The only private island resort on the tip of a sacred sliver of land originally caused controversy for wiping out a chunk of native forest (they've since replanted and much of the island is now a nature reserve). Bright, spacious rooms with Swahili-style beds and local art, and gorgeous sea views from pretty much everywhere, plus a spa and seafood restaurant.
Much of Chale Island is a kaya (sacred woodland), closed to visitors, but its sulphur springs, mangroves and therapeutic mud ponds are accessible; the resort organises ecotours, as well as diving, snorkelling and culture trips to Gazi and its mangrove boardwalks.
