Pongwe Beach Hotel

Affordable, laid-back luxury on one of the most idyllic palm-fringed beaches imaginable

If your thing is fun and enjoyment rather than going to a more expensive resort than the Jones's, Pongwe Beach will suit you down to the ground. An unpretentious and laid-back hotel, it serves up simple pleasures with panache. Sun, sea, sand and swimming are the main ingredients, accompanied with a generous dash of friendly service. Not only that, but Pongwe, about halfway up Zanzibar’s east coast, has a real gem of a beach – true Indian Ocean style, without the more developed feel of the Maldives and Mauritius.

There are only 16 cottages, which means the place has a wonderfully intimate vibe. Zanzibari in structure, with palm-leaf thatched roofs, mosaic floors and handmade wooden furniture, they're set right on the beach front or 20m back amongst the beautiful green gardens. An absence of TVs or radios means the whole place is blissfully quiet, but should you want it, there's lots to do: snorkelling, exploring and kayaking. Whether you stay 3 nights or a week, this is relaxation at its most attractive.

Highs

• Great for honeymooners who want an authentic local experience rather than a high-gloss resort
• Fantastic food – the chefs were trained by Adrian Parker, formerly of The Dorchester in London
• The small size of the hotel allows for fantastic service from the friendly, ever smiling staff
• Its secluded location means no hassle from ‘beach boys’
• Snorkelling equipment is free to hire, and there's a coral reef in the cove

Lows

• At low tide, you'll need to walk a long way (500m) to get to swimmable sea - though the hotel has a lovely infinity pool, surrounded by decking
• Day trips seem pricey for a mid-range hotel
• There are a few creepy crawlies in the rooms
• As the hotel is eco-friendly, the pool is salt water and the showers are filtered sea water, so slightly brackish