Maharaja Boutique Hotel Zanzibar, Uroa Beach, Tanzania

Just off the eastern coast of Africa, Zanzibar is an island paradise with picture-perfect beaches, swaying palms and crystal-clear Indian Ocean waters, but there’s a lot more on offer than just lazing on the soft sand. Watersports aficionados can dive, snorkel, surf and much more - windsurfing is one of the most exhilarating ways to take in the island’s views from a new perspective.

There’s culture and history to discover too - from the dark legacies of Zanzibar’s colonial past, to the fragrant spices famously cultivated here. Zanzibar City’s historic Stone Town is the perfect place to sample the richly flavoured local cuisine – follow your nose to sniff out street food stalls and bustling markets, where you’ll find plenty of traditional delicacies to try out, as well as colourful clothes and gifts.