Africa

$168 • Zanzibar, Tanzania

Africa’s Spice Island has lured travelers to its shores since the days of the earliest traders. Glorious white beaches and dazzling water (in a shade reminiscent of a Dynasty Green 1965 Mustang) have made Zanzibar a favorite among the backpacker set, but a recent infusion of stylish hotels signals the island’s coming of age. One notable newcomer is Fumba Beach Lodge (255-777/860-504; www.fumbabeachlodge.com), a castaway-style property of 26 breezy rooms (all with private terraces) spread over 40 beachfront acres. Divers take note: the on-site PADI-licensed dive center guarantees easy access to the nearby coral reef. In the evening, guests congregate, sundowners in hand, under a sprawling baobab tree overlooking the sea at the lodge’s Dhow Fum Bar.

While There For a day on the water, try island-hopping in the Menai Bay Conservation Area. Safari Blue (255-777/423-162; www.safariblue.net) leads daily dhow expeditions from Fumba, stopping along the way for snorkeling in the reef and a dip in a natural lagoon surrounded by mangroves. —Jennifer V. Cole