Travel reviews by Mrs A from Peterborough

"Our overall experience on Chumbe Island was good with friendly staff and a homely feel. A very relaxing time. The accommodation was as expected with housekeeping doing an excellent job. We did, however, feel that the stairs would be a lot safer with a handrail, especially since one side is open to the ground level. Each accommodation has a lockable chest which was much appreciated as the huts of course are open.

The food on the whole was good. However, as there is no choice, we did have difficulty one lunchtime in particular. Neither of us can eat octopus or calamari. The salad course was seafood - octopus, calamari & tuna. The main course was octopus curry. The chef, however was able to provide us with chicken.

As one of us does not snorkel, we felt that 3 nights was a little long as there is little else to do. The tides were high during our time there otherwise our experience may have been different. When the tides are low you can make intertidal forays and I believe also walk around the island. We would have welcomed this. The beach area at Chumbe is well set out with areas where you can feel very private and cushioned shelters which are very welcome as a respite from the heat of the sun where you can snooze, read or perhaps just daydream.

For us, insect bites were a problem despite protection. We think, however, that most of the bites resulted from the forest walk which took part just before sundown and therfore before we had put on any protection. Perhaps it would be advisable if the guide could warn guests before the walk.

Chumbe also has an excellent library especially of reference books - sealife, birds etc which we browsed several times."

"From the moment you arrive at Pongwe Beach Hotel you know that your time there will be special. The warm welcome by the managerial staff is reflected throughout all the staff giving a warm and happy atmosphere. Our accommodation was excellent.

Every care was taken by housekeeping including floral welcome messages and decorations on the beds. Local fabric bath robes were supplied along with a beach bag containing beach towels, and a green flag (unused!) to call for drinks while in your hammock or sunbed on the beach. In addition, each afternoon staff would come round the beach area offering fruit. We cannot praise the housekeeping staff enough. Our room was very well cared for, towels and bed linen changed regularly.

We arrived at Pongwe on Christmas Eve. The evening began with a champagne cocktail reception followed by entertainment by a local dance group who also performed after dinner and were joined by some of the staff - the rest enjoying themselves from the sidelines. A great evening was had by all. Returning to our rooms, we found floral Christmas messages on our beds. We awoke on Christmas morning to find gifts on the doorstep and an invitation to enjoy breakfast with Bucks Fizz - wonderful. Christmas dinner was excellent.

The beach area (only a few steps from your bungalow) is cleverly designed to give several small areas separated from each other by palm trees and various bushes. Hammocks are hung between palm trees. There are plenty of sunbeds and shelter from the sun if required. The whole giving a peaceful and intimate feeling. The infinity pool is at one end of the complex. This also is well equipped with sunbeds and parasols - a popular place to hang out. I cannot comment on the activities as we spent our time here relaxing, reading or walking. Pongwe has a very good library and there are several board games in the lounge which can be borrowed and were very popular.

The food was excellent. Perhaps our only criticism would be a lack of enough choice of main course for the evening meal. However, everything was extremely well cooked and presented. I particularly enjoyed the desserts. Breakfast was a feast with lots of variety. High praise to all the restaurant and lounge staff who were very attentive and friendly."

"We enjoyed our time at Serena Inn. It is what one would expect from that quality of hotel."