Zanzi Resort

A gravel driveway leads to an unassuming entrance topped with grass thatch -- and a wooden gate manned by a traditionally dressed Maasai set the tone for this lovely little resort that goes big on African art and style. Dry scrub gives way to lush gardens that are more like a carefully tended jungle, bursting with tropical plants, tall palm trees, and colorful flowers. Guests are met at the open-air reception area with cool, wet, fragrant towels and fresh mango juice or coconut water, taken on chunky rustic furnishings under a traditional Makuti-style roof. The resort includes a central bar-restaurant, and villa and bungalow rooms connected by a series of footpaths that weave through the grounds and lead to the sea and a jetty stretching into the Indian Ocean -- sunsets are spectacular. The atmosphere is secluded and private, making it particularly popular with honeymooners, and even the choice resort for the occasional celebrity couple. While children are welcome, it's an upscale hideaway geared more toward romancing couples than families.

The resort is situated at the end of a bumpy, dirt track on the west coast of Zanzibar overlooking the Indian Ocean. The location is particularly secluded, and there's little to do within walking distance apart from local villages and small shops. For those wanting to explore the island's wealth of beaches and nature, a car will be necessary. It's a little over an hour to Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, home to the red colobus monkey, and it will also take about an hour to reach gorgeous Nungwi Beach in the island's north. The island's capital, Zanzibar City -- with its historic Stone Town district -- is up to a 40-minute drive from the resort, and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is about a 10-minute drive from the capital.

There are seven ocean-view villas and six African-Eco garden-view bungalows, all of which are decorated in traditional rustic African styling with carved wooden furnishings and thatched ceilings. Small details are what set this place apart, though, and funky, colorfully patterned throw pillows and tapestry wall hangings add plenty of personality -- as do the hand-painted wall details. Colors are warm, with soft yellows, deep maroons, and wood tones throughout, while eclectic modern and contemporary art hangs on the walls. Decor does vary from room to room, and some units are more exuberantly styled than others. The bungalows are made from natural materials like clay and wood. The villas feature spacious living rooms, private pools with sea views, and daybeds, as well as direct access to a small private beach -- though like the hotel's beach, these are rocky. Standard amenities include minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, stereos, air-conditioning, and DVD players. Bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers, bathrobes and bidets.

As a small boutique resort, there aren't too many features here, though what's on offer is all done with an eco-friendly focus and is of a fairly high quality. A la carte breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are served in either in the restaurant, in the privacy of guests' villas, or even on the hotel's small beach (candle-lit and sunset evening meals are particularly popular). Breakfast is included, and all-inclusive rates are available. Menus rely heavily on fresh fish and seafood, organic vegetables, and spices grown on the hotel's own plantation -- and the results are excellent. Bungalows have access to a shared swimming pool, while a spa area has heated slate-stone beds and massage treatments, but no sauna or hot tub. The hotel can arrange a number of responsible excursions and tours, including hiring a traditional sail boat that's available for coral reef snorkeling and excursions around the island. While the hotel does have a beach, it's quite rocky and not that great for swimming. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.