Mnemba Island Lodge, Zanzibar, Tanzania

A hush-hush hideaway on a tiny, uninhabited island, Mnemba Island Lodge is the crown jewel of the Zanzibar archipelago. Discreetly tucked among the swaying palms and casuarinas, the resort’s 12 breezy bungalows are designed with rustic flourishes, from the towering makuti-thatched roofs to the hand-woven palm matting that drapes the walls and floors. It’s “barefoot luxury” at its finest: Think Castaway with haute cuisine, private butlers and spa treatments to help you unwind after a long day of staring at the sea. Relaxation therapy seems to be the order of the day for most guests, but it’s hard to argue with the offerings off-shore. Ringed by colorful corals inhabited by hundreds of exotic species, Mnemba is perfectly placed for some of the best diving and snorkeling on the planet.

For more information: Mnemba Island Lodge.