If you ever just wanted to find somewhere to totally relax and get a taste for island life as it was before Zanzibari tourism exploded, then head south to Karamba. There are just a handful of lodges and guesthouses for miles around, so things really are very quiet and unspoiled. The lodge is also right next to the local village, giving you the chance to gain an interesting insight into the timeless way of life of the village - whether its local kids splashing playfully in the bay, fishermen offloading their catch, or the women making coir rope from coconut husks.

The lodge’s 14 bungalows are perched on the edge of a low coral rag cliff overlooking the azure waters of Kizimkazi bay – surrounded by well tended tropical gardens they’re a mixture of sizes and layouts, clean and simple with Zanzibar 4 poster beds, ceiling fans and verandahs. One of the most attractive features of certain of the rooms has to be the open air showers/baths! a truly relaxing place, characterized by the friendly vibe created by the owners – think languishing to cool music in the bar area, blissful outdoor massages and yoga sessions

To cool off, the lodge has built a gorgeous new swimming pool on the top of the coral cliff overlooking the sea on the far side of the lodge away from the village, so you can enjoy the gorgeous sea views with perfect privacy. You can also head for the attractive Dimbani beach, a small cove with lovely sand overlooked by the lodge’s reception and bar area – it’s also the launch area for the local fishing boats and there's always something going on to keep the casual observer interested. Alternatively take the steps down the shallow cliff in front of your room where at high tide you can snorkel amongst the colourful tropical fish.

This is a truly relaxing place, characterized by the friendly vibe created by the owners, a delightful Spanish lady Gemma and her Ugandan husband Paul – think languishing to cool music in the bar area, blissful outdoor massages and yoga sessions with Paul. For divers there’s a professional dive centre nearby from where you can head off to enjoy the virtually unexplored reefs of the area. Of course, you’re also perfectly placed to venture out to see (and perhaps even swim with) the dolphins that the bay is so famous for – or perhaps hire a dhow for a picnic and snorkelling on a pristine sandbar out in the bay.

There’s also an interesting mix available when it comes to meal times – along with the usual seafood, you also have Mediterranean (tapas) and Japanese (sushi and sashimi) specialities whilst vegetarians will also feel right at home here! One negative of having such a huge a la carte selection is that you have to order in advance - usually about an hour ahead or 12 in the case of sushi or shellfish.But that's hardly an issue as you can spend the hour with a cold beer or cocktail in hand lazing in the chill area as you enjoy the sunset!

A holiday for the soul with the yoga sessions, massages and all round relaxed vibe

One of the best places on Zanzibar to simply relax and observe the unhurried pace of local life

Perfectly placed to do dolphin spotting or explore the sandbanks and reefs of the bay

Great outdoor shower/bath areas in certain of the rooms

New swimming pool is great for escaping the heat of the day

Not the endless sandy beaches found on the east coast - and you'll share it with the friendly locals (which is half the attraction frankly!)

Rooms are simple as you would expect at the price - but spotlessly clean