Fodor's Expert Review Zarafa Camp

There is a welcome air of authenticity surrounding this intimate, luxury, Relais & Chateaux camp set on the banks of Zibadianja Lagoon. A heavy, ornate wooden door guards the entrance to your spacious living area equipped with Wi-Fi, a well-stocked bar, writing desk, and leather sofa. But the real opulence of Zarafa lies in the details: sparkling plunge pools; gleaming claw-foot copper baths; freestanding fireplaces for those chilly winter nights; a cooling system above the bed for summer; and binoculars and DSLR cameras with telephoto lenses to use free of charge. Weathered railway sleepers give the decks a refreshing timeless character, though the ecological aspect is just as important: power is 100% solar; furniture was created using recycled wood from Indonesia’s 2004 tsunami; and a biogas tank converts table leftovers to cooking gas for the next scrumptious meal. Zarafa’s exclusivity—the main camp has just four suites—breeds flexibility: both activities (day and night drives, walks, and lagoon cruises) and meals can be taken whenever and wherever you wish. For ultimate seclusion, opt for the Dhow suite—an adjacent two-bedroom villa with your own private chef, butler, pool, and even a humidor.