The Palms, Zanzibar

Guests would be hard-pressed to find a more intimate boutique resort on Zanzibar -- or a nicer stretch of sand right at a resort's doorstep. Once through the guarded security gate, visitors arrive at an unassuming, thatch-roofed building with shimmering, tasseled drapery marking the entrance. The reception area is small and immaculate, with heavy colonial-style furnishings and Arab-African flourishes. Guests spend their time between one of six luxury villas and the bar-restaurant, main pool area, and the postcard-perfect beach -- acknowledged as one of the finest in the world. The general air of serenity is also helped by the hotel's child-free policy, and with so few guests, service is extra-personal (the private butlers certainly help create this exclusive impression). The peace, seclusion, and undeniable natural beauty of the place attracts couples and high-end honeymoons, and even a few solo travelers in search of total relaxation.

The hotel is located on the particularly picturesque southeast coast of Zanzibar, overlooking stunning Bwejuu Beach and the Indian Ocean. While positioned between two larger resorts, the Palms still feels suitably secluded, with little else within walking distance. Jozani-Chweka Bay National Park is 25 minutes away by car, and is home to several endangered species for those looking to get in touch with the island's wild side. Zanzibar's capital, Zanzibar City, home to historic Stone Town district, is an hour from the resort. Expect a 70-minute drive to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, outside of the capital.

The Palms' six villas are almost identical, and while they are elegant, despite this hotel's hefty price tag and exclusive atmosphere the look isn't quite up to its luxury claims. Interiors feature a mix of polished dark-wood floors, golden drapery, and both chunky colonial-style furniture. Little additions like carved wooden boxes add a local touch, but some of the painted wood details look a bit dated, as do taffeta furniture skirts, and some of the throw rugs. The canopy beds are a delight, though, with white bedding, handsome wooden bed frames with jute ties, and billowing white silk draped all around.

They offer more than 1,500 square feet (140 square meters) of space, and include bedrooms, living rooms, en-suite bathrooms, bar areas, and large furnished terraces. Terraces are furnished with silk-draped daybeds and mosaic-tile sea-view plunge pools (though some have better views than others). Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and DVD players, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and Wi-Fi for a fee. Private butlers are also available. Bathrooms are large, but are the most underwhelming aspect of the rooms. While fixtures in the separate tubs and walk-in showers are modern -- including small rainfall showerheads -- the beige tile and white fittings don't look much nicer than any mid-range hotel anywhere else in the world.

The all-inclusive Palms resort comes with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with drinks and spirits. Meals are excellent and often include freshly caught fish and seafood cooked in local spices, along with homemade pasta. The refined, but rustic, restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, and a casual, breezy ambience, with the resort's signature carved wooden accents all around. There's also two bars, one next to the hotel's outdoor swimming pool, which is lined with loungers and overlooks the white-powder-sand beach. 

The beach is genuinely stunning, and each villa has a private seafront "banda," or thatched palapa, with waiter service and sun loungers. Spa services include a range of massage and beauty treatments as well as a Sultan's Bath. However -- yet another slight disappointment for a resort that claims luxury status -- there is no on-site sauna, steam bath, or fitness facilities. Guests are welcome to use the gym, floodlit tennis court, windsurfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving center at neighboring Breezes Resort, a sister property of The Palms. The Water Club, which is about a five-minute walk away, offers a range of water sports, including kite-sailing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding. For slightly more sedate activities, The Palms can arrange everything from cultural and craft classes to Swahili lessons.