Alawi Boutique Hotel

Sea breezes are encouraged to drift through the broad, open-sides of the hotel's double-storey structures, and plenty of long, pillow-laden sofas ensure there's always a secluded spot to lounge. The interiors encapsulate the Swahili Coast beach-house style, with woven thatch roofs supported by wooden beams, and bleached walls inlaid with details such as bas-reliefs. The restaurant is open-sided too, with flagstone floors and sand-coloured tablecloths. Too bland? The cuisine is deliciously vibrant in both taste and appearance. No disappointment here!

With just four double rooms and one single, the hotel lives up to its boutique description. Bungalows are fit for laid-back royalty, with grand four-poster beds draped with mosquito netting, crisp white bedding and subtle lighting. Each room looks subtly different, with a variation of decorative artifacts, but the decor throughout has been handled with a light touch. En-suite bathrooms have a shower and double basin, with lovely local toiletries and plush bathrobes. Need connectivity? There's wi-fi, and a TV.

Drifting with the ocean breeze is often the order of the day, especially for guests winding down from a busy safari circuit. (Going from sea to pool to bar is not an uncommon daily route). For those wanting more adventure, however, there's plenty to do: snorkel or dive the reefs north or south of the hotel, head out with a local fisherman, and explore the Watamu Marine National Park. Nearby restaurants offer romantic sunset dinners, and there's an on-site spa.