Mafia Island Lodge

A huge, open-plan restaurant overlooks the beach, with elevated thatched ceilings, textured rock walls and rustic dining tables and chairs set out on the polished stone floors. Locally caught seafood is a feature, and light meals and cocktails are served at the beach bar alongside. A low adobe wall separates the restaurant from the lounge area next to the small gift shop, which has a lovely selection of locally sourced crafts and trinkets. Wi-Fi is available in the reception area.

The bungalow-style rooms are spread out in beautiful tropical gardens, beneath palm trees overlooking the beach. They have a simple, uncluttered feel, with cool, white-washed interiors and jungle-inspired fabrics as accents. Eighteen standard rooms and fourteen larger, superior rooms have comfortable twin or double beds, practical wooden furnishings, and private garden patios. Two family suites, with two interconnecting rooms and a shared bathroom, can accommodate five guests each. All have air conditioning, mosquito nets, and en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers.

The range of ocean-based activities is fantastic, with snorkelling and swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, and an excellent PADI scuba centre on site. Marine safaris to view whale sharks, dolphins and several species of whales are offered, together with deep sea fishing trips and dhow cruises to a deserted sandbar for a romantic picnic. Explore the nature trails on foot or by bicycle and look out for wildlife like vervet monkeys, abundant birdlife, and huge colonies of flying foxes.