There are people who belong so completely to a place that the landscape feels incomplete without them. In Shela, on Lamu Island, that person is Babu British, my friend, a local icon, and one of the most effortlessly elegant souls you’ll ever meet.

You’ll spot him instantly. Clad in an impeccably pressed linen shirt and a neatly tied wrap, Babu moves through the village with a grace that defies the elements. Even on those molten Lamu afternoons when the rest of us are visibly wilting, he remains "cool as a cucumber", unbothered, unhurried, and entirely himself.

Born in Shela and adopted by a British traveler in his youth, Babu grew up straddling two worlds. This blend, local at heart, worldly in spirit has forged the gentleman he is today. kind hearted, wonderfully quirky, and deeply charming. He is the kind of person who remembers not just your name, but your story and exactly how you take your tea.

As a prominent interior designer, developer, and local personality, Babu is often a visitor’s first real bridge to Lamu. Through his homestay, Babu Home, he hosts with a generosity that feels personal rather than transactional. The top floors of his residence offer en-suite rooms, a communal living space, and a rooftop kitchen with sweeping views, spaces that are lived-in, thoughtful, and quietly beautiful.

Beyond hosting, Babu manages a portfolio of vacation properties and offers tailored concierge services. Yet, what truly sets him apart isn’t the logistics, it’s the delivery. He has an uncanny ability to arrange a tour or recommend a hidden local haunt so that it feels less like an itinerary and more like a gift from a trusted friend.

His reputation precedes him for good reason. Charismatic and endlessly helpful, Babu understands the intimate rhythms of the island, the tides, the quiet corners, and the stories held within the coral stone walls. Guests rarely leave as just visitors; they leave as friends, carrying a piece of Babu’s warmth with them.

For me, knowing Babu is one of those small privileges that makes Lamu feel like home. He embodies the grace and understated style of the island. In a world that rushes, Babu British reminds us of the beauty of moving slowly, dressing well despite the heat, and meeting every stranger with genuine kindness.