&Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge

Mnemba Island Lodge has 12 stylish bungalows, set in the casuarina trees in the centre of the island. Spaced well apart, they are very private and peaceful. Each room is spacious, with big beds, muslin nets, rush matting floors, and simple but stylish furniture.

There are overhead fans to keep you cool. A tiny, sandy path (across which pink ghost crabs sometimes scuttle), leads you to a bathroom a metre or two away. These are very stylish, with glass beaded showers, fluffy towels, aromatherapy soaps and copious hot water.

Rooms lead straight onto the beach, and a short walk brings you to the dining area and bar, which is set under thatch in the trees. Meals are superb at Mnemba, with fresh bread baked for breakfast, light salad lunches, and sumptuous three- or four-course meals for dinner. Often the dinner is served by lanterns and candlelight on the beach — a magical end to a superb day.

OUR RATING: Deluxe