Nungwi Dreams by Mantis

You stay at Nungwi Dreams on the northern shore of Nungwi beach, where the Indian Ocean meets white sand. The hotel has fifty-seven rooms, some facing the sea and others set back with garden or pool views. Two infinity pools run parallel to the beach, and a rooftop bar looks west for sunset drinks over the water.

The Sea Turtle Conservation Pond is a short walk along the shore, where green turtles swim in a saltwater lagoon. The hotel can arrange diving trips to Mnemba Island, where humpback whales pass between July and September, or spice tours inland to clove and cinnamon farms.

Rooms have balconies or terraces, with air conditioning and tea-making facilities. The restaurant serves local and international dishes with a view of the ocean. The rooftop bar is the highest point in Nungwi, with a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree view.

The beach has some rocks, but the pools are clear alternatives for swimming. Stone Town, a UNESCO site, is an hour's drive south for those who want to explore beyond the sand.