Terraco Das Quitandas

An intricately carved huge wooden door opens into an inner courtyard with stairs rising to the main lounge, with its comfortable couches and intriguing collection of antique furniture scattered across the polished stone floors. At one end is an enormous dining table that's a lovely spot for breakfast. A small patio with a hammock offers a quiet spot to relax and catch the breeze, and there’s a contrastingly modern rooftop terrace overlooking the sea.

The six rooms are quite different in shape and size, each with a charming antique Arab/colonial style. Two downstairs en-suite rooms lead off the courtyard, one with a small lounge, and the other, larger, room with two extra beds, making it great for a family. A smaller en-suite room, and two with private bathrooms across the hallway, take up the first floor. Right at the top is a quaint, attic-style en-suite room that opens on to the roof terrace.

The main square beside the house comes to life with the sunrise – mosques call worshippers to prayer, street vendors set up their market stalls, and fishermen head out for the day, which makes this an interesting spot to experience authentic island life. There are a number of museums and historic landmarks to explore, and excellent restaurants and local bars nearby. The house comes with a private dhow for snorkelling, fishing and sunset cruises.