Pole Pole Bungalow Resort
Meaning 'slowly, slowly', Pole Pole is called Pole Pole Bungalow Resort by its owners, although it's nothing like a big 'resort' in the usual sense of the word. Instead it's a delightful, quite sleepy little lodge overlooking Chole Bay on Mafia Island. The old Zanzibari clock above the bar stopped long ago; time really isn't important here. It's a place to relax, eat, snorkel, dive and perhaps to lie back and enjoy a massage.
The lodge stands beside a small sandy beach with shaded hammocks; all ten wooden bungalows enjoy sea views. Covered in palm fronds, these have polished floors, mahogany furniture, ceiling fans, and large decks with comfy chairs where you can always catch the breeze. The beds have mosquito nets and Italian linen, whilst the bathrooms have double basins, a shower and a flush toilet.
The food is a mixture of local flavours with Mediterranean and Italian influences. Expect pancakes with honey and fresh mangoes for breakfast, fresh fish and salad for lunch and an excellent four-course meal for dinner.
Pole Pole offers a variety of activities that are relaxed, yet well organised, including snorkelling trips and picnic excursions to gorgeous sandbars. The dive centre offers a full range of PADI options, whilst two big dhows making spacious, well-shaded dive boats.
These motor out to distant reefs and far-flung beaches before hoisting their sails and running with the breeze back to the lodge. Plenty of cool drinks, as well as coffee and coconut biscuits, are provided for such trips. and later, a snooze on the warm wooden deck is always a pleasure.