Watch Fearsome Raptors Soar At Mongolia's Golden Eagle Festival
Spanning from October 1st to October 7th, the company's Golden Eagle Festival expedition is dedicated to showcasing one of the Eurasian Steppe's most storied cultural traditions, with the art of falconry earning a spot on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity back in 2010. Immediately preceding the festival, guests will have an opportunity to explore the abundant natural beauty of Tolbo Lake—a scenic water feature found in western Mongolia's Bayan-Ölgii Province—before the opening ceremony kicks off. Over the following days, participants can marvel as local Kazakh falconers compete on horseback with their eagles in tow, participating in rigorous contests that showcase the natural instincts and abilities of the birds.
And while Tolbo Lake is certainly a sight to behold, the Golden Eagle Festival tour also shines a spotlight on Ulaanbaatar, a storied city that was formally settled in 1778. There's a wealth of fascinating landmarks and attractions woven into the itinerary, with sites spanning from the central Sukhbaatar Square to the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, a prestigious institution that highlights the rich history of the region spanning from ancient times to the height of the Mongol Empire to the end of the 20th century. But of course, there's far more to see across Mongolia than just the extreme west and its capital city.
In addition to the Golden Eagle Festival tour, Nomadic Expeditions offers a diverse array of other itineraries dedicated to Mongolian nature and culture. For a deep dive on one of the country's most renowned regions, the Classic Mongolia – Naadam Festival voyage provides plenty of insight into the natural splendor of the Gobi Desert, a vast expanse of land that's home to iconic creatures like the Bactrian camel and Gobi bear. Throughout the trip, guests will explore fascinating sites like the dinosaur fossil-laden Flaming Cliffs and enjoy top-tier accommodations, with Three Camel Lodge offering archery and other outdoor activities for guests to enjoy.
While horseback riding has played a crucial role in Central and East Asian culture for centuries, the Golden Eagle Festival offers a glimpse into this storied tradition at its most extravagant—and with Nomadic Expeditions, visitors can have a front-row seat to all of the action with the added bonus of exploring one of Mongolia's most famed cities. Whether you're a seasoned avian aficionado hoping to see golden eagles in their prime or a history buff that's intrigued by the ancient traditions of the Eurasian Steppe, this famed festival is certain to leave you with a treasure trove of lasting memories.
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Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
Inside Forte Village, Sardinia's Ultimate Luxury Resort Destination
Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean behind Sicily, ranks among Italy's most stunning and fascinating destinations. The last of the country's 20 regions to unify with the mainland in 1861, the 9,300-square-mile isle still maintains a notable independent streak. Sardo, the local language, is not an Italian dialect but a distinct Romance language family, preserving many features of Latin lost by other tongues long ago. Age-old traditions endure, like cantu a tenore– traditional shepherds' songs–recognized on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list. Giara horses, the only wild horses in Europe, have roamed the island for thousands of years. Forte Village, one of Europe's most unique resorts, spans some 120 acres along Sardinia's idyllic southern coast. Forte Village Meanwhile, Sardinia's beaches–all 1,150 miles of them–are renowned worldwide for their powder-white sands and sapphire-blue waters so limpid they're virtually otherworldly. In the 1960s, these idyllic shores spurred a tourism boom that created the Costa Smeralda ('Emerald Coast') in the island's northeast, now a perennial playground for glitterati from all corners of the globe. But arguably, Sardinia's most intriguing resort lies some 200 miles away, on the island's idyllic southern coast. Comprising some 120 acres of verdant gardens and greenery in the picturesque enclave of Santa Margherita di Pula, Forte Village Resort is a world unto itself, spanning one of Italy's most dazzling stretches of coastline. And given the luxury resort destination's seemingly countless options for compelling ways to while away the blue-skied, diamond days–from world-class dining and wellness to top-tier sports academies, for starters–it's literally impossible to run out of things to do. The resort encapsulates a true world unto itself. Forte Village With four five-star properties (among its eight hotels), more than 40 elegant suites, and 13 ultra-private villas, the sprawling resort offers luxury accommodations to suit virtually every taste, whether steps from the sparkling white sands, or nestled amidst the property's 3,000 varieties of native plant species. An elegant, terracotta-colored palace, Hotel Il Castello presides over a pristine swath of beachfront as the grande dame of Forte Village's five-star offering. Besides amenities including a heated infinity pool exclusively for guests and direct beach access, the hotel recently unveiled a redesigned lobby and bar, Bar Bandiere—a Mediterranean-inspired, soignée spot for an Aperol Spritz or an ice-cold glass of prosecco. The rooftop Real Suite's amenities include a private infinity pool and dazzling vistas for miles. Forte Village Sumptuous suites on the Executive 4th and 5th floors, newly renovated this season, feature private elevator access, dedicated reception, and spacious terraces with sweeping sea views. At more than 1,000 square feet, the brand-new Perla Suite redefines oceanfront opulence with an airy, open-plan layout, two sun-splashed verandas, and bespoke furnishings galore. Those looking for the height of luxury will beeline to the 1,500-square-foot, rooftop Reale (Royal) Suite, which features an 1,100-square foot sun terrace, a private infinity pool and jacuzzi, and panoramic views for miles. The new Perla Suite features an open-plan layout and plenty of outdoor space. Forte Village For a decidedly different ambience, the Villa del Parco & Spa is Forte Village's most tranquil hideaway. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the property is tucked away amidst exuberant verdure steps from the resort's renowned Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa, drawing wellness-focused travelers and discerning couples. Shrouded by tangles of gorgeous greenery, the Villa Parco Hotel & Spa is a perfect hideaway for couples. Forte Village The refurbished Hotel Le Dune exudes beachfront elegance just steps from the shoreline. Its sun-splashed Deluxe Bungalows, newly reimagined this season, feature more spacious interiors and enhanced outdoor areas with private patios surrounded by secluded gardens teeming with foliage. Hotel Le Dune's newly revamped bungalows showcase chic interiors and enhanced gardens. Forte Village And tucked away in a centuries-old pine grove, Hotel Pineta is an oasis for larger families, with double and triple rooms and an enticing, lagoon-style pool that meanders through the lush environs. Speaking of families (and friends), Forte Village's 13 private villas–each with two to four bedrooms, a heated pool, manicured gardens, and 24-hour butler service–are spacious options for multi-generational vacations and milestone celebrations. One of its most luxurious, the two-story Villa Elina, was expanded to four bedrooms this season with the addition of a new suite. The addition of a new suite this season makes Villa Elina one of the resort's largest, most luxurious private accommodations. Forte Village Exceptional Restaurants from Culinary Icons Peerless gastronomy is a cornerstone of Italian culture–a perennial point of pride that Forte Village champions with one of the most dynamic and diverse culinary landscapes in luxury hospitality. The resort operates 21 restaurants during the high season, helmed by more than 100 chefs–including some of the most celebrated icons in the culinary world. Heinz Beck's Beachcomber restaurant offers a master class in seaside elegance. Forte Village Case in point: Heinz Beck–the charismatic maestro behind the iconic La Pergola, Rome's only three-Michelin-starred restaurant–first unveiled his seaside Beachcomber restaurant at Forte Village in 2019, and he's back this summer, personally overseeing operations with his signature aplomb. Overlooking the beach and the cyan sea beyond, the breezy alfresco eatery serves up dishes like barbecued Amberjack with parsnip and Kefir lime, followed by gnocchi with spinach cream, mussels, lemon, and caviar, and washed down with a crisp vintage from a wine cellar stocked with more than 600 premium labels. Tables draped in pastel-hued linens and adorned with fresh flowers amplify a casually elegant ambience that's la dolce vita at its best. Last month saw the opening of Forte Village's newest fine-dining destination: Ristorante da Cracco, a pop-up from Michelin-starred chef and Italian TV personality Carlo Cracco. The culinary force behind Milan's acclaimed Cracco in Galleria marries tradition and innovation in plates like handmade ravioli stuffed with Sardinian suckling pig and smoked scamorza cheese foam; and langoustine with saffron zabaglione sauce, served on an intimate oceanside veranda to a soundtrack of tides lapping the shore. Ristorante Belvedere serves up an artful fusion of Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine on a scenic terrace amidst the treetops. Forte Village Meanwhile, over on the treetop-ringed rooftop terrace at Hotel Villa del Parco & Spa, Chef Giuseppe Molaro–of Michelin-starred Contaminazioni, located near Naples–deftly fuses Japanese techniques and ingredients with Mediterranean inspiration at Ristorante Belvedere, where dishes like tuna tartare with seaweed vinegar and dried bonito; and tagliatelle with seafood ragout, parsley sauce, and crispy 'nduja earn rave reviews. The remaining restaurant lineup leaves guests spoiled for choice. Ristorante Sardo, the resort's welcoming Sardinian eatery, celebrates the island's one-of-a-kind cuisine, including culurgiones –dumplings resembling wheat sheaves and filled with potato, pecorino, and mint; pane carasau , its beloved paper-thin flatbread; and pork and lamb dishes that nod to Sardinia's centuries-old shepherding culture . For inspired cocktails and sushi, it's tough to top the vibe at Tiki Beach, where colorful lanterns hung from the trees and a pulse-pounding soundtrack create a prime perch for a piña colada and a dragon roll. Thai and Japanese cuisine join forces with contemporary European influences at the new Chang Restaurant, while new Indian restaurant offers elevated street food options, while Pizzeria wows with sizzling pies straight from the oven. The atmospheric Tiki Beach is a ideal stop for a zingy cocktail and a sushi snack. Forte Village A World-Renowned Spa Offering Given its rarefied standing as a locale with wellness literally in its DNA–Sardinia was the first of the world's five Blue Zones to be identified, owing to its outsize population of centenarians, largely concentrated in its mountainous eastern region–it's no surprise that naturally therapeutic resources and world-class spa destinations abound on the island. And Forte Village hosts one of its most renowned. Tucked away inside a four-acre tropical garden, the Aquaforte Thalasso & Spa offers a singular spa experience–led by its patented thalassotherapy circuit– that combines Sardinia's spectacular natural bounty with its age-old traditions. The spa's renowned, six-pool thalassotherapy circuit draws visitors from around the world. Forte Village Sardinia's connection to the healing power of seawater dates back to the island's Nuragic civilization of 1800 BC, which practiced water rituals aligned with lunar and astronomical cycles. The Greeks later embraced this reverence for the sea–'thalassotherapy' is derived from the Greek words thalassa (sea) and therapeia (treatment)—as did the Romans, who established renowned healing hubs like the Terme a Mare , whose footprint remains at the archaeological site of Nora, one of Sardinia's most notable landmarks, located close to Forte Village. The regimen harnesses southern Sardinia's environmental advantages with an innovative circuit of six pools, each a different temperature and concentration of magnesium and sodium salt. Forte Village's unique microclimate, slightly warmer than Cagliari and its surroundings, enhances the seawater's therapeutic benefits, as does its unique constitution: due to its location, the Gulf of Santa Margherita di Pula's waters are shielded from extreme winds, while the ocean temperature never falls below 50 degrees, even in winter. Collected more than 300 feet offshore at depths of nearly 35 feet, the water undergoes a treatment process inspired by salt pans, which enhances the saline density to nearly twice that of the Dead Sea. The pools, each a different temperature and salinity, help and eliminate excess fluid and boost endorphins, among other benefits. Forte Village The result of this process: 'sea oil'–a therapeutic, magnesium-rich solution with exceptional detoxifying and anti-inflammatory benefits. The circuit, which ranges from pools of pure sea oil to pure seawater, also helps eliminate excess fluid, boost endorphin production, treat psoriasis and other skin conditions, and aid in muscle and joint recovery. Exclusive treatments designed to complement the circuit include cryotherapy with sea oil and aloe, a sea mud shaping treatment, and a thalasso massage, conducted in the circuit's third pool, whose buoyancy optimizes the experience. For an ultra-exclusive wellness extravaganza, there's also private spa experience, which accommodates up to ten people in a 3,200-square-foot sanctuary complete with a four-pool thalasso circuit, as well as a hammam, solarium, and dedicated treatment room for two. Fully revamped in 2022, the spa also offers bespoke wellness programs spanning 4-7 days (new biohacking wellness programs among them), along with holistic and ayurvedic treatments. Unmatched Sports & Recreation Facilities Active travelers keen to work up a sweat, take note: likely no other resort on the planet rivals Forte Village in terms of both sports and recreational programming and facilities. Sports academies this summer include the Real Madrid Fundación Clinic (staffed with UEFA-licensed coaches), a basketball academy helmed by former San Antonio Spurs assistant coach, Ettore Messina; padel and pickleball academies, and a new fencing academy led by six-time Olympic gold medalist, Valentina Vezzali. Tennis fans can work on their serve on one of the resort's 13 clay courts with coaching from Wimbledon champ Pat Cash. Forte Village's world-class sports and recreation facilities are located steps from the sea. Forte Village Climbing, swimming, sailing, and scuba diving academies number among the other options, as do chess, go-karting, biking (both mountain and road), and even DJing. Booking at least a day or two in advance is recommended. Fitness enthusiasts can also burn off indulgent pasta dinners with a full schedule of light Pilates, Zumba, and AquaGym classes daily. The Baia delle Palme pool zone features seven water slides and interactive water games. Forte Village Few warm-weather escapes are complete without plenty of pool time–and the resort's Baia delle Palme pool, an expansive aquatic zone, raises the bar for splish-splashy fun in the sun. At its heart lies a spectacular aquapark designed especially for kids, featuring seven water slides, a paddling area with interactive water games, and a pirate ship complete with water cannons. Beyond the myriad sports academies, other activities for children include art, science, and magic workshops, as well as a Barbie Experience, where kids can paint, make jewelry, explore their creativity inside a bona fide pink Barbie House. Newly unveiled this year, the Forte Village Nature Park–an ambitious environmental enhancement project–provides yet another reason to visit. Designed for visitors of all ages and spread over 17 acres, the park offers a guided immersion in various animal and plant species, as well as nature trails and other recreational amenities. Besides stables housing Sardinian donkeys, Shetland ponies, and native Giara horses, there's a 20,000-square-foot Great Aviary, one of the park's standout attractions. The new nature park features a range of animals, as well as nature trails and a zipline. Forte Village Nearly 35 feet high, the birdlife wonderland–complete with vegetation including trees and shrubs, as well as a pond and stream–counts scarlett ibis, crowned cranes, turacos, black swans, and peacocks among its residents. The park also allows visitors to explore the plant world–like the synergistic garden, where they'll learn about aromatic and medicinal herbs, and sustainable agriculture that respects biodiversity. Chilean flamingos number among the many feathered residents of the nature park. Forte Village Beyond flora and fauna, there are nature trails prime for surveying the picturesque landscape, and a zip line that's scheduled to open at the end of August 2025. The park currently offers twice-weekly guided tours for guests, and private tours that can be booked anytime during the week. Additional phases of the project will debut next season. Forte Village is open through the end of October, and reopens in April. For more information and to book, visit the website.
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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
America's Best Small Shopping Town Is a Mecca for Indigenous Art, Jewelry, and Pottery
In northern New Mexico, where the Sangre de Cristo Mountains rise above the desert, the town of Taos unfolds. Many travelers come to visit the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States, or for a winter getaway to Taos Ski Valley. But the city is perhaps best known for its creative community and Indigenous-owned businesses. Walk the Taos Plaza and you'll find artisans selling handmade goods—Native-made jewelry, local artwork, and Southwestern-style clothing. In Taos, everything from shopping to dining is an act of connection with the land and people who have called it home for generations. This connection is just one of the reasons why Travel + Leisure readers rated Taos among the best U.S. cities in the 2025 World's Best Awards. 'This town isn't just special, it's sacred. The pace, the people, the land—it heals you if you let it,' said Maria Valdez, who is behind the beloved restaurant La Luna @ La Fonda, in an interview with T+L . 'Taos is a crossroads of cultures, histories, and landscapes. You feel it the moment you arrive.' Visit the Taos Pueblo to witness how Indigenous people lived—and still live—in relationship with the land. Stay at the art-focused Hotel Willa and have dinner at its restaurant, Juliette Shop for something 'Made aquí en Taos,' including sterling silver jewelry, at Atcitty's on Taos Plaza. Have brunch at Suchness, a new restaurant by a James Beard-recognized chef. Travel to the village of Arroyo Seco, a 200-year-old community that's home to artists and jewelers. Stores in downtown Taos, New Mexico. Mary Robnett/Travel + Leisure Taos is the best shopping town in the U.S. for 2025 because it is one of the few places where commerce feels like an authentic interaction with the people, the culture, and the land. The town is especially known for its handmade Southwestern art, jewelry, and pottery. 'Supporting local here really means something—you're helping preserve the spirit of Taos,' said Yvonne Swartz, owner of Artemisia Artwear, in an interview with T+L . Much of the shopping in Taos revolves around the Taos Plaza, which is lined with shops and galleries and serves as the center of the Taos Historic plaza also has a long history, one that dates back to1796 when the King of Spain gave the land to 63 families in the Taos area. The following settlement became a place where merchants traveled to display their wares—just as they do today. Today, that history lives on, in both the plaza and the surrounding streets, where shops — many of them Native-owned or family-run—sell unique, handmade items that can only be found in Taos. 'Taos doesn't cater to mass tourism. Visitors are welcomed into a living community, not a staged version of the Southwest. There's a deep respect for art, land, and culture that shapes every Interaction,' Swartz says. Silver jewelry sold at Atcitty's on Taos Plaza. Mary Robnett/Travel + Leisure Artemisia Artwear was founded 23 years ago, as a place for fiber artists to sell their handmade clothing. The clothing collection includes scarves, shawls, jackets, and tops made from linen, silk, and cotton. Atcitty's on Taos Plaza is Native-owned and -operated shop that's known for their sterling silver jewelry. It's run by Cherylin Atcitty, who started making jewelry as a young girl. Her creations are showcased alongside wearable art from the Taos Pueblo community, some of whom are her family members. Those searching for fine art will find it on the walls of many Taos galleries and museums, but one of the best places to buy it is Magpie, a shop that sells the work of 50 regional artists. The shop is owned by Georgia Gersh, who was born and raised north of Taos and grew up on one of the area's former communes. There's a little of everything at Moxie Fair Trade—gifts, home decor, clothing—but the one constant is that everything is either handmade or fair trade. Valdez says that Moxie is one of her favorites because it sells, 'Fair-trade goods sourced globally and locally, perfect for ethical shoppers.' A guest room in Hotel Willa. Mary Robnett/Travel + Leisure When it opened in spring 2025, Hotel Willa transformed an old 1940s motel into a new, 50-room retreat, with an artist-in-residency program and an aesthetic that is both modern and truly Taos. Valdez calls it 'Stylish, intimate, and artfully curated.' It's also home to one of the state's hottest new restaurants: Juliette, led by a chef who was raised in the Taos Pueblo and now has a James Beard Award nomination under his belt. With a distinct Taos feel, complete with adobe buildings and Southwestern decor, the El Monte Sagrado is a favorite of Swartz, especially if you want a little luxury. El Monte Sagrado feels like an oasis, with ponds and towering cottonwood trees. The greenery transcends into the property's spa, which features a serene saltwater pool. Valdez agrees that the hotel is perfect 'for a serene, wellness-focused vibe. It's slightly tucked away but beautifully designed.' The Taos Inn is the hotel Swartz often recommends to visiting friends and family. The hotel, often called'the 'Great House,' has served as the natural gathering place for both visitors and locals since it was built in the 1800s. The inn is centrally located near the Plaza, has nightly live music, and a beloved New Mexican eatery, Doc Martin's. The adobe-style rooms feature original wooden beams, antique furniture, and kiva fireplaces. A chapel in the Taos Pueblo. Kathleen Messmer/Travel + Leisure Just north of downtown Taos is Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a community of Native Puebloans, who still inhabit multi-storied adobe buildings that date back over 1,000 years. For a full immersion, book a tour with Whitefeather Tours, the only Native-owned and -operated tour business in Taos. The tour, led by Kevin Whitefeather, includes a visit to the Pueblo, a demonstration of ancestral arts like dancing and flatbread making, and a tea offering. The Enchanted Circle Drive circumnavigates Wheeler Peak, the highest mountain in New Mexico, and cuts through the lush Hondo Valley, past the Taos Pueblo, and into old gold mining towns. You can take a short detour to see Angel Fire Resort and Taos Ski Valley, two four-season resorts known for their skiing, and drive over the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, the second highest bridge in the U.S. Highway System. Just over 15 minutes north of downtown Taos is the tiny village of Arroyo Seco. The community is a shopper's paradise, with renowned handmade pottery, vintage shops, and woodworking. A good place to start is at the Arroyo Seco Mercantile, which is packed with unusual finds. Taos may be an art community at its core, but Valdez recommends that first-time visitors also be sure to connect with nature. A great way to get acquainted with landscape is by floating its life source, the Rio Grande. Los Rios River Runners, New Mexico's original rafting company, offers daily rafting tours down the river, which is known for its rapids and epic canyon views. Two dishes from La Luna @ La Fonda. Mary Robnett/Travel + Leisure Not far off the Taos Plaza in a nondescript structure is Taos' newest restaurant. Helmed by Kevin Sousa, a James Beard-recognized chef, Suchness opened in 2024 and has since 'drawn serious attention from regional food lovers.' Dishes might include a corn porridge with poblano peppers, peach, lime, cilantro, and crispy quinoa, or a flank steak with fermented black bean garlic sauce, broccoli, sesame, and garlic scape. Suchness also hosts Sunday brunch, vegan takeover nights, and has a great menu of mocktails. Tucked into one of the most iconic and historic buildings on the Taos Plaza is La Luna @ La Fonda, a restaurant located in Hotel La Fonda de Taos. It's owned by Native American chefs Robin and Maria Valdez, who run a scratch kitchen that often features Indigenous ingredients. The Love Apple, housed in an old 1800s church, relies on organic, regional ingredients, like locally milled flour, produce from local farms, and cheese made in New Mexico and Colorado. Swartz adds that, 'My favorite place for lunch is Manzanita Market -- a little farm to table cafe, creamery and little sister cafe to The Love Apple.' There are two ways to experience Taos Mesa Brewing — by visiting their downtown tap room, which features their lineup of beer alongside wood-fired pizza, and by swinging by 'The Mothership,' the brewery's original location that now also serves as a concert venue, and is just far enough out of town to offer mountain views, sunsets, and stargazing. A family walking by shops in Taos, New Mexico. Mary Robnett/Travel + Leisure Taos is a true all-season destination, but late spring (May) and early fall (September or October) are hard to top. In the spring, melting snow and spring showers paint the landscape with wildflowers, and in the fall, scenic drives like the High Road to Taos and the Enchanted Circle showcase fall foliage. Summer visitors tend to head to the waterways or take to the skies in a hot air balloon. Valdez notes that 'hiking and camping in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains gives you access to some of the most beautiful alpine and desert views in the Southwest.' In the winter, Taos remains fairly temperate, but the surrounding ski areas (Angel Fire, Taos Ski Valley) welcome an average of 300 inches of snow that draws skiers and snowboarders. Cars driving through Taos. Mary Robnett/Travel + Leisure There are a handful of direct flights into Taos (SKX), including nonstop service from Denver and private charter flights with JSX from Dallas and Austin as well as a couple California hubs including Burbank. Santa Fe (SAF), which is less than 2 hours from Taos, has a more robust flight schedule, while the nearest international airport, Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), is 2.5 hours south of Taos. Many travelers fly into Albuquerque and spend time in Santa Fe before heading to the mountains of Taos. Downtown Taos, especially around the plaza, is walkable, but many of the attractions, from the Rio Grande Gorge to the Taos Pueblo, require a car.
Condé Nast Traveler
5 days ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
In Lamu, Kenya, Dhow Sails Are Fluttering With New Life
For centuries, these boats were central to the Indian Ocean trade, carrying goods like mangrove timber and ivory from East Africa to Oman and India, and returning with cloth, dates, and porcelain. This trade transformed the Swahili coast into a meeting point of cultures and influences—a maritime thread linking continents through wind, wood, and water. That enduring legacy is one of the reasons that Lamu is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is made up of several villages, each with its own character, but Matondoni is one of the last bastions of its traditional boatbuilding. In this quaint village, just a 20-minute boat ride from Lamu Old Town, life remains rural and artisanal. It is a patchwork of simple stone homes with thatched palm roofs, clustered along narrow sandy paths. Donkeys roam freely, and children chase each other barefoot. Life here is simple, but behind the simplicity lies a long history of craftsmanship. As trade along the Swahili coast peaked in the 1930s and '40s, nearly every household here was linked to the trade: as a fundi (craftsman), sailor, or supplier of mangrove timber. The air is thick with sea salt and sawdust, and the sound of wooden frames creaking softly as builders move with the quiet patience of men who know you can't rush a craft that has lived for centuries. This is where dhows are still made the Swahili way: slowly, by hand, by memory, and with a blessing from Allah. Today, only a handful of yards operate. Fiberglass boats—cheaper, lighter, and faster to build—have largely replaced traditional dhows. Handmade vessels take months; fiberglass boats are ready in days. Many old boats now sit abandoned on the beach, their sails traded for motors. Still, a few master builders press on, choosing memory over machinery in a tender act of resistance. Omar Sharif, a dhow builder and fisherman in Shela At Lulu Stories, a boutique in Lamu, handmade decor by local artisans include salvaged pieces from old dhows. Lulu Stories, Shela - Lamu Shelali Shee Mohammed—known locally as Fundi Shelali—has been building dhows for 45 years as part of a celebrated lineage of master builders that dates back to his great-great-grandfather. 'Mashallah, there have been too many dhows to count,' he says proudly. 'I leave my name on most of them—Fundi Shelali—like an artist signing their work.' But he fears the craft will end with him. 'Allah gave me only daughters, so I've tried to train young boys in the village, but they have no interest. They want easier jobs.' The rising cost of materials and strict logging regulations have made dhow building increasingly difficult. 'At the peak of my career in the 1980s, timber was free,' says Shelali. 'Now, cutting even one tree needs government permission.' Builders are required to source hardwoods like mvule, mahogany, and African teak from expensive licensed suppliers, making this craft even more inaccessible. Many old boats now sit abandoned on the beach, their sails traded for motors. Still, a few master builders press on, choosing memory over machinery in a tender act of resistance. Luckily, the dhow's story is taking on a new life beyond the high seas. In Nairobi, 500 km inland, Kenyan designer Roky Gambo—founder of Swahili Chic Interiors—is giving these vessels a new purpose. Roky is from the Chonyi Tribe, one of the smaller Swahili tribes native to Kenya's Coast, that are historically known for their woodwork. Determined to preserve his own heritage, Roky rescues abandoned dhows and repurposes their wood into modern furniture.
