We bring you to the jetty of the sleepy fishing village of Shella on the island of Lamu in an old slow wooden boat. Tucked away in the back of the village, against the sand dunes, you reach the entrance gates to Fatuma’s Tower and passing through them enter a secluded, peaceful world. The deep green foliage of flowering trees speckles shade over the raked sandy pathways and there are many tropical birds whose songs you will hear at dawn. A light sea breeze carries in a salty scent off the Indian Ocean as the sounds of the village fade away.

At Fatuma's Tower you are invited into the home of Gillies and Fiammetta Turle, who want you to feel at ease and experience the peace and comfort of this tranquil space. More than a guest house they refer to it as their house for guests - a hidden corner of the world where you can find time for yourself.

The Tower is named after Fatuma Abu Bakar a Swahili noblewoman who lived in this sanctuary attended by five female slaves until the end of the 19th century. After her death and the abolition of slavery the house fell into ruins and the magnificent tamarind tree growing in the courtyard established itself in the ruins of the fallen masonry.