Kinasi Lodge

Being located about 50 km off the Tanzanian coast (and, strictly, not part of the Zanzibar archipelago at all, but it makes sense to include it here!), Mafia Island is reached by air from either Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam. Kinasi Lodge is probably the best on the island, unusual in possessing facilities more representative of a much larger resort.

Its 14 thatched bungalows all have en-suite bathrooms, although with varying outlooks, the sea-view ones being slightly more expensive. They are designed for through-ventilation and hence coolness in all seasons.

The facilities are truly awesome for a place of this size. There is a large spa, complete with Turkish bath and with two Thai therapists in attendance. It also has its own PADI dive centre, with a further such centre a short distance away.

A gift shop, library with music system, antique pool/billiard table and of course its large - and very welcome - swimming pool, complete the picture.