Matlai Boutique Hotel

The restaurant (an aside – the crab soup is sublime) and bar face the ocean, so sundowners are accompanied by glorious sunsets. Barefoot travellers wanting a hit of luxury will enjoy the shabby beach-chic styling – the rough timber beams, makuti thatch, crisp coral stone walls and handmade wooden furniture. To one side is a games area if you feel like playing darts or table soccer, an open-air cinema in the gardens, and a tranquil massage deck overlooking the beach.

Asili House has four spacious suites over two floors – each has an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, fans and mosquito nets, and all have fabulous sea views. Downstairs, there’s plenty of space to relax on the alfresco dining terrace and lounge. Villa Kidosho is an elegant beach house with two beautiful suites tucked beneath the palms along its own stretch of private beach. Both villas have swimming pools, and dedicated butlers for round-the-clock service.

This is the place to be if you simply want to relax. The beach is on your doorstep, with long stretches of sand to explore, and a beautiful sheltered bay for swimming and snorkelling. If you feel like venturing further afield, guided tours of Stone Town, once a notorious slave trading post, will give an insight into the island’s chequered history. Browse for trinkets and spices in the colourful street markets, or head out to sea on a traditional dhow.