Discovering a slice of Kenyan paradise, the small coastal town of Lamu — with insider Sandy Bornman — who owns the local Aman Lamu boutique

I was initially drawn to Lamu because…
Of the peace and quiet of no vehicles and the Swahili culture, which has been unchanged in centuries.

And it makes the perfect getaway because…
There is no pollution, no traffic and an endless stretch of beach for walking.

Packing essentials…
Dress code is as effortless as possible. The lightest cotton caftans and tunics, sandals (although barefoot is preferable), suntan lotion, a hat and sunglasses for the ferocious African sun. Buy your Kenyan cotton kikoi (sarong) on the island.

Where to stay…
Villa rentals, Peponi Hotel.

During the day I recommend…
Yoga, snorkeling trips with a beach picnic and charcoal-grilled freshly caught fish, a visit to the Lamu Museum and Lamu Town to soak in the Swahili culture, and spectacular sunset dhow sailing. Depending on the time of your visit you may be fortunate enough to experience a protected turtle nest hatching or find a school of dolphins.

And at night…
Nighttime is just to enjoy the star-studded African sky.

Not-to-be-missed dinner…
Freshly caught tuna sashimi and ginger and chili crab at Peponi Hotel. Or a traditional Swahili dinner at Baitil Aman, an 18th-Century residence-turned-guest house on the rooftop, under the stars.

And for lunch…
Frank’s Beach Bar and Restaurant under the shady acacia trees on the beach.

Art and architecture lovers should go to…
Lamu Museum, Baitil Aman and Swahili House.

My favorite view…
It is hard to beat watching the full moon rising on the Peponi Hotel veranda where sundowners are an institution.

One thing you can get in Lamu you can’t get anywhere else…
The peace and stillness of no vehicles on the island and an appreciation of the Swahili culture.

Local words and phrases to know…
Habari or jambo — hello. Tafadhali — please. Asante sana — thank you. Kwaheri — goodbye

A secret only a local would know…
The best times to visit the island is from October until mid-April.

The inspiration behind my store Aman Lamu…
The island has absorbed centuries-old trading routes from Persia, Oman, Yemeni and India. At Aman, I can draw on inspiration from the simple clean lines of the Swahili architecture, the patterns on the carved doors and intricate plasterwork designs. It is instinctive to keep the Aman collection chic and effortless so one can wear it with ease.

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