Just off the coast of northern Kenya, Lamu Island is the stuff tropical fantasies are made of: beautiful empty golden beaches fringed by palm trees and flanked by the gently lapping waves of the warm Indian Ocean. Here an exotic ambiance is created by traditional Swahili architecture and culture, photogenic fuchsia pink and neon apricot sunsets, and dhows sailing across the horizon. It’s a laid-back pace so relaxing you’ll never want to return to the mainland.

If that wasn’t motivation enough, here are eight reasons to visit entrancing Lamu.