Mawe Resort

This is relaxed oceanside living at its best. A large, open-sided thatch structure houses the lounge and dining area, with billowing white curtains. Dark branches of a old tree stand at the heart of the curved, honey-yellow bar. Chunky cushioned loungers, day beds and low Swahili-style seating provide comfortable seating. Outside, repurposed dhow sails shade the loungers that surround the salt-water pool. There's a Jacuzzi, meals that fuse local and Italian flavours, and a spa with a view to remember.

Twelve guest rooms scattered around the property grounds feature curved, plastered walls and clean, Afro-chic interiors. Stay in a suite or a deluxe room (the latter has a bit more space and an outside balcony). All rooms have beds made from white-washed wood, wi-fi, a TV and minibar, and en-suite bathrooms with curved shower cubicles. The interiors are very comfortable. Book a first-floor room for the widest views.

The location may be isolated, but there's no shortage of things to do. Watersports on offer range from big-game fishing to diving, snorkelling and kite-boarding. Trips can be arranged to bird-filled Arabuko Sokoke Forest – you could even catch sight of monkeys and possibly an elephant or three. Here, you can take sundowners at the tidal Mida Creek, which bursts with mangrove treasures. For something different, walk through the waves to the sandbanks glimpsed from the shore.