As promised, we are beginning this week’s blog on sumptuous beach escapes. Following on from last week’s blog about adventures on the plains of the Masai Mara and enjoying the friendly welcoming culture of the Samburu. This week we are jetting you from the bush straight to the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar and some of the places we think you should visit.

We will suggest three fabulous properties for you to choose from, beginning with Kilindi. This wonderful boutique property is located in the north west coast of Mozambique. Originally designed by Abba’s Benny Andersson, this boutique hotel combines both Scandinavian minimalism with middle eastern heritage. Each of the private pavilion rooms have large shutter windows and doors, which can be opened fully so that you can really enjoy the stunning views of the azure waters of the Indian ocean, watching the local fishermen in their lashing their sails down in their dhows. Each pavilion also has their own private plunge pool too.

The main area has a waterfall bar overlooking a beautiful 25 metre infinity pool. For breakfast, lunch and dinner you can enjoy eating on the alfresco terrace or perhaps down on the white sandy beach below Kilindi, watching the sun going down whilst enjoying a cocktail or two!

The second wonderfully boutique property we would definitely recommend would be Xanadu. This stunning property is located on the south west of Zanzibar. Just an hour’s drive from the historic and hugely cultural Stone Town, the eight luxury villas that make up Xanadu, line the shores of a pristine white sandy beach with enviable views of the Indian Ocean. The rooms are sumptuously designed: large and open, with lots of wonderful space and delicious comfortable beds and sofas. The food at Xanadu is superb, everything is as fresh as possible, from delectable fruits to the fresh fish of the day!

Finally, if you are wanting to truly blow the budget for a place to stay in Zanzibar, and perhaps something not as boutique but really luxurious, then Zuri Zanzibar is the place for you. With around 56 luxury suites and bungalows, there is plenty to choose from here. Each of the rooms are extremely stylish, very contemporary with local artisanal features and artwork. Each room also seamlessly flows from indoor living to tropical outdoor terraces with lots of space and lush gardens. There is an option to stay here on either a half board basis or all inclusive. Zuri means ‘beautiful’ in Swahili which is the local dialect most people in Zanzibar speak and Zuri Zanzibar really lives up to her name.

At each of the properties we have suggested there is tonnes of activities to enjoy not only within the properties, but on the water and within Zanzibar itself as well.

The archipelago of Zanzibar has a rich history influenced by African traditions, along with Arabic and European colonisations, this makes Zanzibar a fascinating melting pot of cultures, history and people. Do get in contact if you would like to find out more about booking these stunning properties… perhaps for your honeymoon, or an anniversary!