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Bright whites and startling blues are the colour palette of this beachfront retreat. Flanked by 20 kilometres of sand and overlooking the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar Bahari Villas are the quintessential island paradise, just off the coast of Tanzania. An important stopover for ships sailing to and from the East, Zanzibar became a hub where cultures and goods converged. Today its unique character is expressed through unorthodox cuisine and idiosyncratic architecture – especially in its historic heart of Stone Town.
From $140 person/night
Nearby Mnemba Island is the spot for snorkelling, with its colourful reefs darted through by a Disney-like cast of fish.
The food is excellent, from simple vegetable curries to the most exotic seafood dishes, there really is something for everyone. Mealtimes are an all-round treat.
Matemwe probably has one of the best, and most pristine, beaches on Zanzibar. When the tide is out, gazing at the view from the pool deck while sipping fresh juice from a coconut is, understandably, a favourite pastime.
A large, peaked palm-thatched roof covers the open-sided restaurant at the heart of the property. The seating is locally made, and the simple bar specialises in fresh, alcohol-free juices and smoothies. Beyond the restaurant, a paved patio with an ocean-facing pool surrounded by sun loungers leads down a few steps to the beachfront. Beyond that, the azure ocean extends uninterrupted as far as the eye can see. The style overall is simple and minimalistic, ideal for all-out vacationing.
Deluxe and larger Superior rooms spread across two levels are bright and breezy, with big screened windows and ocean or garden views. All have en-suite bathrooms, king-sized beds draped with mosquito netting, aircon, a small fridge and TV. In the garden, a stand-alone villa sleeps six and is ideal for large families who prefer to self-cater. It offers a large master and two smaller bedrooms, a living room and fully equipped kitchen, and a spacious patio.
The upper-storey rooms have gorgeous palm-framed ocean views, and the beach is pristine. (Bring aqua shoes for when the tide recedes, exposing spiny sea urchins).
The ocean is it! Snorkel or scuba dive the reef at nearby Mnamba Island, or head out for some deep-sea fishing. Nature lovers should visit Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park to see red colobus and Sykes' monkeys, bushbabies, a riot of butterflies and 40-odd species of birds. Explore Stone Town's maze of narrow alleys, with their intriguingly carved doors, tucked-away restaurants, crafts and cluttered antique shops. And don't miss the spice-laden Darajani Market, the palaces or the old fort.
In the gin-clear ocean around Zanzibar, marvel at bright corals with over 450 species of tropical fish, octopus, stingrays, moray eels, green turtles, hawksbill turtles, dolphins, humpback whales, and if you are very lucky: whales sharks and manta rays. In the coastal forests, spot the colobus and Sykes monkeys, bush babies, more than 50 species of butterfly, as well as brilliant bird species.