Island Spice

Known as Spice Island, Zanzibar is a beguiling mix of Arabic, African and Indian cultures. From the frenzied maze of Stone Town's tiny streets to the breezy beaches and isolated coral reefs, this paradise off the coast of Tanzania draws everyone from honeymooners to harried business execs looking for a chance to chill. Stone Town is the best place to start. Stay at the seafront Serena Inn, where rooms overlook the Indian Ocean and the interior celebrates the island's Persian and European influences (from $285 per person; serena hotels.com). Set aside an afternoon to get lost in the city's labyrinth of whitewashed houses, bazaars and courtyards. Dine on fresh prawns at Mercury's, named after Queen's Freddie Mercury, born just around the corner.

Head out of town to enjoy the powdery white beaches. Each of the nine rooms at Matemwe Bungalows features a porch with huge hammocks and a sumptuous bath. Delicious meals are served on the patio, and guests can relax at the two pools or sip a dawa (Swahili for medicine) cocktail of vodka, lime and sugar at the beach bar ($230 per person in low season; matemwe.com).

Suites at the luxurious Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski offer grand views of the ocean, rain-forest showers and deep-soak tubs. Villas, which can sleep six, feature local artwork and unparalleled views of the beach. Guests can enjoy floral foot baths at the spa or ask the hotel to arrange snorkeling expeditions (from $250; www .kempinski-zanzibar.com). No wonder Zanzibar's unofficial motto is "hakuna matata"—Swahili for "no problem."