Manda Bay Lodge

Spread along the beachfront, the lodge has a whole host of thatched, open-air spaces including a dining room – where you can enjoy the freshest of seafood, a bar with ample space to sit and watch the waves, and pavilion kitted out with a games room, boutique, gym, small spa and watersports centre. The sparkling swimming pool sits just back from the golden beach, where sun and swing beds are dotted around for your leisure.

There are 22 rooms in total, eleven of which are spread out along the seawall, five set back slightly amongst the palm trees, and six more garden rooms. The rooms are spacious, with large, mosquito-covered double beds and ceiling fans, hand-carved furnishings and lovely en-suite bathrooms. For prime view-gazing, head straight for the hanging daybeds on the private verandahs, and let the waves lull you into the rhythm of island life.

The ocean is there to be explored and all non-motorised activities are included, so there's no excuse.... Fishing, deep-sea fishing, water-sports and sundowner trips aboard a traditional dhow and boat trips to Lamu Town (30 minutes away) are also available. And if you really can't muster up the energy, the beach is rather lovely and always beckoning for a little R&R, or head for the spa for a proper pampering. Every moment spent here is highly personalised.