In my case, it is the knee-weakening vision of Zawadi Beach Villas in Zanzibar which has induced this condition. 

 

An hour or so before this sudden onset of the Dreaded Lurgi, the lovely voice of Captain van der Westhuizen welcomes us to Zanzibar and thanks us for flying Mango Airlines from South Africa, a very comfortable three and a half hour flight.

 

Our driver PK from Tradewinds transfers promptly awaits us outside the tiny third-world airport and for the next hour I am immersed in the sights and sounds of Zanzibar as we pass cows, scooters carrying up to three passengers, women clothed in burkas and laughing children on their way home from school, all beneath giant swaying palm trees in the tropical heat. Brightly coloured clothes on lines billow in the breeze and flaming orange frangipani break up the impossible green of the palm trees and the metal grey sky.

 

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania in East Africa with a population of about 1.4million people. It is composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of the mainland, and consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, referred to informally as Zanzibar) and Pemba. Its historic centre is Stone Town, which is a World Heritage Site. It is widely known as a haven for honeymooners and holiday makers because of its friendly people, tropical climate and world-class powdery white beaches with water the colour of blue crystal.

 

Upon arrival at Zawadi Hotel in the south-eastern part of the island, the meaning of the name becomes immediately evident. Zawadi means “gift” in Swahili and the beautifully simple and modern architecture of the buildings and its sophisticated white décor superimposed on the translucent sea beyond is certainly a gift of the most special order. Zawadi is the newest member of The Zanzibar Collection, a unique and global award winning group of hotels here on the island and this latest asset is an absolute gem.

 

It is one of the most exclusive properties on the island with just nine large villas set in a secluded spot atop a cliff.

The main guest area contains a large swimming pool, again with spectacular views; as well as the restaurant and bar area serving the renowned Zanzibar Collection food. Towards the centre of the property the cliffs recede and you can snorkel in a pristine cove directly from the beach.

 

The colour scheme throughout comprises only of nuanced creams and whites which beautifully off-sets the amazing natural array of pallets - the turquoise ocean, the blue skies and the mixes of red and fuchsia bougainvillea. We are greeted with fresh coconut water – straight from the coconut – after which our gracious and warm host Evelyn takes us to our villa.

 
The hypnotising view of the Indian Ocean in all its glimmering glory is the main focus of all of the villas, with the raised location giving some of the best views on the island.  Each spacious villa, 100 square metres apiece, boasts a large en-suite bathroom and an open, breezy terrace directly overlooking the Indian Ocean. The decor is simple and modern, in keeping with the elegant and under stated atmosphere.

 

All the usual 5-star amenities are on offer of course like mini-bar, air conditioner, humungous bath with robes and slippers as well as the loveliest bath oils, soaps and bubbles.
 

We go for a spot of lunch at the restaurant with the sea stretching below us and the tide is already coming in. George and Raza serve us and a friendlier and funnier duo you will ne’er find.  We feast on yellow fin tuna, grilled dorado and a lovely trio of sorbet for dessert. We laze around the pool for the rest of the afternoon, cocktail in hand, savouring the peace and tranquillity.

 

George brings the menu for dinner to the pool so we can choose what we would like to dine on – what a superb touch.

 

I lie on my lounger on my terrace at our villa later, dreamily in reverie at the deeper shade of blue of the ocean as darkness fall when I’m startled by a voice. “Hallo hallo!” says smiling waiter Ali behind me, sporting a tray of canapés and sun downer sparkling wine, brought to all the guests this time of day every day. Its little touches like these together with the heavenly seclusion, the enchanted location, intimacy and privacy that elevate Zawadi way above its competitors. That, plus the fact that the well-being and happiness of the guest seem to occupy every thought and deed of the staff.

 

Dinner is simply sublime. Mud crab cannelloni, Thai style green papaya salad and chilled cucumber soup are the heavenly morsels proffered for entrées and for the main course we blissfully abandon ourselves to flame-grilled slipper lobster and roast pork tenderloin with a “passionate” mouse with coconut crumble and olive oil sherbet as dessert.

 

 The following day passes in a blur of easy-going delight. Breakfast is followed by revelling in and lazing by the pool. Lunch is followed by a spot of snorkelling in the ocean, the temperature of bath water. Another fantastic dinner is followed by after-dinner drinks on the patio, staring at the millions of twinkling stars and wondering aloud to ourselves what other people are doing now at home…

 

And then for something completely different. Our third day sees us waving fond farewells to our new friends at Zawadi and undertaking the enormously long trek – about two kilometres down the road – to The Palms hotel.

 

Also a Zanzibar Collection hotel, this place is straight out of our dreams.

The Palms is one of the world’s most romantic all-inclusive resorts, says Travel + Leisure and who am I to disagree with such a vaunted opinion?

 

We are welcomed with a hibiscus drink by the incredibly charming hotel manager Siriak who shows us around breath-taking property and its lush Garden of Eden environment.

The fusion of Arab, African and European design and colourful tapestry of architecture, heritage, myth and magic is exemplified in this exclusive, intimate resort.

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The Palms has six villas, each over 140 square meters with a bedroom, living room, full en suite bathroom, dressing room, extra room with its own en suite bathroom & large furnished terrace with views of the Indian Ocean, today a palate of blue Picasso would be jealous of.

 

Each villa features a sophisticated interior composition in all colours of coffee and cream where filmy caramel coloured curtains billow, dark grained polished floors extend and the decor is a unique marriage of colonial grandeur and traditional design. On the veranda, a silk-draped four-poster Zanzibar Bed accents a sunken, midnight blue plunge pool with long views of the Indian Ocean – the absolute best feature of this villa.

 

It’s a secluded cocoon, one you might never want to leave were it not for the hedonistic pleasures to be found outside,