Guide Price: Double room from GB£95 per night, B&B 

Number of Rooms: 13 

Location:Stone Town

Set in lush gardens containing romantic ruins from the era of Livingstone, Mbweni Ruins Hotel is renowned for its tranquil environment, and for providing a personal and discreet service in one of the most beautiful, natural and historic settings imaginable. The hotel is located on the beach on the west coast of the exotic spice island of Zanzibar, only 6 km or a 10 minute drive south of the famous Stone Town and 4 km from the airport. There are just 13 suites, air-conditioned and with ceiling fans, furnished in Zanzibari style with oriental rugs, mosquito nets and four-poster beds. Each suite is close to the swimming pool and secluded beach and has a balcony overlooking the sea. The Baobab suite is perfect for honeymoons and for that special treat. Three of the other suites are family suites, with extra bedrooms attached.

The ruins are set in the spacious grounds which are a botanic garden with over 600 species of exotic trees and plants, many of them labelled. There is a pleasant restaurant on a cliff-top, which serves international cuisine with a Zanzibari flair; next to it is the Mangrove Bar perched above the ocean. The wooden jetty stretches out through the mangroves, making boat trips and connections to Chumbe Island easier than ever. Friendly staff are on hand to assist with arranging tours, re-confirming flights and making sure that all guests have a wonderful stay.

Facilities

• Air-conditioning
• Ceiling fans
• Swimming pool
  
• Health centre offering massage and henna painting
  
• Shuttle bus service between hotel and the 'Old Fort' in Stone Town