Villa Sands

This unique hotel once was an ancient trading post, and the original storehouses have been cleverly converted into a cool main lounge and reception area, with downstairs rooms leading off the atrium. A wide stone staircase leads to the first floor terrace and poolside bar, with a separate swimming pool and sun lounge for the Rooftop Suite. Take meals in the restaurant or on the roof (anticipate seafood delicacies – this is shellfish heaven)! There's an outdoor grill for barbecues.

On the ground floor are eight chic double rooms finished in a crisp modern style, with cool white interiors and polished dark wooden floors, and a simple uncluttered atmosphere. A further three vast double rooms make up the exclusive Rooftop Suite – these are really special, with a private dining space, beautiful antique furniture, and spectacular views across the ocean from the private swimming pool and sun terrace. All have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, mosquito nets and ceiling fans.

One of the best ways to explore this tiny island is on two wheels, and bicycles are available at the hotel. There are historic monuments and old forts to visit, and colourful street markets for curios, or you can simply stroll along the beach and watch the fishing boats landing their daily catch. Villa Sands has its own motorised dhow for snorkelling trips, picnic cruises to the idyllic Goa Island nearby, and gliding through the mangroves in search of birds.