Baladin Zanzibar Beach Hotel

Michamvi, on Zanzibar's central east coast, holds a stretch of white sand facing the Indian Ocean, and Baladin Zanzibar Beach Hotel sits directly on it, next to The Rock restaurant perched offshore. It is a compact stay. Just twelve rooms, split between bungalows and suites, are arranged around a rustic, wood-built property that leans on simplicity rather than polish. Bungalows run to 35 square metres and sleep up to four, with a double bed upstairs and two singles below; suites are smaller, at 25 square metres, with a double and a single bed and an en-suite bathroom with a tub. All rooms carry air conditioning, mosquito nets and a sea view. An infinity pool sits at the edge of the beach, its bar open from sunrise to sundown, and a jacuzzi occupies its own corner of the grounds for evening use. The restaurant runs open-air by the shore, mixing Italian dishes and pizza with fresh seafood, including a lobster linguine and a seafood soup made from the day's catch. You can hear the tide from the terrace at low water, when a wide reef offshore keeps the sea calm enough for snorkelling among starfish. The hotel brews its own craft beer, shipped over from Italy, and pours it at the beach bar alongside coconuts split to order. The restaurant welcomes outside guests as well as those staying.