Completed in October 2007, the Kusi Suite and the Kaskazi Suite are two brand new flagship suites for Shooting Star. They are named after the trade winds that alternately buffet the island - the Kusi from south and the Kaskazi from the north.

Expert Africa's Zanzibar specialists have not yet seen these new suites yet, but we understand the following:

Both stand on the hill over looking the existing Sea View Cottages at Shooting Star, and are reached via a sandy path through the tropical garden. Both of the suites are set in private gardens.

Each suite is entered through a pair of impressive carved Zanzibari doors, and has simple, but high quality finishes and antique furniture; each is air-conditioned.

The ground floor has a huge hallway, which opens onto a large terraced exterior veranda with a private swimming pool. A shower and a toilet are reached from the hallway. Extra beds can be added to enable the hallway to be made into an additional bedroom, with either double or twin beds. There is a large walk in wardrobe with fitted shelves and rails.

The verandah and pool-deck have dining and lounging areas, as well as a kitchen space so that the lodge's chefs can prepare private meals if required. A fridge will be stocked with drinks and fruit for guests on arrival.

The first floor is reached up a curved staircase, reminiscent of Shooting Star's existing family cottages; it houses the master bedroom suite. The bedroom itself covers about 40sq m, and has magnificent panoramic views both up and down the coast. The windows have shutters as well as glass, so if you prefer the ocean breeze to the air-con, the choice is yours.

The large beds are 2m wide, and are of a traditional Zanzibari-style, fitted with batik and cream linen. There is a large shower and separate toilet adjoining, with separate double vanity basins. A walk-in wardrobe is found in the hallway.

The stairs continue upwards to the third floor: the roof. Here is the perfect place to relax in the evening, with views from the flat roof which mean tat you can watch the sun set over the island, and rise over the Ocean.

Zanzibar's fantastically starry skies have inspired the team here to furnish the roof with a fully-netted bed, so that a night or a nap under the stars can be more than a dream. The lodge is also thinking on building a huge bath on the roof, for those who enjoy a little alfresco splashing around.

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