In the morning, I was watching elephants contentedly bathing in the red Samburu dust and by late afternoon, I was in a sarong and flip-flops chatting to the bartender who was whipping up a Caipirinha for me with utmost flair.

All this while revelling in the most scenic of views in Zanzibar.

It is no secret that Zanzibar has some of the best beaches in the world and given the influx of visitors seeking luxury on this archipelago, several resorts offering five-star trappings have sprung up.

When it comes to luxury accommodation, my tastes veer towards boutique spots, the more remote the better.

On this particular visit, I was attracted to the South-East Coast, about an hour’s drive from the international airport on smooth tarmac roads and where the beaches are still largely unspoilt with the reef containing the only National Geographic affiliated dive site in East Africa.

You will notice that most hotels employ locally and support local producers but you will also find a few Kenyans working in management positions.

While the Swahili is so fluent it will make you feel a tad inadequate, the island will always feel a bit like home.

The Palms

As is the case with Zawadi and Baraza, the price here is all-inclusive which is great given how many cocktails you will be tempted to down at the pool bar.

The bartender here is the best and from rum punch to Martini or Cocolada, he sure knows how to whip them up.

I asked for a chef’s salad and turkey burger for lunch and this was served in the comfort of the private beach banda in front of my villa. Each villa has a banda which is great because you never have to jostle for space.

Sundowners were served in the plunge pool of my villa as the waiter took my order for supper. I got to watch the sunset from the comfortably upholstered plush sofa-bed right by the door.

The colour scheme is largely blue with hints of gold and with only six villas, it is intimate which allows for personalised service and since there will never be too many guests milling around, it is perfect for a couple’s getaway.

In the morning, I took one of the hotel’s bikes and went cycling along the beach, past the adjacent Breezes Hotel which actually has a watersport centre should you be interested.

Being an avid book lover, I like that their library has a take-one-leave-one policy.

The full article by Wendy Watta is available online here.