Kasha Luxury Boutique Hotel

Open and bright, the hotel's lounge area is spacious, with comfortable seating, great views and gently billowing curtains. To one side, a small bar area faces the garden and a large horizon pool, its terraced edges lined with sunloungers. Numerous romantic "love nests" around the property beckon lovers young and old. Dine at the smart Sama Restaurant or the laid-back poolside restaurant, and enjoy cocktails at the Shisha Bar. When you're ready, wander along the short walkway to the beach.

The hotel's property is larger than that of others in the area, so its 11 lovely villas are well spaced to allow you to "hibernate" in peace. Five are set on the seafront; the remainder are sea-facing, but all are surrounded by the mature tropical garden, with swathes of vivid bougainvillea. Each has an airy, beautifully decorated open-plan bedroom and sitting area leading to a plush bathroom, a private plunge pool and a Swahili-style thatched terrace with sunbeds.

Raise yourself from your sunbed and head to sea – the hotel is located near Mnemba Atoll, arguably the best diving spot in Zanzibar, and look out for green turtles and dolphins. Walk or cycle along nearby Matemwe Beach, at low tide. Arrange a village excursion, a spice tour or a visit to Jozani Forest and its red colobus monkeys. Then hop aboard a dhow for a sunset cruise along the channel between the atoll and the island. Bliss!