Pure Likoma

Location: Located on the western edge of Likoma Island in Lake Malawi, Pure Likoma offers a rare kind of escape - remote but reachable, wild yet welcoming. It's the sort of place you arrive at by boat or tiny plane, brushing over miles of clear, glittering water before stepping into an easy rhythm of barefoot days and star-filled nights. The setting really is breathtaking but not showy: golden sands and vast views across one of Africa's great lakes. What we love most is the balance - it feels truly off-grid, but you are still close to the heart of island life, with its vibrant culture and friendly community just a stroll away.

Rooms: There are just six en-suite bedrooms, spread between two thoughtfully designed private houses - one set high among the trees, the other right on the sand. Both feel like stylish, self-contained homes rather than hotel rooms, with plenty of space, honest materials, and local craftwork woven into every detail. Expect handmade furniture, natural textures, and windows that pull in the light and lake views. There is nothing generic here - it's calm, curated and quietly luxurious, with all the comfort you'd want but none of the fuss. Whether you're a couple looking for a retreat or a family wanting space to spread out, the setup works beautifully.

Amenities: Pure Likoma has been created with care and intention, and it shows in the details. Both houses have their own pools, shaded terraces, and breezy indoor-outdoor spaces where you can truly relax - whether that's a quiet morning coffee overlooking the water, or a lazy lunch cooked for you by the private chef. You will find books, board games, paddleboards, and good wine stocked in the fridge. Wi-Fi is available, but most guests naturally switch off. There is also full solar power, fresh island produce, and a lovely local team who look after you with warmth and ease. Everything is in place, but nothing is overdone - it's hospitality that feels both relaxed and refined.

Activities: Days on Likoma unfold at your own pace. Start with a swim straight from the shore, or take a paddleboard out across the shallows before breakfast. Later, there is snorkelling off rocky coves, kayaking along the coast, or visiting the lively market in Mbamba Village. One highlight is a visit to St Peter's Cathedral - an extraordinary building with a fascinating colonial history. You can also walk or cycle to viewpoints across the island, or take a boat trip at sunset with a chilled G&T in hand. It's all low-key and low-impact, but never dull - just the right mix of nature, culture and freedom to explore.

Sustainability: Sustainability at Pure Likoma isn't a checklist - it's the foundation. The property runs entirely on solar power, and water is drawn and filtered locally. Buildings were constructed using island materials wherever possible, and the team works closely with the Likoma community to provide jobs, training, and income opportunities that extent well beyond tourism. From supporting local farmers to reducing waste, every decision is made with long-term impact in mind. This is a place where responsible travel feels natural - not forced - and where your stay directly supports a brighter future for the island and its people.