Tamarina Golf & Spa Boutique Hotel ★★★★

After a drive of a few kilometres alongside a golf course, you arrive to find the hotel right by the beach. Nestled, in fact almost hidden away, in the lush greenery of the coastal strip, with only a few trees and the white sand separating the buildings from the mighty Indian Ocean. Our warm welcome felt absolutely genuine, and it really was heaven to lounge on the terrace gazing out over the aquamarine of the bay with palm trees and sunshades protecting us from the tropical sunshine.

Our room was big and bright with African style lampshades and bedspreads and some intricate inlaid woodwork around the bedhead and other trimmings. The living room area was comfortable with contemporary décor. One wall of glass doors brought the light and air of the outside in, as is the trademark of this hotel that knows how to appreciate the beauty of its surroundings. I couldn’t have dreamt of a more serene and romantic setting. 

We so loved our days in the water. You might be in the sea or in the infinity pool; either way there is nothing between you and the horizon and you feel at one with the great expanse of the ocean. You might also be relaxing with a coffee, reclining in a comfortably cushioned rattan settee on the open decking overlooking the beach and the mesmerising waves. We had never been in a hotel where, for all the stylish and luxurious surroundings, you feel so much part of the beautiful great outdoors. 

On our last evening we lingered on the beach, unable to leave the striking sight of the sun setting, at first gently and then with spectacular orange, purple and red flares, across the bay into the vast Indian Ocean. It felt like an invitation, a compulsion even, to return, and we will.