Fumba Beach Lodge

A classy, upmarket resort with soul: beautiful and remote Fumba Beach Lodge is an enchanting place to unwind and recharge

They say there's no pleasure without pain, and certainly, to get to Fumba Beach Lodge, you have to endure an extremely bumpy road to the remote southwest point of Zanzibar. But the tedious journey and slight apprehension about getting a flat tyre only make the arrival more glorious.

Set in 40 acres of lush wilderness, Fumba is truly gorgeous. Winding sandy paths take you around the hotel, from the swimming pool to the perfect beach bar, to the spacious, comfortable rooms and to the hotel’s superb dive centre and spa. It's not over-the-top Versace luxury, though. While the accommodation is attractive, the real luxury is nature in all its tropical glory. Blue, blue skies in the day; galaxies of stars at night; birds and butterflies flitting between trees in flower. It doesn’t get much better than this. When such a setting is complemented with good food and drink, quality diving and a divine spa, you’re close to paradise. Be warned – you'll find you never want to leave...

Highs

• On-site dive centre - the perfect place to do your PADI
• Gorgeous beach bar with fresh tapas and good wine
• The informal atmosphere and friendly waiting staff help guests to chill out
• Fabulous tree-top jacuzzi and spa
• The nicest toilets we found in Zanzibar!

Lows

• Service at reception can be slow
• Whilst the beach is lovely, it doesn't have the postcard-perfect white sand of east Zanzibar
• It's very popular with families – a high if you have kids, but worth knowing if you don't
• As with all of western Zanzibar, you can't swim at low tide, but there is a pool