? Personally I think the place you stay plays a huge role in determining the kind of experience one will have.
From amazing, friendly staff, to the type of meals being prepared, the ambience and cleanliness of the house among other things. The Manda homes in Ras kitao ticks every box.
The house is located in a quiet serene “neighborhood” and is a five minute walk from the beach. My favourite place was the rooftop where all meals were served, with a scenic view of the beach. The rooftop also has a bed to nap in, a counter that can also serve as a mini bar and a hammock to laze around in.
The house’s pool is super clean and clearly well maintained.
The staff were so friendly and never got in the way. So friendly in fact that on the day we were leaving one came running after us with scandals that had been left behind.
From local cuisines to foreign dishes and anything in between. Whatever you want, the chef will prepare it for you.
However, Unlike Manda Island the heat here was abit higher. Lots of sunscreen needed during the day at the beach, and the nights were humid and hot. Plenty of bikinis should be packed for this part of the world. The shorter the shorts the better for you ; or everyone for that matter. And ofcourse, what better place to try out a good old bottle of gin than here?
I would give this house a 9.5/10 but only because it would be ridiculous to give it a 10. That’s how good my stay there was. If you are looking for a place to stay in Lamu, specifically Ras kitao then this is definitely the place for you. Throw in word that the Sunsetter recommended it for you and who knows, a discount might be given 🙂
To make a booking, visit their website Manda homes also for more details.
2 Comments
by Gillian
Ghai! What is this place? Now that is one good vacation destination.
by Sunsetter
A must visit that everyone needs to have in their bucket list