Chintheche Inn

The Inn is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, with broad panoramas across the lake. The single-storey structure is simple, rustic and comfortable with plenty of large windows and double doors opening onto cool, shady patios. Inside there is a central lounge with high ceilings, cushioned wicker furnishings and hardwood tables, set next to a beautiful fireplace (always atmospheric, if seldom necessary.) A palm-thatched verandah shades a dining area, which looks directly onto the garden and the wide beach beyond. Weather permitting, candle-lit dinners are arranged outdoors on the sand.

Each of the 10 rooms, and the honeymoon suite, enjoys lake-views through their large sliding glass doors and from their shaded verandahs. Beyond the furnished patio is the garden, which slopes gently toward the beach. There is an additional detached cottage that sleeps up to five guests in two bedrooms. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with flush toilets and showers with hot water. Interiors are simple, dominated by wood and crisp blue or yellow tones, and accented with a few local textiles. There is a tea and coffee station and a fruit bowl that is replenished daily.

There is loads to do here for the perpetually active traveller - from cycling and hiking, to snorkelling and scuba diving. The Lake is an incredible ecosystem worth exploring, whether by motor boat on a sunset cruise or a self-powered kayak. The wildlife is also worth searching for - from the freshwater fish species to monkeys and a myriad of birds. Cultural trips to a local village offer an authentic window on life at the edge of the Lake, or to the nearby Bandawe Mission, which offers a glimpse into the country's colonial past. Guests can also visit the on-site Root to Fruit Tree Nursery and plant a seed of their own.