Kuriftu Resort & Spa

The main area of the hotel, which incorporates the reception, dining room, lounge and bar, is a large double-storey building built of stone and thatch and covered in lush green plants. The dining room, where breakfast is served, has some funky carved wooden chairs, but the lounge areas have a more vibrant feel to them, thanks to the colourful African artwork and cushions. The real place to be is at the curvy pool or on the lakeside terrace, admiring the exquisite view.

There are 14 double-storey stone and wood bungalows (making 28 rooms in total), either facing the lake, the pool or in the garden. They are truly lovely and wouldn't look out of place in Switzerland, with their shaded balconies and stone steps. The spacious interiors are full of colour and furnished with locally-made furniture, though some are a little chilly due to the extensive use of stone. All have a terrace or a balcony with an outdoor fireplace. Ensuite bathrooms are simple, though nicely decorated with mosaic tiles.

The hotel can organise boat trips to some of the islands on the lake in order to visit three different medieval monasteries, but equally impressive is the bird-watching you can do along the way. Be sure to book a boat with sufficient power to get you to the islands and back in decent time - some operators seem to take chances! Tours to see the waterfalls at the start of the Blue Nile can be fun, but sitting by the pool, soaking up the views with a drink in hand, is also a lovely way to send a few days.