The last coastal resort before Cape Coast is not one for beach lovers – it is up on a headland, with steps leading down to a rocky, undistinguished strip of sand. But what it lacks in beach it more than makes up for elsewhere. With its prominent location come pleasant views out to sea and into the surrounding valleys, which are a mix of bush and small-scale agriculture.

Best of all, you can enjoy the views from Biriwa Beach’s fantastic circular pool. It is rather too small for serious swimming, but a range of depths and a stock of inflatable toys make it a great scenic spot for splashing around, particularly for those with children in tow. The bar area is equally attractive, with east-facing coastal views in one direction and Biriwa’s colourful water garden in the other.

The influence of Biriwa’s German owners is clear on the menu, with fresh-baked bread and pastries and an echt Deutsch mixed grill: sauerkraut, pork chop, and that rarest of things in Ghana, a good sausage. The local dishes are great too, particularly a very hearty palaver sauce, and breakfasts are equalled only by Ko-Sa and Lou Moon. In fact, our sole complaint about food was an unpleasantly dry plate of yam chips, which were promptly replaced with rice.

Accommodations are in the striking, all-white main building – built in the 80s, although it has the ‘tropical modernism’ look of earlier decades. They’re dated but clean, with air conditioning in some, and face onto a series of tree-shaded tables, which are perfect for a relaxed lunch, but rather too dark to sit at in the evening.

The reception area features table football, pool and a well-stocked craft boutique, and the owners can help you organise excursions to Cape Coast, Elmina or Kakum.