Essque Zalu Zanzibar

Sit back and relax with a delicious home-cooked deli-style meal at the Market Kitchen in the lobby (breakfast is served here), or enjoy the freshest of seafood in relaxed style at The Jetty, a water-hugging alfresco restaurant where the sound of the ocean is the music and views are fabulous. After dinner, let your hair down and party the night away at the Baobab Bar, where the cocktails are divine and the stars go on forever.

There's plenty of accommodation in the 40 fabulous suites and eight three- or four-bedroomed villas, all furnished in tranquil style with Swahili-inspired pieces and real attention paid to comfort. All the units overlook either the quiet, aquamarine cove or the garden – a treasure in its own right. Spend some time admiring the locally made artwork. It's intriguing. The beds are king-sized and comfortable, and the en-suite bathrooms are slick, with luscious toiletries. You will not be disappointed...

There's island fun in spades. Head to the dive centre to kit up and explore the coral reefs and kaleidoscopic underwater life. Swimming with dolphins is popular, as are deep-sea fishing trips, waterskiing and testing thigh muscles on a pedalo. Spice tours are filled with fragrances; Jozani forest rings with monkeys and birds; and huge 180-year-old turtles lumber around nearby Prison Island (yes, it once was). Visit Stone Town to explore the narrow alleys and buy treasures, including lovely artworks.