Severin Sea Lodge

Visualise soft-as-silk white sands, bath-warm sapphire seas and lush tropical gardens filled with exotic palms. From the moment you clap eyes on this tranquil haven, you'll know you've arrived in paradise.

Delight in Arabian-style beds draped with mosquito nets, take in the sun setting over the Indian Ocean, watch monkeys playing in the gardens or glimpse the pool sparkling through the trees. Reserve a sunlounger in the shade of a swaying palm and plunge into the glittering turquoise water.

After a few refreshing laps, you'll be ready to hit the bar. Wander down to the beach and pull up a swing at the aptly named Swing Bar. Order a fresh fruit cocktail - heavily laced with rum - and simply soak up the view.

A must is dinner at the 'Imani Dhow', an authentic Arabic sailing boat that has been turned into an a la carte seafood restaurant. It's divine. Learn to dive with the in-house padi team, try your hand at Kite-Surfing, or visit the nearby golf course. With so many activities on Bamburi Beach it's difficult to decide.

But the jewel in the Severin Sea Lodge crown is the staff. Friendly and welcoming, they'll go out of their way to make your stay special.