SYNGUÉ SABOUR COTTAGE
Take a look around
Nestled directly on Manda Island's beachfront, opposite Peponi Hotel, Syngué Sabour is a plantation-style cottage and guest suite that sleeps 4 in comfort and privacy. Owned, designed, developed, and decorated, by design duo Claudio Modola and Andrea Mathison, the cottage is surrounded by numerous external verandas and terraces, a plunge pool, mature gardens, and uninterrupted 180-degree beach views. Welcome to Syngué Sabour Cottage!
Luxury Amenities
Syngué Sabour holiday cottage offers a range of amenities to make your stay comfortable, relaxing and and memorable.
From the moment you arrive at the airport in Lamu, you will be met by our team and guided to our traditional canoe which will bring you to the cottage and will remain at your complete disposal for the entire time you are staying with us. Whether you're looking to relax by the pool, explore the nature of the archipelago, or immerse yourself in the boiling pot of cultures that is Lamu, we will do everything we can to make your vacation one of the best ever.
Our Traditional Canoe
Dedicated Staff
Plunge Pool
HMS Intolerance is a 9m solid hardwood canoe with a distinctly 1930s touch. The boat has a generous mattress on the bow for sunbathing or sunset tours and a comfortable shaded seat with coffee table towards the rear, perfect for onboard picnic's at the sand bar. She was once described by Lars of Peponi as the Bugatti of the Lamu canoes, - certainly for her lines rather than the speed of her 15 HP engine! She will be at your disposal throughout your holiday.
The Syngué Sabour team of 4 will be at your service throughout your stay with us. Don't waste a moment figuring things out, we will take care of it. Just inform Edison or Gabriel what you would like to eat, where you would like to go, what you would like to do and they will organise the rest. If you need any suggestions or advice about anything, we are also always just a call away via Whats App.
The cottage is situated directly on what is widely considered, the prettiest part of Manda Island's beach. However sometimes you may just prefer to dip in the plunge pool, before taking a nap in the hammock under the shade of acacia trees. The saline plunge pool was specifically designed for occasions such as this, it is also rather tempting in the evening when surrounded by lanterns and candles.
Private Yoga Tuition
Outdoor Movie Nights
Massage, Manicure &
Pedicure Treatments
The Cottage is surrounded by beachfront, and poolside terraces, amid mature vegetation, all of which make stunning locations in which to practice yoga and meditation, particularly at dawn or dusk (the most special moments of the day on Manda). If you would like to practice yoga during your stay, Yogi, Kelly Alomba, who specializes in Power Vinyasa Flow, SUP, and Hatha Yoga, regularly teaches at the house upon request. Let us know if we should advise Kelly of your arrival and book your sessions.
There are some nights, even on holiday, perhaps after a day at sea, where you just want to curl up and watch a good film. With this in mind, our projector and screen set up on the pool terrace or on the beach front pad provides the ideal venue for a relaxed movie night under the stars. Connect the projector to your laptop or phone, ask Edison to prepare the Pizza's and Popcorn and you are all set.
Should you feel like a little pampering, Syngué Sabour has its own professional massage bed, on which by prior appointment, Shela masseuse Maureen can work her magic. Maureen typically provides 1-hour full-body massage or scrub sessions. Should you like the idea of having a massage upon your arrival at the cottage be sure to drop us a line and we will make the arrangements on your behalf. Inhouse manicures and pedicures and other treatments are also available upon request.
Meet Your Team
Get to know the amazing individuals who make Syngue Sabour Cottage a truly exceptional holiday rental.
Our team is dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable experience, ensuring that every aspect of your stay is perfect.
Cook
Edison Ngona Mboti
Edison is our longest serving staff member, his passion for cooking is apparent in the food he produces. Always busy, arranging delivery of the best fresh sea food to the door, personally planning the weeks vegetable and fruit requirements from upcountry farm's, whilst producing home made pastas, bread, foccacia's, deserts and our own inhouse ice cream for the days menu's. Under the culinary point of view you are in good hands.
House Steward
Gabriel Charo
Gabriel is in charge of all aspects of service and guest comfort. He works closely with Edison to manage the overall running of the property to ensure everything about your stay at the Cottage is to your liking. Should you have a particular request or idea such as a deep sea fishing trip, a special gift for your wife/husband or a moonlit dinner in the boat, Gabriel will be more than happy to arrange everything for you.
Stewardess
Jennifer Mtua
Jennifer is our diligent and detail-oriented housekeeping team member. With a keen eye for cleanliness, Jennifer ensures that all laundry and every room is spotless and ready for our guests. You can trust that Jennifer's efforts behind the scenes will makes your stay at Syngue Sabour comfortable and enjoyable.
Boat Captain
Harrith Hamad
Harrith is the Captain of our much loved hardwood Canoe HMS Intolerance. He will be one of the first people you meet on arrival at the airport and during your stay will take you wherever you wish to go, be it, into the mangrove creeks for swimming, out for dinner at Peponi, to Shela for shopping or to the sand bank with a hamper for a picnic. For all things sea related Harrith is your man.
What to Do?
You may just want to relax at the house but here's a selection of rather nice things to do in the Archipelago
Media
Lamu Island Video's, a collection of cool video's from around the archipelago.
MOST BEAUTIFUL TOWN IN KENYA - (Kenya On Air_Special Edition)
MOST BEAUTIFUL TOWN IN KENYA - (Kenya On Air_Special Edition)
The @wherenextfamily enjoy Syngue Sabour Cottage
Welcome to Manda Island and Syngue Sabour Cottage
Getting to Lamu
The Lamu archipelago is 470 km southeast of Nairobi, on the Indian Ocean. Nairobi is served by all major airlines and several local airlines fly daily from Nairobi to Lamu Manda Airport.
Nairobi has two airports.
1) Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which is the point of departure to Lamu for "Jambo Jet"
2) Wilson Airport, which is the domestic airport and point of departure to Lamu for "Skywards Express" and "Safarilink"
https://www.skywardexpress.co.ke
Jomo Kenyatta Airport has several quality hotel's within the airport itself should you need to overnight between connecting flights.
Flight times from Nairobi to Lamu are 1 hour if direct, otherwise 90 minutes if via Mombasa or Malindi.
Lamu also receives daily flights from Mombasa and Malindi Airports
with "Skywards Express"
On arrival at Lamu Manda Airport you will find Edison or Gabriel at the airport waiting to guide you to our boat and to arrange your luggage transfer to the jetty. Whilst your bags are loaded onto the boat you will be served with refreshing cold towels and "Madafu" the milk of fresh coconuts.
People are Talking
As a party of four, with another couple, we were the first guests to rent the property in October 2023 - it is brand new. What a rare treat, the architectural style is incredible, the food was superb, the service was top notch, we were utterly spoiled. One of the best holidays we have ever had. Off to a good start team Syngué Sabour. Thanks so much for everything we will see you next year.
Simon & Gill Lewis, UK
As an architectural designer and the Treasurer of Lamu Tourism Association, I was really impressed by Syngué Sabour House. It is a property clearly born of love and a dedicated persistence to realise an elegant vision. On, first glance it looks like someone was having fun in designing it, yet I am certain there must have been many challenges to overcome in delivering such attention to detail. Congratulations
Suzanne Holtz - Treasurer, Lamu Tourist Association
There was only one place we were ever going to celebrate our silver wedding annversary and that was Kenya. We started with an African Sun Safari in Amboselli and ended our holiday at Syngue Sabour Cottage on Manda Island, in Lamu. I have no words to describe the entire 10 days other than superb. My wife and I travel a lot but Syngue Sabour is something else all together. The house whilst small is perfect, ideal for one or two couples.
Ian Hamilton, USA
Thankyou for being so accommodating throughout our stay. We had such a memorable time at your beautiful spot. It was just perfect for the three of us and gave us the holiday we really needed.
Georgia Eloff, Aug 2024
We had a magical time, the house is a piece of art. We slept so well, and Gabriel and Edison were super, food was delicious, especially desserts. We look forward to visiting again
Cindy Lithimbi, Oct 2024
We have just arrived in paradise, the house is utterly gorgeous.
Thankyou for having us as guests we had wonderful days.
Tore Tveter, Nov 2024
