Afrochic Diani, Diani Beach

A coconut-studded lawn separates this chic hotel from a fine stretch of pristine beach. With a home from home feel, this luxurious dwelling offers a boutique alternative to some of the larger resort hotels.

Formally two beach front homes, Afrochic is intimate and elegant, each of the ten guest rooms, eight deluxe room and two suites, embraces a unique and original African style. Sunny balconies are angled so that none is overlooked and views are of the gardens or ocean. The stylish reception, lounge and dining area of the ground floor all offer sea views. The shady garden, complete with elegant swimming pool, is an inviting place in which to linger awhile, made all the more appealing with wicker chairs, inviting sun loungers, and at night, flickering lanterns.

In addition to the meals served in the restaurant, guests can dine wherever they choose, on their private balcony, in the garden, on the beach, by the pool or on one of the stilted beach gazebos. Menus change regularly and offer the freshest seasonal produce. Swahili, Indian and European cuisine is prepared by the inventive chefs. Breakfast offers a choice of fruit, pastries and hot dishes, and generally there is a vast choice of soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, freshly caught fish and seafood.

A holiday to AfroChic is predominantly about relaxation but there are activities available for those who want them. The spa has a selection of treatments to improve flexibility, an ortho-bionomy therapy to reduce stress and an aloe vera body application to rejuvenate skin. The hotel staff can organise diving, snorkelling, body boarding, kayaking and kite surfing, and trips to see the vibrant culture of Mombasa, a nearby elephant sanctuary and nature reserves.