Diamond Beach Village may be a stone's throw from the Peponi but it's a world away. There is nothing pretentious about this eco-resort. But that's its beauty. The grass beach huts called bandas are truly basic. The restaurant serves fresh but simple fare. It's all quiet at 10pm. There is little but sand on this side of the channel. Family Travel Tips: The twin banda sleeps 4; the family banda sleeps 6. There is no beach at high tide. Bring water shoes and lots of bug spray. It's a 10-minute dhow trip to Shela, 20 minutes to Lamu. Diamond Beach Village is one of two hotels on Manda beach.