Fodor's Expert Review Pemba Eco Lodge

On the more remote Shaminiani Island, a short boat ride from a small village, a series of bandas are built facing out over a bay. The bandas are decorated with bright Kanga material, private balconies, and are elevated a few meters off the ground on stilts. In line with eco-building principles they make use of solar power, composting toilets, and natural airflow to cool down the rooms. The beach curves into a picturesque natural bay facing out toward the ocean where you can watch local fishermen sail by on the tides. Expect little to no cell-phone signals, making it a place to have a simple, rustic holiday away from everything and enjoying a real localized slice of island life.

There is a two-night minimum.