Fanjove Island, Tanzania

Ten discreet, eco-friendly, private Beach Villas, set long the island's sandy shore, have been designed in complete harmony with the surrounding environment. Island living is simple here: your air-conditioning is the cool ocean breeze, your water is heated by the sun and your electricity is solar-powered. Each Beach Villa is open at the front to take full advantage of the uninterrupted ocean views and all have been built using traditional natural materials - sustainable wood, makuti (palm leaves) and thatch. They are simple, stylish and comfortable and completely in keeping with Fanjove's unpretentious vibe.

For such a remote island outpost, the food at Fanjove rivals that of any five-star lodge. It is truly outstanding and mealtimes are sure to be greatly looked forward to by all who visit. From ocean to plate and soil to fork, expect fresh fish and seafood aplenty, paired with locally grown vegetables. The menu changes daily, incorporating a rainbow of flavours, colours and cuisines, perfectly representing the multicultural heritage of the island and archipelago. From Swahili fish kebabs and coconut calamari curries, to seafood paella and crayfish dim sum, chef Isa and his team have put Fanjove Island firmly on the foodie map. All guests stay on a full-board basis, excluding drinks, although there is a drinks package available to pre-book if you so wish. Breakfast and lunch are served in the main lodge area and, weather dependent, dinner is set up under the stars, toes in the sand, with the warm glow of lanterns and candles to dine by.

The island and its surrounding ocean are your playground at Fanjove. If it’s a post-safari sojourn, perhaps you’ll choose to do very little, although there’s no shortage of things to do for those who want to be a little more active. Hakim, Abdullah and the activities team will tailor your stay entirely. Divers of all abilities will be overwhelmed by the reef encircling Fanjove, aglow with coral and bursting with marine life. With very limited boat traffic and strict fishing laws, it is one of the healthiest and unspoilt reefs in East Africa. From the beach, you can snorkel in every direction, kayak around the island, paddleboard at high tide and walk out onto the sparkling white sandbanks at low tide. The Maisha path takes you around the island, which is less than a mile long and less than half a mile wide. Each month, the new moon leads to huge tidal ranges, uncovering stunningly white sandbanks for private beach picnics and romantic sundowner dhow cruises. Sailing, fishing and dolphin safaris are also available, as well as grey and humpback whale watching at certain times of year.