Emerson Spice Hotel

Step off the busy street and into an oasis of calm. A flowing blue fountain greets you in the interior courtyard, and green palms wave enticingly from scattered pots. Down here, there are plenty of chaise long, velvet chairs and swinging seats to chill out in. At the back of the house is the Secret Garden, the open-air courtyard restaurant, but for truly exceptional dining, head up to the Tea House at Spice on the rooftop. From here, take in the views of the Hindu Temple, the Swahili House hotel, and the green-roofed Zanzibar Coffee House.

The 11 guest rooms are spread over four floors, and accessed from an elaborate spiralling staircase. Designed by Emerson Skeen, each has a unique theme; try 'Aida' with its Romeo-and-Juliet balcony looking out over the Secret Garden, 'Kate' for a bathroom sporting two enormous tubs, or 'Camille' with its stunning Art-deco four-poster. All rooms are well equipped, with fans, air conditioning, mini fridges and mosquito nets. The en-suite bathrooms are spacious, and feature opulent painted ceramic tiles.

Perhaps the top "activity" you can enjoy at Emerson is eating. The restaurants are superb, the food is local and tasty, and the atmosphere and views are the cherry on the top. Outside the hotel, roam the streets of Stone Town and explore its many local wonders - ask someone to point you in the direction of the Zanzibar Curio Shop and the Darajani Bazaar. The hotel can also arrange tours further afield to experience the spices of the island, the beach, snorkelling and dhow sailing.