WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

Amid the lush dune forests of Mabibi Bay, on the iSimangaliso Wetland Park coast of KwaZulu-Natal, lies Thonga Beach Lodge – a serene, luxurious retreat shaped by the local community and its surroundings.

The design team set out to create a beach escape that would have minimal impact on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. “Everything had to be hidden beneath the ancient canopy of the Mdoni trees. Any light disturbs turtle nesting patterns; this, along with several other factors, resulted in a visually simple architectural design that pays homage to a place with no development on this beach – 100 miles north and 60 miles south – a civilised distance from civilisation,” says Paige Gehren, owner of Thonga Beach Lodge. The result is a site-sensitive design that feels organic, where sustainable materials and local craftsmanship take centre stage.

Across the property, a collection of 12 thatched-roofed pods opens onto both forest and sea, each celebrating a unique aspect of its coastal setting. The interiors evoke a sense of calm and ease, with ocean-inspired hues (think soft neutrals, silvers, blues and a pop of coral) dominating the decor palette. “We looked at the froth of a wave, the silver glints upon it, and the bleached shells and weathered pieces of wood scattered along the beach. Together, these elements shaped our idea of what this sense of remoteness feels like to our guests,” says Paige. As guests step inside, the intention is for them to reconnect with nature and themselves – to slip off their shoes, exhale deeply, and sink into one of the lodge’s inviting spaces.

Local collaboration played a key role in shaping the lodge’s interiors and communal areas. Handwoven carpets from Maputaland, bespoke furniture by Conrad Inspired Furniture and Kipikee Studios, woven lampshades crafted by the Mabibi community, and beaded placemats by Monkeybiz all reflect this partnership. “These pieces remind guests that every detail has a story, connecting form and function to a sense of place,” says Paige.

Sustainability is central to the guest experience: from the absence of single-use plastics to greywater recycling and community-led environmental initiatives. “It’s a journey of rediscovering one’s place in the environment, as disconnection in our daily lives continues. By choosing to stay here, guests contribute directly to the Park’s management and, in turn, the conservation of the entire area. They become part of the story – caring for the environment and being fully present,” explains Paige.

Beyond that, a sense of eco-storytelling and playfulness is woven into every design detail at Thonga Beach Lodge. The bar, conceived to mirror the movement of a wave as it gathers and recedes, features a sculptural glass chandelier crafted from recycled beach glass by South African designer Stephen Pikus. The Beach Hub, home to the lodge’s marine activities, with its sculptural fishtail bench commissioned from Conrad Inspired Furniture, captures the exuberance of the sea.

“We wanted the lodge to unfold as you arrived – to move from the quiet, calm reception area and discover more around each corner, with some spaces slightly hidden away,” adds Paige. “There’s a sense of adventure in arriving somewhere new, and we wanted to encourage that.” | thongabeachlodge.co.za

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If it’s unabashed luxury you’re after, say hello to Dubai’s newest resorts.

Five Luxe

This collection of beachside hotels and residences is being touted as the ultimate spot for uninterrupted sunset sea views. The waterfront property reads as a community of buildings, with a luxe, monochromatically pale decor scheme broken only by the cerulean blue of the Persian Gulf. It’s the volume you’ll notice – the soaring ceilings in all the suites; a lobby dwarfed by the sinuous lines of sculptures and water features; armies of metres-tall palm trees flanking the pools… If that’s not enough, the sustainability credentials are first-class, with resource-conserving tech throughout. | fivehotelsandresorts.com

The Nest

Stephanie Reichenbach founded Nara Desert Escape back in 2018, as just a single lounge and an à la carte dining table amid the desert dunes. Fast-forward five years, and she’s now added The Nest to this fine-dining experience. Merging almost naturally with the surrounding sand, The Nest is a peaceful sleeping concept designed by Italian architect Gianni Ranaulo, which offers Nara guests the chance to truly immerse themselves in the serenity of the Arabian desert. Expect futurist-looking pods that are all daybeds and firepits on the outside, and luxury textured cocoon on the inside. | nara.ae

Atlantis The Royal

The opening of this resort featured a private concert by Beyoncé, and the restaurant lineup reads like a who’s who of the Michelin Guide, with concepts by everyone from Heston Blumenthal to Nobu. Atlantis The Royal was designed as a bold architectural deconstruction of Dubai’s traditional skyscraper skyline, with the buildings echoing stacks of individual blocks to create towers, sky bridges, and more intimate bespoke experiences within the vast complex. Sky villas – the last word in luxury – boast private infinity pools and landscaped gardens, so you can quite literally swim among the clouds while overlooking the Persian Gulf. | atlantis.com

Bungalo34 at Nikki Beach Resort and Spa

Tashas’ (yes, that Tashas) Natasha Sideris has dressed up her elegant beachside experience with pieces she’s collected during her travels to Greece, France and Italy, so Bungalo34 is reminiscent of the golden era of Riviera design, with coral-inspired textured tiles and playful artworks. And the unbuttoned decor of Nikki Beach Resort’s accommodation is equally appropriate to its setting. Expect lazy lunches that roll into late nights of music – and don’t miss the chance to order a signature frozen negroni. | bungalo34.com

Terra Solis

This luxury tented camp was dreamed up by the creative brains behind legendary European dance music festival Tomorrowland, so music is a huge part of Terra Solis’s wow factor – but so is location. Set in the desert as a poolside oasis, it boasts chilled daytime soundtracks from a roster of resident DJs that flow into all-night parties under star-soaked skies. Accommodation is either under canvas or in funky cabins and, while both are achingly chic, it’s the Orion cabins, which flank the main pools and their butterfly-canopied daybeds, that offer the perfect mix of DJs and downtime. | terrasolisdubai.com

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A seaside cabin in the remote town of Romansbaai by Neo Architects draws inspiration from the surrounding indigenous flora and coastal landscape.

With the instructions from clients to minimise the carbon footprint on the surrounding landscape, the team at Neo managed to keep the size of the space down to 90m2. While this may seem small to some, the firm designed the home in a way that incorporates indoor/outdoor flow, breaking boundaries. The seamless transition allows for the views and scents of nature to meld with the home, enhanced by the presence of natural light. At the same time, the architects designed the cabin with the Swedish notion of Hygge in mind – a concept of cosiness and contentment, which translates to the rainier and contemplative days.

Made from concrete, natural stone and diamondback sheeting, the home blends well with the raw materials of the climate. Large windows allow the guest the choice of whether to be immersed in nature or to enjoy the landscape through a barrier, protecting them from the elements.

A large bedroom opens up onto the pool area, with a second deck offering vast vistas of the protected fynbos fields. The highlight of the bathroom is a shower and bath with the same breathtaking views. Designed around a centralised fireplace, the entertainment area is comfortable and accommodating in both winter and summer.

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Last year we chatted to partner team Tobin Davenport and Kate Brink about their Yurt endeavour (that you can read, here), which turned into a creative and restful retreat. Their latest addition to their self-catering yurts in the Overberg includes two rustic riverside cabins. We catch up with them about what went behind the planning and execution of the new space.

What was the plan for the new cabins?

We deliberated for almost a year about whether it would be appropriate to add cabins to our Yurt portfolio. When we decided to add the cabins, which are reclaimed chalets that had previously had a different design, we wanted them to also offer a very similar experience to our Yurt sites – to encourage guests to be outdoors comfortably – whilst providing a bit more familiarity for those guests are not necessarily into glamping. 

How old are the bones of the cabin and what were they like before?

There are two cabins in our portfolio, and both have been reshaped from what were previously more rustic chalets, built about 20 years ago. The River Cabin combines to A-frame structures to create a perfect getaway for two, with two private courtyard spaces. A small courtyard with a small rock pond and outdoor seating is the perfect space for lounging in the sun. The second space offers a braai/boma-styled area with a private wood-fired hot tub and a comfy nest for lounging, as well as outdoor seating. Botanica Cabin has been adapted from a previous cottage-styled building, that has a fully equipped kitchen, including an indoor pizza oven, a large braai area with covered outdoor seating, a private courtyard with wood-fired hot tub, another barrel braai, outdoor seating and access to a private viewpoint that looks into the conservancy.                               

What amenities do they offer and how does the experience differ from staying in a yurt?

Both of our Cabins are perfect for a romantic getaway for two – they are separated from each other but share access to a dip pool, which is a great addition for warm summer days. Each cabin is equipped with comfortable bedding and towels, a self-catering kitchen, a daybed, private wood-fired hot tubs, outdoor nests for lounging, outdoor seating and wonderful views. The accommodation is also located in the reserve, so it has access to all the hiking trails and a small farm dam where guests can fish (catch and release), kayak and swim. Similarly to our Yurt accommodations, we stock the cabins with firewood, firelighters, soaps and shampoo, dishwashing necessities, coffee, tea, sugar, salt and peppers, spices and home-grown olive oil to taste during your stay.                           

What feeling does the cabin give visitors?

We hope that the cabins give guests the feeling of comfort in nature, without losing the knowledge that they are truly out of the city and in an environment that is quite extraordinary (particularly for its location). We have designed them to be interesting and personal, but have also focussed on how we can make the outside spaces attractive for people to spend time in. 

How did you decide on a decor scheme for the cabins, when the yurts are so rustic?

The decor of the cabins needed to have its own feel – because the exteriors are four walls and something that is very much a home/cabin norm, we wanted to interiors to reflect the character of the accommodation, as well as the natural surroundings. We have included the home luxuries, but we’ve also added quirks to remind you that this is definitely a personalised experience and not the more common copy-paste getaway.                  

Have you kept with the eco stance in the cabins?

Yes, absolutely! We use biodegradable soaps, shampoos and cleaning products, and the gardens are completely organic. Guests can enjoy the herbs and veggies available knowing they’re safe and full of all the good things!   

What plans do you have for the farm going forward?

Southern Yurts and our partners Porcupine Hills have created the Diepklowe Conservation Trust, which is a non-profit fund devoted to ensuring the management and maintenance of the Diepklowe Nature Reserve – in which Southern Yurts is located. A conservation fee of R75 per person per stay is added to each booking and goes directly into the trust. We are incredibly excited about this effort as we hope it will allow for a well-cared-for reserve, with the vision that it is the guests and guest accommodation business that become the custodians, responsible for ensuring that the flora and fauna wildlife is a priority. Maintenance programs in the reserve are primarily centred around alien clearing in the riverine areas, erosion management, hiking trail access and rewilding of the unique Renosterveld Biome. Programs are generally executed in autumn and winter months when conditions are safer and more conducive to bush work.  

How would you describe the overall aesthetic?

The overall aesthetic of the cabins and the Yurt accommodation is one that shows care, intention, and something a little bit different. We hope the little design details in each area add to your experience and give you something to write home about.    

Anything exciting you’d like to add? 

Definitely! We have a few new plans for 2023, launching towards the end of the year – without giving too much away, we think it will be an exciting new addition to the area.

For more information or to book a stay, southernyurts.co.za.

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Nautilus Estate, a brand new luxury concept by international architecture firm Luxury Frontiers brings pared-back seaside living to the dunes of Keurboomstrand.

Surrounded by undulating dunes, rolling blue mountains, expansive milkwood forests, and the warm and inviting Indian Ocean, Nautilus Estate is set to put pure coastal relaxation at front of mind. The Garden Route is a hub of natural wonder, abundant with indigenous flora and fauna, with neighbouring towns close enough for all the comforts of city living around the corner.

Currently under development all villas in the estate will have unobstructed views of the ocean. Privacy is a key factor in the design, so that residents may not see their neighbours if that’s their preference. The design ensures that residents and visitors alike can feel completely isolated… in the best possible way, of course.

The architecture will embrace the surrounding landscape – remaining unobtrusive and mindful, while still creating a striking and contemporary atmosphere with organic shapes, flowing lines and the use of natural materials, blending the villas into the topography of the Garden Route and its natural beauty. With all of the architecture and design focusing on being entirely eco-conscious and entirely off-the-grid, the Nautilus Estate is also set to qualify for a Green Star rating.

There are also plans to expand the estate to include the Nautilus Resort, which will offer an exclusive lodge experience. Villa owners on the estate can opt to keep their home private or join as a part of the resort structure where owners may rent out their piece of paradise to holidaymakers wishing to share this exclusive experience. World-class facilities will be on offer to guests, spanning from a luxury spa and wellness facility, a fine dining restaurant, a state-of-the-art wine cellar and a helipad. 

The buried Guest Units on the resort will offer a one-of-a-kind guest experience while the architecture will accommodate the reinstated Milkwood forest – allowing nature to take over, with a leafy canopy enveloping the roofs.

With a juxtaposition between modern sleek design and a respect for nature, the Nautilus Estate and future Nautilus Resort will be the perfect holiday escape to completely immerse yourself in nature while experiencing peak luxury and design.

For more information on the Nautilus Estate, visit nautilusestate.co.za or contact Hein Pretorius at Sotheby’s International on 0837013159 and Nols Kotze at Carnivore Capital on 0828718001.

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A secluded getaway that combines luxury and nature is designed to give guests a peaceful and contemplative escape away from city life, with all the creature comforts of home.

Once you arrive at Melozhori, guests park their cars because only walking or cycling is allowed on the reserve. No need to panic though, there are no predators on site, only friendly Giraffes, flamboyant Ostriches and herds of Sables, Nyalas and Impalas.

“We wanted to develop a low-footprint reserve where guests can be immersed in nature but still have complete privacy,” explains Reserve Manager Lientjie Nell. “The Treehouse idea started to take shape when we decided to add one more final product offering to our reserve. We started looking at secluded and beautiful areas on the reserve and when we decided on the valley the idea just developed from there.”

READ MORE: Treehouse-inspired Constantia Home

The owners of Melozhori have a big love for nature and the conservation of our natural wildlife for future generations. With no previous farming experience, the Bhorat family has turned an undeveloped and overgrazed piece of land into a successful game reserve. With care and consideration to historically occurring species, the game was gradually introduced and today the 19 different mammal species and 131 identified birds bear testimony to the patience and long-term vision needed for conservation to be meaningful. The reserve has expanded to 2,300 hectares of succulent Karoo, Renosterveld and sections of fynbos in the mountainous areas. An expansive dam was repaired and work began on the infrastructure for a family’s “home away from home”.

The mainly steel and wooden spaces – done by JLR Projects combine a family holiday feel with upmarket lodge comfort and style. With 5 luxury cabins holding a total of 18 guests, the design was intended to give visitors a feeling of solitude and quiet contemplation – all situated only 2 hours from Cape Town’s city centre. The kitchen has all the bells and whistles you’d find in a New York apartment, but out in the bush. Guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay. From bean-to-cup coffee machines and pizza ovens, this is the upper echelon of self-catering. Spend long lazy evenings on the deck, hop in the hot tub or book a game drive with the team to explore the surrounding terrain.

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Situated on a riverfront concession in Zambia’s lower Zambezi National Park, this new luxury lodge combines elegance with just a touch of sparkle.

With every new lodge, we have a process,” says Debra Fox, sitting in the lounge of Lolebezi, the latest luxury safari destination to bear the signature of design studio Fox Browne Creative. As coffee is served in bespoke Vorster & Braye crockery on a tray of shimmering copper, the morning sun tinges the Zambezi River with gold.

“Our process is called circles in a forest,” she says. “It’s where we walk and feel the landscape. Because wherever we go, it’s always about a sense of place. It’s all about site.” And the location of Lolebezi is nothing short of remarkable, occupying a riverfront private concession site within Zambia’s remote Lower Zambezi National Park.

“It’s one of those game-changing sites in southern Africa,” notes Jack Alexander, the architect on the project. “The river is obviously the biggest drawcard, but with this particular site, there are also spectacular views backwards into the forest.” That forest is a lush stand of winter thorn acacia, which would become a muse for the lodge’s design ethos, the curved seedpods informing much of Lolebezi’s visual language.

READ MORE: Gujarati Lodge

That’s most obvious in the beautiful hand-printed bed throws, and the botanical panels framing the central lounge area, both by Amanda du Plessis of Evolution Product. But more broadly, the circular seed shape is a motif evident throughout the eight-bedroom lodge, where swirling forms soften the thoroughly contemporary design.

READ MORE: Luxury Sossusvlei Lodge

Created by Tribal Textiles, striking works of woven grass – each nearly four metres across – sweep across the ceiling of the lounge and dining area. But perhaps the highlight is at the very heart of the lodge: a circular two-level platform dubbed the “Circle of Light” that ascends into the boughs of a sturdy winter thorn. “The circle around the tree became a hinge; a pivot point where we see the guest move between two halves of the lodge,” explains Jack. “We also wanted to get guests up into the canopy of the winter thorn. From there, you get this phenomenal aspect down the Zambezi and into the forest.”

“Overall, we tried to provide a design that enhances the guest experience of the Lower Zambezi,” adds Debra. “Many of the most beautiful aspects of the lodge are those that enhance the sense of being in that space.”

READ MORE: Khwai Leadwood in Botswana

Aside from natural inspiration, the design of Lolebezi also taps into the history, traditions and culture of Zambia. Angular legs of Kaonde tribal stools are subtly echoed in the dining tables and faceted bar counter of rain forest marble. A curtain of curled reeds, hand-stitched locally, frames a curving couch of textured rattan designed to maximise the river views. The shimmer of copper – one of Zambia’s key exports – is another thread that runs through Lolebezi, from the breakfast trays to the striking circular mosquito nets in each suite.

“With all the organic textures, you want a bit of sparkle,” says Debra with a smile. “Not too much – just a little, to play off the textural elements. If we didn’t have the rustic railway sleepers and the organic reeds, it might look out of place. But because it’s toned down – and a natural material – it works.

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The remote wilderness pods at Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve harness the idea of the tiny house movement for a powerfully immersive and luxurious experience of nature.

Iain Buchanan, conservationist and founder of Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape, took his family for an extended stay at the reserve during the pandemic. They did quite a lot of camping out in the veld, he says, seeking out some of the more remote (but spectacularly beautiful) spots to pitch their tent.

While the reserve has a lodge and other accommodation, the experience left him wondering how he could offer guests the immediacy of the camping experience – the sense of awe you feel being alone in the vast wide-open – but with a dimension of luxury and comfort. The idea posed several challenges. The Karoo is known for its temperature extremes, so “the traditional old Livingston-type canvas tent just wouldn’t cut it,” says Iain. But conventional building in the “middle of nowhere” is difficult and messy, and scars the landscape. A pod or tiny house, however, might work: a little Scandi-inspired hut, designed just right.

READ MORE: Local Escapes: Off-grid Tiny Cabins

He worked with architects Andre de Villiers and Simon McCullagh to create a shelter small enough to sustain the sense of barely mediated immersion in your setting that you experience while camping, but robust and well insulated enough to keep you feeling cosy and safe (this is Big Five country, after all). They played with the vernacular form of the corrugated-iron shed, perhaps with a nod to early settler cottages, so these sleek little forms seem almost at home in the landscape.

Architect Michael Hobbs was later brought in as the “technical guy”, as he puts it, since the pods had to be designed in a way that “touches the ground lightly”. The pods, he explains, occupy the space where architecture and conservation overlap. “Ideally, we want to be able to remove them five years from now, and leave nothing but footprints behind,” says Iain.

READ MORE: Of the Earth: Kalahari Lodge

The pods are potentially reusable, so could go on to have a second life elsewhere, adding to their sustainability credentials. They are built off-site, popped on the back of a truck and dropped onto steel “feet” (with no dug foundations) at their destination. The only disruption to the site is for the wastewater treatment system, which is buried, and the ground above it rehabilitated. The landscape around the pods remains pristine.

Views, of course, are paramount, so windows have been strategically positioned to create vistas while you’re lying in the bed, which is the focal point of the experience. Apart from the stacking doors that concentrate the view to the front, a narrow slit window to the side frames an incredible panorama, and a skylight invites in the night sky.

The almost nautical dimensions of the interior allow an up-close sense of engagement with nature while, paradoxically, the sense of compression inside the pod enhances the awareness of space around you. The sleek timber cladding throughout has a stripped down, warm minimalism about it, and its almost Japanese sense of efficiency allows the inclusion of creature comforts – the very best linen; power and WiFi; and even an outdoor hot tub – without clutter and visual noise. “It’s all designed around the experience,” says Michael.

Iain and Michael have realised that the pods could be manufactured and assembled almost anywhere – on other reserves, farms, even in gardens of ordinary homes in need of a home office – so they continue refining the design, and making them available through their company Apex Glamping.

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WORDS Steve Smith PRODUCTION Annemarie Meintjes PHOTOS Paris Brummer

“Go wild.” As client briefs go, this has to be both fantastic… and a touch nerve- wracking. On one hand, you can really let your creative energy loose – but on the other, your version of going wild may be pushing the proverbial boat (or in this case, canoe) out way beyond what your client is comfortable with. There’s a lot to be said for a tight brief, right?

Nevertheless, “go wild” was exactly the brief delivered by Camp Canoe owner Amy Kropman to Rotem Shachar and Megan Bond of MR. Design Studio. Having been in the hospitality industry for many years, Amy and her husband Tal created and ran the upmarket B.I.G Backpackers in Green Point, and were now looking for something to do beyond the bustle of the city.

Only 45 minutes from Cape Town, the slopes of the Simonsberg Nature Reserve outside Franschhoek presented the perfect opportunity, and the idea of a fresh take on luxury glamping was born. “I tend to gravitate towards things that I personally would love to see on the market, but am not finding,” says Amy. And while there’s certainly no shortage of luxury tented accommodation available in South Africa, from a design perspective it does feel like different riffs of the same African bush-inspired tune.

Which is where Rotem and Megan came in. They did go wild, yet it wasn’t the wilds of Africa that inspired their design, but the wilds of New England in north-eastern United States. There’s a clear nod to film director Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom in the design approach – if you haven’t seen this wonderful 2012 coming-of-age film, it’s set in a 1960s Scout camp called Camp Ivanhoe – and it’s a completely fresh take on the luxury tented camp concept. “This project encompasses exactly what we want to do as a company,” says Rotem. “We help a client create a brand in an environmental context, from its naming to the rollout of all the smallest details. It was such fun coming up with a Wes-like, Scout-inspired theme, and being able to overlook the design process right through to the logo and branding.”

From the photos here, it’s clear that Amy loved the idea. “We had our first presentation, and it’s pretty much what you see, but with more refined details,” recalls Megan. The quilted soft walls are the perfect example of that – it’s MR.’s favourite design element in the project. “We collaborated on this piece with Starry Eve Collett of Casamento, and it was a truly interactive process of playing in her studio, pushing too far, coming back… until it felt just right.”

Working to a budget is always a challenge, and while MR. had creative licence to go wild, there certainly weren’t unlimited funds to interpret that financially. “We realised that the most impactful way of effecting the tent’s space – and making use of a limited budget – was to change the wall surfaces and make them exciting,” says Rotem. “Fortunately, the concept lent itself to creating a strong periphery with just a few key interior pieces to tie it all together.”

To this end, along with the work by Casamento, furniture by local designers Houtlander and Pedersen+Lennard, the Scandi-chic-meets-Japanese-rural kitchenette by Interdesign (“with enough peg holes to make any Scout’s fingers twitch,” says Rotem) and a beautiful shower mosaic by Bit By Bit Mosaic all contribute to the design.

“I chose MR. because I loved their approach,” says Amy. “It wasn’t just about the space, but also about the story. I was extremely happy with the way they interpreted the brief.

I said ‘go wild’ – and they did! | campcanoe.co.za

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Photographer Andrew Morgan spent 10 years living on this Tanzanian gem and, after returning there recently for a two-week work gig, shares his insider take on where to stay and what to do on the “Spice Island”.

Stone Town

A heady mix of colours, smells, cultures and energy comes alive at sunrise with the muezzin’s call. Locals open shops filled with colourful fabrics and artwork; aromas of freshly pressed sugar-cane juice, dates and street food fill the air; and the sounds of happy greetings, laughter, bicycle bells and scooter horns start to build. From the Darajani Market where the island’s farmers and fishermen gather each day to sell their produce, to the island’s residents, hotels and restaurants, and the Forodhani Gardens where, every evening, you can find a plethora of seafood and other delights grilled under the stars, this bustling historical heart of Zanzibar is constantly beating.

Two standout accommodation options are Emerson Spice Hotel, a luxurious re-imagining of old-world Arabic style with expansive rooms, carved Swahili beds and lavish fabrics; and the more contemporary Upendo, where you will find a different wallpaper by South Africa’s Cara Saven Wall Design in each of the rooms. The restaurant on the fourth floor here plays host to some delicious Indian tapas-inspired dishes, and the rooftop pool and bar offer wonderful views over the town and sea beyond.

Safari Blue

Having lived on the main island for 10 years, I still maintain that if you only had one day in Zanzibar, the original Safari Blue boat tour would be the best way to spend it.

Setting off on a traditional sailing dhow from the small village of Fumba in the southwest, you make your way to a tidal sandbar in the middle of the ocean, before snorkelling in the ultramarine waters that surround this tropical paradise. With the chance of sailing alongside spinner dolphins always high, it’s an exhilarating experience. After all the activity, you’re treated to a seafood lunch, followed by a legendary fruit-tasting experience. You can spend the rest of the afternoon swimming, sunbathing or enjoying the recently opened cocktail bar.

Nungwi & Kendwa

On the northern tip of the island lies the village of Nungwi, with Kendwa adjoining to the south. Instead of the huge expanse of white-sand beaches that you find on the east coast, here you’ll enjoy a golden shore with a much deeper sea that is far less tidal, meaning you can swim throughout the day without a low-tide interruption. Being on the western coast also means you are treated to some spectacular sunsets – plus Kendwa and Nungwi are vibey villages, with many beach bars, restaurants and spots to dance the night away. One of the best places to stay is Zuri, a member of the Design Hotels group – it boasts a picturesque private beach dotted with palm trees, thatch umbrellas and sun loungers, as well as stylish rooms and fantastic restaurants.

Southeast Coast

Zanzibar’s southeast coast offers some of the best kitesurfing in the world. A palm-lined coast with stretches of uninterrupted beach of up to 14km long, it is a picture-perfect Eden. The warm waters and strong winds may have made it a favourite of kiters from around the world, but it’s not just for the thrill- seekers – some of the island’s most stylish hotels are also found down here. I recently spent time at White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa, set on a deep-water lagoon that isn’t affected by the substantial tidal changes on that side of the island. You can either enjoy the crystal- clear water all day long, or hang out at your villa’s private plunge pool, set among tropical gardens.

Qambani

For years, I’d wanted to stay at Qambani – and in June 2021, I finally had the chance to spend a couple of nights there. Six completely different rooms are spread across an area where most hotels would put 60, with some offering amazing outdoor showers and others private rooftop sundowner decks. Despite being on the east coast, the lodge rounds a peninsula, ensuring beautiful sunsets while you sip your favourite cocktail in a plantation chair under the palms. The lodge is built on top of a cliff so there isn’t much of a beach at full high tide – but when the ocean goes out, it unveils a pristine private stretch of sand.

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