Butiama Beach Lodge

The atmosphere is relaxed. Days start in the thatched, open-sided dining area with a full and fabulous breakfast. At lunch, choose something light at the wave-lapped Chiringuito beach bar and restaurant. Three-course dinners are served in the main dining area or by lamplight on the beach. There's a large communal seating area with deep-cushioned sofas; it's a lovely place to relax at night, when the stars and oil lamps provide the only lighting. The main area has wi-fi.

Walkways link the 10 bungalows (including two family bungalows) that lie just 50 metres from the beach. Each is designed with nothing but your comfort in mind. The furniture is hand-crafted from retired dhows, the bed has crisp linen and mosquito nets, the cushions and throws are stitched from kikois – local hand-woven sarongs. The en-suite bathroom has a walk-in shower and colourful soaps handmade from coconut oil, and the veranda has a hammock and comfy seating. There's no aircon, but a yacht fan provides a breeze.

Explore the beachfront and mangroves in a kayak; sail to nearby islands and sand banks in a dhow; snorkel the reef to see its multi-hued corals, 460-plus species of fish and various species of turtles; scuba dive, go fishing or swim with the world’s largest fish; or look for the resident animals and birdlife. Take a Land Rover excursion to explore Mafia’s kilometres of pristine beaches (watch out for sand flies). Return to a massage and a sunset view.