Luxury at Lake Malawi

Q: Can you recommend a good hotel on the shores of Lake Malawi. As we are taking friends from the UK with us, we would like to stay in a really good hotel of four or five-star standard, preferably with a resort atmosphere. I would be happy if you could give me a website address or telephone number. - Brian Johnstone

A: For a resort-style hotel, your best bet is Club Makokola, located on the palm-fringed southern shore of Lake Malawi. Besides a great beach, the hotel offers a nine hole golf course, squash courts, tennis courts and swimming pools. Water sports available include parasailing, water skiing, boardsailing, wake-snake and tubing. The hotel also has a catamaran which can be used for excursions and sunset cruises and owns the MV. Sunbird, a 23-metre steel colonial style cruiser for trips on the lake. Rooms and suites are comfortably furnished, all with lake views from private balconies. (www.clubmak.com)

A totally different type of resort is Kaya Mawa on Likoma Island, located in the remote northern part of the lake. This lodge-style hotel lies on a stunning crescent-shaped beach, surrounded by mango trees. Built in partnership with local people, the result is seven cottages that reflect both simplicity and luxury. Rooms have a four-poster bed, a private terrace and a sunken stone tub in the bathroom. Enjoy meals in the restaurant with its 360-degree view and drinks at a beach bar. The island is great for water sports and boat safaris. (www.kayamawa.com) Other hotel options include the colonial-style Livingstonia Beach Hotel and the comfortable Nkopola Lodge. Both can be accessed on the www.sunbirdmalawi.com website.