Matemwe Bandas

The main areas include a swimming pool surrounded by plenty of shady hammocks and loungers, a small library, and fabulous deck with sublime views over the clear blue Indian Ocean. Meals are munched on the veranda of the roof top tree house overlooking Matemwe Bay, watching the dhows and small fishing boats drift by. The staff (all from the local village) are super attentive with the warmest smiles on the island, and you won't want for anything during your entire visit. Oh, and there's direct access to the beach.

Matemwe substitutes the bells and whistles of Zanzibar's larger lodges for intimacy and cosiness. With magnificent views of Matemwe Lagoon and the beach, the five all-natural, thatched beach bandas are crafted from traditional palm fronds and coco wood. Filled with hand-crafted furniture, including four poster beds and safari chairs and tables, chilling out is done in style and comfort. The rooms are finished with 1,000-thread Egyptian cotton sheets, while room service is provided by dedicated butlers who are happy to serve any of your meals or drinks on your veranda.

The lodge boasts a large swimming pool for those who feel like dipping into fresh water after bathing for hours in the sea. Large hammocks—big enough for two—hang from the garden trees for chilling by the pool, and there are also sun loungers and umbrellas available. Other activities include snorkelling, kite surfing (at the right time of year), spice tours of the island, swimming with dolphins, long walks on the beach, and of course the best activity of all: relaxing and doing very little.