EXPERIENCES & TRAVEL
LICHTHAUS: A WATAMU ICON
& CULTURAL MOVEMENT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATASHA SWEENEY
This is a full circle moment, of a profoundly treasured time.
Summer 2020, Covid was in full flow when I, the uninitiated, arrived in Watamu on the Kenyan coast. A fortnight’s escape from the UK and medical school metamorphosed into a whimsical year and half of beachfront living. As I started to make new international and local friends living in Watamu, I heard whisperings of Lichthaus, an open-air breezy barefoot-chic bohemian bar suspended at the water’s edge. That December, it hard-launched. Translating from German ss lighthouse (pron. L-ikt-haus), the bar is a literal beacon, where creek meets ocean.
Back then, Watamu had an air of the ethereal; wild palms swaying in the untamed kusi winds, halcyon sun-baked beaches crowning the mesmerizingly inviting warm turquoise Indian Ocean, whitewashed beachfront homes embellished with glinting Kitengela glass and, most nostalgically, barely a soul in sight. It was an exacting depiction of perfection; a golden era in time, which Jan Langer, Lichthaus founder, and I agree was infused with magical surrealism. “We were living Watamu’s purest alter-ego, just as she was meant to be, proffers Jan wistfully. She was harmonious in nature whilst magnetic in her sovereignty; drawing people from far and wide, and clutching them close to her evergreen bosom. “That charismatic appeal may also be behind the seismic success of Lichthaus since,” he ponders, almost questioning it himself.
Watamu has an uncanny knack of captivating people, who find freedom here. That freedom is the single most valued ethos behind Lichthaus; now a social icon and cultural movement. It’s where locals and holidaymakers gather to socialise, sunbathe, sip and swim from hammocks suspended above water, particularly to watch the uninhibited fiery East African sun sink into the sea. The kaleidoscopic skies print photos like fine art.
Of Nature…
Since inception, Lichthaus has lent a helping hand in translating Mida Creek’s lush backwater mangroves into an epicentre of free-soul vibes and connection with raw nature. “We are emotion dealers,” describes Jan. “Nature is our stage.
People should connect with the land by hearing ancient tales of the living breathing mangroves from locals. They should mingle with the lush foliage, either drifting through by dhow or simply floating with the tide, delight at monkeys playing on our fringes, see the stars and discover their own alignment, and then touch the water, swim in it, play in it.” Immersion of the senses creates those deeply cherished memories – the guiding philosophy behind experiential travel. Here, the cinematic showdown of nature reigns supreme; a natural milieu for unique experiences.
Humble Beginnings…
Though, this was all accidental success, admits Jan, since his lightbulb-moment to create the bar, whilst burnt out months in from arriving at his familial inherited land. A rapid one-month turnaround, all-in attitude, and a very modest investment of $13,000 returned within the first fortnight alone; unimaginable success. The concept was simple from the outset – built using upcycled materials or ‘trash’ as Jan describes it, “every aspect was old material like railings, old lamps, car tires, wooden window-sills and photo frames that were being thrown away.” Today, these vibrant Kitenge-clad swatches add the much-loved focal Swahili flair and characteristic charm of Lichthaus; artistic homage to its vivacious Kenyan surrounds.”
Of Growth…
After a few curated cocktails or craft beers in the searing heat and an afternoon salty swim, “nothing stirs the senses greater than the scent of charcoal barbecue with freshly, grilled seafood lingering in the air,” he grins. Rounded off with melodic Afro house tunes, blissful afternoons spill into unforgettable evenings, as I recall all too well, often wondering where the hours vanished. Lichthaus’colossal success informed a quadrupling in size, “we created more hammocks, bars and spaces intertwined within the mangroves.” From expansive full-frontal sun-facing vistas, to cute cosy nooks ensconced within bougainvillea and suffused in intimacy, the offering reflects the growing demographic, from multi-generational families to groups of friends, and date nights to solo travellers. Yet, nothing was cut down, moved or changed, “we worked with nature and I think that shows beautifully.”
Shared Humanity…
That leads me to question, who is Lichthaus aimed at? Is there a type or target clientele, I ask? “It’s really for people who share humanity and a core set of values; people who care about themselves, others, where they go, and who enjoy life, want a great experience and who want to do something great in the world,” Jan is assured in this definition.
More Than Just A Gym…
In essence, he created Lichthaus to make his mark within his family’s institution. The stars aligned and it was an instant hit. This boosted his confidence to follow up with Gym and Tonic, a wall-less, aesthetically-striking coastal gym serving the local community with an established and rejuvenating fully-outfitted space to train. Not to mention the gorgeous whitewashed open-air shower suites which extend all that nature in a balanced roster of group classes, PT and drop-ins, Gym & Tonic has its own unique vibe.” I can let you in on our grander plans to introduce sauna, ice baths, biohacking and anything that helps get the dopamine highs from being at peak fitness,”
Jan details excitedly “In Watamu, we’re blessed to have the outdoors where we can swim, kitesurf, paddleboard, run on the beach, hike nearby and walk – health really is a way of life here, so we’re adding the icing with this much-needed wellness space. We want your perfectly active day to end in an extraordinarily restful night’s sleep of satisfaction.” Hearing the symphonic sounds of the sea as a dedicated backing track, it naturally makes sense.
A bar and a gym enter a space sounds like the in-line to a good joke, I can’t help but quip. “The two complement each other,” he follows up. “We’re all about balance. With the addition of our bakery, we’re saying, ‘do the workout and eat the cake’ Life is to be enjoyed fully and consciously. If you’re putting in the effort, enjoy every aspect mindfully, that’s what it’s all about.”
Of The Perfect Day…
Watamu’s enduring bush-and-beach neighbourhood vibe is inimitable, so how would one indulge in the perfect day here? Jan cites core values of discovery. curiosity, and contrast, “perhaps an early morning workout at Gym & Tonic, jump into an ice bath and discover that serotonin high; a moment for vourself all within nature, then enjoy breakfast at the brasserie. jump onto a kitesurf along the coastline, later walk home and feel great and connected. That evening, join friends at Lichthaus, jump into the ocean and drift with the tide, hop onto a dhow for dinner of local seafood under starlight. With this much nature, it’s an easier lifestyle. But life’s challenges are also welcomed, to add much-needed contrast and appreciation. I sense he’s hacked life and understands what makes moments matter; the highs and lows, context and texture.
As a tastemaker himself, all eyes are on him to see where he takes this movement and momentum next. □
