Resorts for a little R&R

ZANZIBAR EMERALD ZANZIBAR RESORT & SPA

It’s not hard to be enchanted by Zanzibar, the romantic ‘spice island’ off the coast of East Africa. It’s an island where you can happily spend a day wandering the cobbled alleyways of Stone Town, the air perfumed with fresh spices drying in the sun, admiring the elaborately carved wooden doors and quiet courtyards. Come evening, book a table at a rooftop restaurant to watch the sun dip over this ancient trading port.

But don’t spend too long sightseeing amid the bustle of Stone Town. You’re here on holiday, remember? Instead, hop over to Matemwe on the north-east coast, where the Emerald Zanzibar Resort & Spa opened its doors in late 2022. It’s the first property outside the Maldives for this respected hospitality group.

With 250 rooms on offer, there’s a suite for every taste, and you can’t go wrong with the gorgeous Pool Suites. There are just four available, each with a private courtyard pool offering a haven of peace and quiet. The Jacuzzi Superior Junior Suites are your next best option, with – yup, you guessed it – a private jacuzzi.

If there’s a downside, it’s that most of Emerald’s suites are set at the rear of the 10-hectare property, which means only a handful of rooms enjoy an ocean view from the private terrace. Instead, expect lush gardens and rustling palms to frame the horizon. It’s little hardship though, as the large hotel pool and beachfront restaurants offer glorious sea views and feet-in-the-sand dining. And you certainly won’t go hungry (or thirsty) here. Key to the appeal of Emerald Resorts is its elevated approach to all-inclusive. Their Deluxe All-Inclusive package begins the moment you arrive, and regardless of your room category – there are seven to choose from – the rate includes a-la-carte dining across four restaurants and an extensive wine and cocktail list to be enjoyed at four bars. Here, there is no mental gymnastics needed to work out the exchange rate on that second bottle of rosé you have your eye on. In-room mini-bar? That’s included too and is replenished daily. And did we mention the on-site gelato emporium?

It’s not all about indulgence though. The all-inclusive offering extends to activities with unlimited non-motorised watersports on offer. Unlike the busier west coast, the reefs offshore offer superlative snorkelling. You’ll also enjoy unlimited access to tennis and padel courts, while multi-generational travellers can make use of the Dolphin Kids’ Club, which is open until 9pm.

Flying time from Johannesburg: 3h25m. emerald-zanzibar.com

Maldives

AVANI+ FARES MALDIVES RESORT

Conjure up a mental image of a tropical paradise and I bet you it looks a little something like the Maldives. White sand so fine it squeaks underfoot. Waters so warm they make Durban feel chilly. Palms draped over aquamarine seas. You get the idea.

There are more than 160 resorts on offer across the Maldivian archipelago, from the eye-watering suites at Cheval Blanc Randheli – yes, that Cheval Blanc – through to the cheerfully accessible all-inclusive Club Med.

Hitting a happy medium is the brand-new Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, which opened in April. It’s the first outing for the Avani brand in the Maldives and brings their signature sense of chic contemporary luxury to the archipelago with a 176-key resort in the Baa Atoll.

Just when you thought the Maldives couldn’t get any more spectacular, you discover the Baa Atoll. This remarkable collection of coral islands is the only proclaimed UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives, and Fares Island is one of just a few dozen enjoying easy access to this remarkable conservancy. The highlight is Hanifaru Bay, world-famous for the opportunity to snorkel with manta rays and whale sharks.

Scuba diving is prohibited in Hanifaru Bay, but the reefs around Fares offer a dozen incredible dive sites, including a vibrant house reef that’s ideal for novice divers. Above the water, you’ll also find flyboarding, jet skis and kite-surfing to keep you occupied.

Back on dry land, a luxurious embrace awaits. It’s the first new opening in the area for three years, and it’s a resort that delivers understated luxury that never overshadows the magnificent natural surrounds. There are 16 categories of rooms and suites, from entry-level studios on the beach through to extravagant three-bedroom over-water villas with private pools.

Regardless of where you lay your head, you’ll enjoy access to the resort’s varied facilities, whether it’s the AvaniSpa or AvaniKids entertainment centre. The culinary experience is a highlight, with seven dining venues serving everything from flame-grilled fare at Charcoal to traditional Maldivian cuisine. Much of that is delivered fresh each morning by local fishermen, while the resort’s own gardens ensure a steady supply of organic produce. It’s a contemporary island escape in one of the country’s most notable new openings. Look out for the value-driven specials.

Flying time from Johannesburg: 13h40m. avanihotels.com