Our accomodation advices for your holidays to the Spice Islands and Tanzanian Coast
Fundu Lagoon
Located on Pemba Island, just to the north of Zanzibar, Fundu is the epitome of a 'bare-foot paradise' - a secluded and peaceful retreat with over two miles of private beach and ocean views.
There are 18 bungalows, consisting of spacious tents built on wooden decks and set under thatched roofs, each with an en-suite bathroom and veranda.
The resort offers two bars, an excellent restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and infinity pool and a massage and treatment room.
Listed as one of the top diving locations in the world, Fundu also has a fully-equipped PADI diving centre and offers a wide range of waterbased activities including snorkelling, kayaking, dolphin safaris and dhow cruises. Altogether, Fundu is a relaxing haven surrounded by outstanding natural beauty.
Why We Love It
Designed to be eco-friendly, the lodge blends into the natural environment and is only accessible by boat.
Ras Kutani
Doing or just done the bush? Well here's an idyllic beach accompaniment, just 15 minutes south of Dar es Salaam.
The Lodge is situated on a pristine white beach in a remote and underdeveloped area away from the crowds. It is the perfect place for a bit of barefoot luxury before or after a safari.
Accommodation is in nine spacious cottages, four suites and a family cottage. All of the rooms are self-contained, built from local materials and cleverly positioned along the slopes of a hill to offer maximum privacy and views across the Indian Ocean and fresh water lagoon. Each cottage is large and comfortably furnished, with an ensuite bathroom, private verandah and chill out area. The Suites are slightly bigger and have their own plunge pools, while the family room is perfect for a family of four.
The Ras Kutani chefs pride themselves on preparing the freshest 'fruit of the ocean' fare from the readily available local fish and crustaceans but for the non-fish eater there are plenty of alternative menu options. Elsewhere, the bar is open as late as necessary, and everywhere the service is laid back and understated.
Activities on offer include massages, swimming, boogie-boarding, kayaking, long walks on deserted beaches, nature walks through the indigenous forest and - in season - turtle watching.
Why We Love It
Thanks to Ras Kutani's position on a beautiful lagoon, guests need not worry about the tides that mean at other hotels having to walk miles to reach the water at low tide.
Tides Lodge
Tides Lodge is a small and intimate beach lodge 40 minutes flight north of Dar es Salaam and situated on the endless white sands of Pangani beach, voted one of the best beaches in the world by the Sunday Times.
Tides Lodge is laidback rustic relaxation at its best, situated in an unspoilt corner of Tanzania. It is perfect for people who do not require total luxury, but want to get away from it all - an excellent place for families and honeymooners and excellent value. There are nine self-contained cottages, including two spacious family cottages. Each cottage is large and comfortable, with king-size beds, en-suite bathrooms and private verandas. The Family Cottages have two big bedrooms and living area. All the cottages are situated right on the beach with a private sun bathing area.
The food is excellent, based largely on local produce and seafood. The restaurant and bar are on the beach, with great views and cooled by a refreshing sea breeze. There is also a swimming pool if guests want a break from the Indian Ocean.
Activities include long walks, boogie-boarding, deep-sea fishing, dhow trips, snorkelling and picnic trips to local sand banks, diving, kite and windsurfing, biking and massages. Day trips to Saddani National Park can be arranged as well as cultural tours of Pangani.
Why We Love It
If you can drag yourself away from the palm-fringed elegance of Ushongo Bay, the ancient Arab trading port of Pangania is ten miles away and the lodge can arrange visits.