Che Shale

A sandy track leads through the dunes to the reception area and huge lounge bar and restaurant under a shady palm-leaf roof. Above, a loft with scattered floor cushions provides a quiet spot to relax and take in the fabulous ocean views, and in the evenings the lounge bar springs to life with music sessions and the occasional disco. There’s also a small massage hut, and a beach shop with one-of-a-kind locally made jewellery, crafts and African-style clothing.

Nine en-suite rustic beach bandas offer comfortable island-style accommodation. The units range in size from doubles to a triple, two family bandas and two larger luxury suites, all with a delightful castaway-chic appeal. Charming natural interiors have soft woven palm mats underfoot, beautiful handmade driftwood furniture, cane loungers and quirky designer fittings. Bathrooms are en-suite and open to the sky. Further along the beach are several very basic backpacker-style huts with shared bathroom facilities – a great budget option.

Che Shale is one of the top kite-surfing spots in East Africa, with excellent instructors on hand to get you started if you’re a novice. Try your hand at the other watersports on offer – stand-up paddle-boarding, surfing, scuba diving and deep-sea game fishing, or snorkelling trips aboard a dhow to the shallow reefs beyond the bay. Speed along the long beach on a kite buggy, comb the sands for treasures, or chill out back at the lodge.