Arusha Serena Hotel

The main bungalow is in the middle of the idyllic gardens and is wonderfully welcoming and relaxing. Expect lots of dark wood, bright sofas and a medley of interesting artefacts to peruse. Meals, using ingredients from the kitchen garden, are served in the polished dining room, but you can also opt for a light snack down by the lakeshore, which definitely gets our vote. There’s also an infinity pool surrounded by deckchairs from which to while away an afternoon.

Linked by pathways to the main area, the 18 stone and thatch cottages are dotted amongst the flowers in the gardens and all have views towards the coffee plantation from lovely, private decks. Inside, the huge (and extraordinarily comfy!) beds are draped in crisp linens and sit amongst modern fittings and furnishings. Glass partitions in the bathrooms make them feel spacious and bright and the enormous bathtubs and rain showers are a lovely added bonus.

Nearby Lake Duluti is a definite highlight and the friendly Duluti staff can organise canoe trips, and nature walks and bird watching on the shores but there is charge to enter the area. You can also take a tour of the coffee plantation or hire a bike and explore the local villages on two wheels. Also worth mentioning is that the hotel is very well geared for late arrivals so don’t worry if you ring the doorbell in the middle of the night – there’s always a warm welcome!