Konokono Resort

If there’s one thing Kono Kono is not, it’s a typical identikit beach hotel. Instead, there’s hand-carved, Zanzibari chests dotted around, antique furniture, interesting paintings, and high, thatched ceilings for a truly authentic feel. As for facilities, there’s an open-air restaurant with great views over the ocean, a two-storey, seriously swanky spa and infinity pool and last, but definitely not least, a rather magnificent beach and plenty of white-curtained sun loungers to relax on.

There's a few choices here: the Beach Pavilions are set right on the sand for the ultimate in beach bliss, whereas the Sea View Villas overlook the beautiful Chwaka Bay. The Garden View Villas are set further back amidst the tropical foliage, and there’s a family villa and a two-bedroom pad if you’re travelling with friends. The real plus is that all rooms have a private, outdoor patio, and all bathrooms have either an outdoor bathtub or a mini plunge pool - heaven!

Unlike some of the properties on Zanziabr, Kono Kono doesn’t have its own activity centre, but the hotel will happily organise anything and everything you would like to do, from day trips to Stone Town (one hour away) to boat trips, diving courses and private picnics. If you don’t want to venture too far away, indulge in a treatment in the spa, or simply relax into the island pace of life on the beach, good book in hand.