About us
OUR STORY OF FREEDOM
WHO ARE WE?
We’re Nies and Geert, a Belgian couple, parents of three curious little adventurers, and forever seekers of freedom and meaning. For years we’ve been traveling the world with our family, chasing sun, sea, and the kind of experiences that make life feel truly alive.
When we first set foot on Lamu Island, something clicked. The slow rhythm of life, the mix of cultures, the warmhearted people, and the untouched beauty of Shela… it felt like home away from home. Not just a place to visit, but a place to belong.
In March 2024 we bought a piece of land here in Shela and started building what has now become Huriya House: our dream turned reality.
WHY HURIYA?
“Huriya” means freedom in Arabic, and that’s exactly what this house represents for us. Freedom to live life on our own terms. Freedom to create a space that feels open, soulful, and deeply connected to nature and culture.
But for us it also carries a more personal, spiritual layer: the courage to follow your own path, to let go of what holds you back, and to embrace life in its fullest expression.
OUR VISION FOR HURIYA HOUSE
Huriya House is more than just a holiday villa. A place where stories are shared over home-cooked meals, where mornings start slowly by the pool, and where the ocean breeze reminds you of what really matters.
Every detail, from the Swahili-inspired architecture to the tropical garden and our lovely staff who make you feel at home, is created with care, love, and respect for the island’s heritage.
We’ve poured not only time and energy into this project, but also our hearts. And now we feel so grateful to open it up to you: travelers, dreamers, families, and seekers of beauty and connection.
So, welcome. Welcome to Huriya House. May you feel the same freedom here that we felt when we first arrived on this magical island.
