Chumbe Island Lodge

The palm-thatched main areas are perched right on the edge of the beach, overlooking the azure ocean. At night, you will dine on wonderful open-air terraces while gazing over the Indian Ocean, as it twinkles for miles under a blanket of stars. The food served at the restaurant is fantastic, with a mixture of Zanzibari, Arabic, Indian and African cuisines.

This is true Robinson Crusoe-style living. Constructed using state-of-the-art sustainable techniques, Chumbe's bungalows are designed to have virtually zero impact on their surrounds. With rainwater catchment, photovoltaic energy, solar water heating, composting toilets and vegetative greywater filtration, you can rest assured that you are keeping the island pristine while living in the rooms. There are just seven bungalows that offer both privacy and a sense of freedom. All rooms overlook the ocean, and it's a quick hop from your hammock to the sand and sea.

Leave enough time for all the magic on the island! It's a nature reserve in its entirety, so there's lots to see, with guides on hand to help you interpret the forest and ocean ecosystems. All guided activities are included in your stay, and experiences are dictated by the tides, with snorkelling happening at the optimum time. Snorkel through the unique, shallow-water Coral Reef Sanctuary, gaze at historical monuments, scuba dive the nearby reefs, or allow yourself a lazy day watching dhows and outrigger boats floating by.