Kinondo Kwetu

The main building is a grand, thatched house with tall ceilings and stone floors. You can relax pretty much anywhere – in window seats, at the bar, in the well-stocked library or on the shaded terrace. Carved wooden tables and chairs are set outside on the patio, and there's a teardrop-shaped pool between the terrace and the beach (a larger pool lies behind the lodge). Relish the spa/sauna, the dive centre and the superb 360-degree views from the observation tower.

With seven suites, three cottages, a beach house and the Big Mama Taa Villa to choose from, there's no shortage of accommodation options. The most economical rooms are in the main house – one with en-suite facilities and two sharing a bathroom. The cottages sleep two to four, the double-storey beach house is perfect for a family, and villa is the jewel in the crown, with six en-suite bedrooms, a central lounge and wraparound porch. Kinondo Kwetu is just right!

Activities focus on the ocean, naturally. Dive and snorkel the psychedelic underwater world. Kite-surf, windsurf, or go paddle-boarding, water-skiing, kayaking or sailing. Swim with dolphins, grab a bike and pedal along the coast, or stroll on the beach. Fancy seeing the wildlife? Shimba Hills National Reserve is a 45-minute drive away and is home to elephants, giraffe and various species of antelope. Relax at the spa, play tennis or try the mini skateboard park at the back of the property.