Diamonds Star of The East

Ocean Blue Restaurant is an enormous open-sided, double-storey structure perched above the resort. Somewhat spaceship-like in appearance, it offers good meals and excellent ocean views. The grounds explode with bougainvillea and well-maintained greenery, the neat lawns dotted with thatched umbrellas, plenty of draped sunloungers, and a couple of crystal-clear, shell-shaped pools. Scattered along the beach are several open-sided tents and sunloungers, where staff are happy to serve you all day. The spa is superb, with a first-class yoga teacher.

The 11 palatial villas feel like islands in themselves. Deliciously private, each features large arched windows, a spacious patio with pool, an outdoor lounge, and ocean views. The airy interiors have cool wooden floors, huge four-poster beds, a daybed lounger, writing desk, and all the mod cons, including a Jacuzzi bath. Two suites have an extra bedroom, for two. Expect the best, even if you're not accustomed to being waited on hand and foot by your duo of private butlers.

Other than maxing out on sunbathing and all-inclusive meals, served in the leisurely, island-time way, Diamond Star offers plenty to do. Practise yoga (with a class or privately), try aquatic aerobics, book a massage. The ocean, of course, has plenty to offer: excursions on catamarans and dhows, windsurfing, waterskiing, wake-boarding, fishing, and diving some of the spectacular reefs. Book activities at the dive centre. Intriguing Stone Town, with its many cultural and historic delights, lies 90 minutes away by road.