Sea Cliff Resort & Spa ★★★★★

You realise you have found something special at the Sea Cliff Resort and Spa before you have even reached its doors. How could it be anything other than incredible, with the hillside location looking out over the entire immense body of the Indian Ocean? The panoramic views would be worth the hotel alone.

If you keep yourself from craning to see the breath-taking ocean views as you approach the resort, you’ll find more hints of an exceptional experience awaiting you – the vast coconut plantation fields, a visual representation of the historic Zanzibari culture from which the Sea Cliff Resort and Spa takes such inspiration. The décor perfectly reflects the location, from the traditional makuti roofs, to the intricate Arabic towers, to the warm glow cast by brass lamps against the antique Zanzibari furniture. You’ll find Zanzibar in the staff, too – earnest, welcoming, and accommodating, even by the high standards of a five-star hotel.

Peace and tranquillity are easy to find at the resort. If not in the restful environment of your room, overlooking the views of dhows sailing past against the sunset, then in the fragrant tropical courtyard, in the eponymous spa (and its myriad treatments and rooms), in one of the two infinity pools, or at the hotel's restaurant. It’s an overwhelming set of choices – you may even need to unwind at the Sea Cliff Resort’s private beach.

Perhaps you think this is what you’d expect from any other five-star resort? In that case, turn instead to the professionally managed stable, which offers guests a rare and intimate way to tour the local area, or you may opt for a romantic sunset beach ride instead. Or maybe your days would be better spent strolling around the green of Zanzibar’s one and only golf course, located within the very resort. And if that’s not your sport, you could always choose to relax with squash, volleyball, tennis, trampolines, or at the huge sports and recreation centre gym… after all, this is Zanzibar, and variety and diversity are to be expected!