QAMBANI

Each of the five detached cottages has its own unique style - whether inspired by old plantation houses, African traditions or the beautiful coastal location. Most of the cottages have two bedrooms, and all face the ocean. At the centre of the property there is a large open-fronted living area with a sweeping terrace for dining alfresco. Wi-Fi and Sonos sound systems are accessible throughout. The living area leads to a plunge pool with night lighting - an ambient place to congregate at sunset. There is also a dining room indoors as well as a kitchen and cellar if you feel like preparing something yourself or perusing the impressive collection of wines. Other facilities include a small spa area for pre-arranged massages; an air-conditioned gym with exercise machines, weights and ballet bar; and a comfy TV room with large screen and Bose surround sound as well as Apple Mac.

Within the 8-acre plot there is also a large adults' infinity pool and a saltwater pool with paddling pool for children down by the beach. At high tide, you can swim straight out from the pool to snorkel on the reef.The seasonal 7km beach is at its best between May and November . Between December and April there is often no beach, but the rock pools created by the coral provide hours of fun for children. There is a year-round beach around 10 minutes' walk from Qambani. Snorkelling is available immediately offshore and also further afield, and diving tuition is organised through nearby Paje's PADI dive centre. The sea off Zanzibar's east coast is also good for watersports such as kite-surfing, dhow sailing, catamaran sailing (Qambani provides a Nacra 570) and dolphin-spotting trips. Don't miss the opportunity to sail to a deserted sandbank for a day; the Qambani team will be delighted to pack a picnic or even accompany you and cook a barbecue on the beach.

Further afield, explore the warren of streets in historic Stone Town, learn about the island's impressive spice trade history at pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove plantations, or head into Jozani Forest - an unspoilt 6,000 acre coastal forest inhabited by dancing butterflies and colobus monkeys.