Essque Zalu Zanzibar

While modern art connoisseurs will be impressed by a pair of Henri Matisse nudes set into the gate of the Essque Zalu Zanziba, most arriving guest will more likely be struck by the huge, traditional Makuti-style roof that tops the hotel's main building. Inside it's no less impressive, with a lofty thatch and network of beams set high above the vast lobby, which has undulating walls and numerous regional furnishings, wood carvings, and artworks combining to create chic African style. Lush, well-tended gardens brim with dense tropical flora. The ambience is serene and hushed, with little noise beyond the chirruping of birds in the Baobab trees and soft music emanating from the pool bar. There's also a real emphasis on attentive (though not always effective) service with a troupe of dedicated staff always on hand. The hotel overlooks a tidal beach, with direct access to the sea possible only during high tide or via the long wooden jetty.

The resort is set on the northernmost tip of the island, flanked by verdant jungle and overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Though there's a neighboring resort, the location feels fairly isolated and there's little within walking distance. It sits on the outskirts of Nungwi -- one of the larger settlements on the island, home to various other hotels and a long swath of sandy beach. (It is theoretically possible to walk to Nungwi beach in about 15 minutes during low tide). The island's capital, Zanzibar City, and its historic Stone Town district is just over an hour's drive, while the neighboring Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is around the same distance.

The resort has 40 suites and nine three- and four-bedroom villas, all of which have fresh, bright low-key styling, with wooden floors, contemporary furnishings (including romantic canopy beds in most cases), and traditional African artwork. Built over two floors, villas are particularly spacious, with roomy lounges, private pools, massage areas, and kitchens, plus and terraces with garden or sea views. Suites also feature terraces or balconies overlooking the gardens or ocean. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, personalized minibars, and flat-screen TVs with premium satellite channels. While not generally a problem, some rooms are inevitably prone to insects. Bathrooms are large, with beamed ceilings, vessel sinks, bidets, long vanities, robes, and toiletries. There are large walk-in showers, and some have stand-alone tubs. Suites fit up to three adults or two adults and two children, while the four-bedroom villas can fit up to eight adults. 

The resort has a decent choice of three restaurats, including the main international set-menu restaurant, a rustic Market Kitchen offering home-style cooking, and a restaurant and bar set on the end of the hotel's long jetty. Dining is generally considered some of the best on the island. The hotel's two-tiered, infinity-edge pool is also undeniably impressive, with sea views, and a central whirlpool tub and poolside drink service -- multi-colored underwater lighting makes it especially attractive at night. There's also a luxe spa with six treatment rooms, a fitness center, a sauna, and aromatherapy steam room, while children are pretty well catered to with a kids' club with a dedicated team organizing everything from babysitting to creative activities (for a fee).