Che Shale

A sandy track leads through the dunes to the reception area and huge lounge bar and restaurant under a shady palm-leaf roof. Above, a loft with scattered floor cushions provides a quiet spot to relax and take in the fabulous ocean views, and in the evenings the lounge bar springs to life with music sessions and the occasional disco. There’s also a small massage hut, and a beach shop with one-of-a-kind locally made jewellery, crafts and African-style clothing.

Nine en-suite rustic beach bandas offer comfortable island-style accommodation. The units range in size from doubles to a triple, two family bandas and two larger luxury suites, all with a delightful castaway-chic appeal. Charming natural interiors have soft woven palm mats underfoot, beautiful handmade driftwood furniture, cane loungers and quirky designer fittings. Bathrooms are en-suite and open to the sky. Further along the beach are several very basic backpacker-style huts with shared bathroom facilities – a great budget option.

This is my personal version of paradise; the place is maxed out in terms of chill-out effect, and the kite-surfing is plain perfect.