Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Camilla Smith (Staff)

Vamizi is quite possibly the best beach lodge I have ever been to! You feel like you have landed on a desert island! If you are wanting to head to a beautiful unspoilt and remote island surrounded by turquoise waters and brilliant white sand this is the place to go to! The villas are all beautifully designed along the beach front with thatched roofs on wooden stilts, everything is very conservation conscious you can hardly see the villas from the beach as they blend into the surrounding foliage. Each villa is huge with a large bedroom and bathroom with a gorgeous marble shower, to the side you have a lounge area with squashy sofas, mini bar and table with a deck area and sun loungers overlooking the sea - the villas are incredibly comfortable but relaxed and barefoot in feel. They have brilliant family villas or double villas suitable for 2 couples. On arrival at Vamizi you really do just kick off your shoes and put your feet in the sand. People wander about in kikoys in a very relaxed and informal manner. Some people dress up for the evening, but floaty dresses and shorts are welcomed. Anything goes and you are welcomed to do what you want. Meal times are flexible, meal locations are varied and you can do as much or as little as you want! On two different days I was left with my partner in two different stunning spots on the island with a shady area, a growning table of fresh seafood, a coolbox of drinks and a snorkel and mask! it was incredible - we had this whole stretch of beach completely to ourselves for the whole day with absolutely noone in sight! Days can be spent lazing in different parts of the island, reading plenty of books and eating amazing fresh food. For those who want to be more active I highly recommend a scuba dive, or even a snorkelling trip. The reefs are colourful and varied and offer some of the best diving in the world. A fishing trip is also highly recommended even if you are a complete beginner! On a 2 hour boat trip, I hauled up 4 enormous barracudas and a large tuna fish - it was amazing! For those that do not need 'phones in the room or air conditioning, love local hospitality and service (which may not be particularly sharp at times!) but want an authentic barefoot stunning beach lodge look no further, it is worth every penny!