Unguja Lodge

Coral rock, wood from the coconut palm and makuti thatching have been used to marry traditional Zanzibari construction with clean, modern comfort. Curved walls form quiet corners in which comfortable handcrafted furniture tempts you to relax. There may be a little wear and tear around the edges (common in seaside locations on the island), but there's no doubting the comfort, from the seating and dining areas to the bougainvillea-framed pool. The chef is experienced, and the cuisine is delicious.

Twelve villas of varied sizes are available. All are simple and organic in design, partly open to make the most of the views and breezes. The Sea View Villas face the ocean (with an open-air shower to take in the the sunset and dodge the curious gazes from passing boats!); the Baobab Villas open to the garden for extra privacy; and the duo of Family Houses have direct sea views, with a private terrace overlooking tranquil Menai Bay.

If you're a water baby, the on-site diving centre will get you to one of the 20 dive sites in the area, where you can explore luminous reefs busy with coral life. Take a dhow trip, go dolphin spotting or deep-sea fishing, or visit the local village (there's a curio shop on the way, so take cash). Explore the forest, or sit on the terrace and watch the lizards, elephant shrews, bushbabies and monkeys that share the lodge's surroundings.