Ras Kutani,Indian Ocean, Beach,Luxury,Honeymoon

Remote and beautiful, Ras Kutani lies in an idyllic spot on the Indian Ocean. Relax in one’s cottage gazing across the lagoon to the deep blue Indian Ocean, sip a cool drink on the white sandy beach or go fishing, windsurfing or riding – Ras Kutani is a haven of tranquillity and an African delight

The tranquil Indian Ocean shores of Tanzania today belie the centuries of turbulent and often bloody history that raged along this coast in past centuries, shaping the destiny of Africa itself. Only the distant billowing of the scimitar-shaped sail of an Arab dhow, unchanged for millennia, will give the modern day visitor an indication of a past that witnessed the waves of traders, explorers, adventurers, pirates, slavers and invaders that came with the tides of time. Here on these shores is Ras Kutani, set amidst long stretches of pristine deserted beaches, warm azure seas - a place to experience peace and tranquillity far from the madding crowd as if one one’s own tropical island.

Set on a crescent of white sandy beach washed by the gentle surf of the temperate Indian Ocean, Ras Kutani is only 35 kilometres south of the port of Dar es Salaam. The exciting arrival in is in a light aircraft onto a small airstrip from where one is collected in a 4x4 and a short drive to the lagoon where one embarks into a small wooden boat which takes one across to Ras Kutani – quite a magical setting! One is then escorted to one of the twelve spacious cottages; each is individually handcrafted using local natural materials and situated under the cooling canopy of indigenous trees with ocean and lagoon views. On the fabulous large verandas are Swahili daybeds and hammocks from which one can watch the birds and the monkeys and listen to the lapping waves of the ocean. The front section of each cottage has a fabulous 8ft wide double bed with bedside tables and lamps and behind here is a large dressing area and bathrooms, all thoughtfully decorated in a seemingly simple yet luxurious style. There is even hot water provided despite being in the middle of nowhere! The charming and delightful Tanzanian staff politely bring guests tea and coffee in the morning and enquire at what time one would like one’s shower and to what temperature – the individual fires for each cottage are then lit accordingly!

The main guest area is a soaring thatched structure affording superb views of the beach, lagoon and the ocean. There are soft pillow seats to sink into for pre-dinner drinks or an afternoon nap and plenty of books and games adding to the very relaxed and informal atmosphere of Ras Kutani. Meals here are exceptional and never disappointing; freshly prepared ‘Fruits of the Ocean’ and succulent Pan-African cuisine using the freshest local ingredients add to the overall enjoyment of one’s stay and are always memorable with delicious flavours and perfectly balanced.

Whilst relaxation is the keynote at Ras Kutani, there is also a full range of sports for the more active guests. The gentle trade winds which cool the resort also provide ideal conditions for those keen on sailing or windsurfing and the temperate seas and proximity of coral reefs ensure a wealth of marine life and interest for those keen on snorkelling. Apart from the immense variety of colourful fish, dolphins, whales and turtles are frequent visitors to these shores. Alternatively, one can take a kayak up the freshwater lagoon and watch the Colobus, Vervet and Sykes Monkeys and the very colourful birdlife – peaceful and magical - or experience the excitement of horse riding along the beach or through the bush and local plantations. There are nature walks through the indigenous coastal forest or along the pristine shore and guided walks to local inland and fishing villages along the coast. Or you may simply prefer to lie on the beach with a book, let the days gently go by and enjoy the luxury of complete relaxation which one can experience at Ras Kutani.