About Us

With Lamu Yoga Retreats I invite you to my world, my life.

You are more than welcome, Karibu!

Lamu Yoga Retreats is focused on offering tools to bring happiness to all via yoga workshops and retreats. The aim is to bridge the gap between cultures, backgrounds, and religions, with a better understanding of oneself and of one other, in a world where we need to see polarity as part of life, understanding how this works, and bringing more balance into our own lives and that of Mother Earth. We want to highlight what makes our cultures unique, what we share, and how we can all learn and grow from each other. As we glide on the waves of the ocean, we are working on new retreats and ideas. We will keep you updated on new developments.

About Monika

My Inspiration:
“ Service is the key to happiness” Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

When I landed on Lamu island in 1997, I instantly felt that Lamu would be an idyllic place for wellness. The growth has been spectacular, and I am immensely proud at how far we have come together on this journey. Born in Holland, I realized decades ago that my life’s purpose was to be right here, on Lamu island. I married my now husband, a local fisherman called Banana, and we have since been blessed with two beautiful children. Together, we have created a fulfilling and happy life.

I feel extremely fortunate to be living the life that we have built for myself and our family.

It was not the easiest path for me, but it has made me experience and appreciate true happiness and love. For me, that is the greatest gift you can get in life.

Monika and Banana
Monika and Banana

About Monika

My Inspiration:
“ Service is the key to happiness” Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

When I landed on Lamu island in 1997, I instantly felt that Lamu would be an idyllic place for wellness. The growth has been spectacular, and I am immensely proud at how far we have come together on this journey. Born in Holland, I realized decades ago that my life’s purpose was to be right here, on Lamu island. I married my now husband, a local fisherman called Banana, and we have since been blessed with two beautiful children. Together, we have created a fulfilling and happy life.

I feel extremely fortunate to be living the life that we have built for myself and our family.

It was not the easiest path for me, but it has made me experience and appreciate true happiness and love. For me, that is the greatest gift you can get in life.

I feel extremely fortunate to be living the life that we have built for myself and our family.

It was not the easiest path for me, but it has made me experience and appreciate true happiness and love. For me, that is the greatest gift you can get in life.

A view of Banana House

Together with my family, we build our hotel: Banana House and have organized many, retreats for others, like-minded yogi. Our team of local yoga instructors is growing by the day, and we have been organizing Lamu Yoga Festival seven years in a row!

Lamu Yoga Retreats continues my life’s long calling to help people with their inner journey into self-discovery and happiness. There, I invite you to share my world, my life, to deep dive into your own emotions. There is much to learn from Kenya’s cultural abundance, traditions and values, which have enriched my life tremendously and that I wish to make accessible to all of you.  This is a once in lifetime opportunity to get to know Swahili people (natives of Lamu island) and learn from a different culture’s perspective. Karibu, feel welcome!

About Monika 3
About Monika 3

Lamu Yoga Retreats continues my life’s long calling to help people with their inner journey into self-discovery and happiness. There, I invite you to share my world, my life, to deep dive into your own emotions. There is much to learn from Kenya’s cultural abundance, traditions and values, which have enriched my life tremendously and that I wish to make accessible to all of you.  This is a once in lifetime opportunity to get to know Swahili people (natives of Lamu island) and learn from a different culture’s perspective. Karibu, feel welcome!

About Lamu Island

Lamu Island – Shela, is Kenya’s leading wellness destination. Miles of empty sandy beaches, vivid culture, flavoursome food, and many accommodations to suit all budgets. The charming village of Shela, with its winding, narrow streets, beautiful architecture and donkeys at every corner, is where all retreats take place. Lamu Old Town, the oldest Swahili settlement in East Africa, is a UNESCO heritage site. Lamu Island is truely magical, we don’t have cars, just plenty of donkeys, cats and boats. Without the stress and rush of modern life, it’s easy to feel a million miles away.

The delicious and wholesome Swahili cuisine is part of the reason Lamu is known as Kenya’s health and wellness destination. We eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood daily, and so will you in our yoga retreats.

A flag written I love Lamu
A flag written I love Lamu

The delicious and wholesome Swahili cuisine is part of the reason Lamu is known as Kenya’s health and wellness destination. We eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood daily, and so will you in our yoga retreats.