Fleewinter

The Pongwe Beach Hotel is located on a stunning and secluded bay on Zanzibar’s east coast, where palm trees provide shade along this near-perfect stretch of sand. All cottages have lime-washed walls and thatched roofs, woven from palm leaves. Each has a private terrace perfect for breakfast or relaxing and an en-suite bathroom with Moroccan-style walk-in shower. The rooms aren’t huge but nor are they too small. There are simply furnished and feature striking Zanzibari hand-crafted beds (with mosquito nets) and doors.

Pongwe is never crowded and is made for relaxing. Having said that, for the more energetic, there is always plenty to do at Pongwe, which has lovely beach gardens and an infinity pool. The clear waters of the bay are protected from the Indian Ocean by a reef about 1km offshore, which makes it perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Pongwe has its own traditional wooden long boat which you can take you to nearby diving waters. Trips to Mnemba Atoll are also available.

Dining at Pongwe is excellent with local, freshly caught produce featuring highly on the menu.