The Palms
Situated along a pristine white beach on the enchanting Island of Zanzibar, The Palms is the ultimate private get-away retreat providing a stunning recluse for the discerning traveller.
The Palms consists of six private Villas of over 140 square meters each. Each villa is fully air-conditioned and has a master bedroom, living room, standing bar, and ensuite bathroom. At the front of the Villa there is large furnished terrace, private outdoor Jacuzzi and an antique Zanzibar bed for lounging. In addition to this, each villa has its own sea-front beach banda with a large double mattress under palm thatch and two sun-beds.
During the day, there is the Pool Bar and Lunch Terrace and in the evening, the main dining room serves a four-course dinner every night with elegantly set tables and a romantic setting. Breakfast is served every morning on the main terrace overlooking the ocean.
Facilities include a swimming pool, a spa, and water sports activities including scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and pedal boats and canoes. Various tours and excursions can be arranged to nearby Stone Town and spice plantations.
Why We Love It
Due to the fact that no children under the age of 16 years are allowed, The Palms provides a wonderful sanctuary for those looking for tranquility.
Fumba Beach Lodge
Located off the beaten track in Zanzibar's most southern west corner, Fumba Beach Lodge is set in 40 acres of lush wilderness and is the understated luxury that we love.
The 26 rooms are all extremely comfortable, but not showy - huge beds, high ceilings, white washed walls and private terraces are the norm, although we recommend the suites for the outdoor shower, additional roof top terrace, and steps leading down onto the beach.
The beachside location means fresh seafood is a given, and it is delicious. The restaurant comes alive at night with a fantastic atmosphere, however if peace and quiet is desired Fumba Beach Lodge can arrange supper under a canopy on the beach. There is also a dhow bar on the beach serving tapas and cocktails.
The Blue World dive centre is on site so guests can snorkel and dive whenever they want, and is the perfect place for beginners to learn to dive in Zanzibar and get their PADI. The Ukombe coral reef is also just 30 minutes away. Other excursions such as trips to Stone Town, the Mangrove Lagoon and Prison Island can all be arranged.
Facilities at the hotel include a swimming pool right next to the beach, a Baobab spa and rooftop Jacuzzi.
Why We Love It
The onsite dive centre is the perfect place to do your PADI.
Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba is an idyllic, untouched tropical atoll, located just off the north-east coast of Zanzibar.
The only buildings on the island are those of the lodge, and the only inhabitants are the lodge staff and guests. Mnemba sleeps a maximum of 20 guests in the individual bandas (thatched bungalows) each of which has its own private veranda and stretch of sand.
The island is just one mile in circumference, and ringed with pristine white beaches and turquoise waters. A protection zone surrounds the island, conserving magnificent coral reefs where tropical fish and giant turtles drift through the lagoons.
Activities on offer include snorkelling, diving, kayaking, fly fishing and windsurfing. Alternatively you can enjoy walks around the island, or just relax on the beach and watch the dhows drift by. Evening meals are served on the beach, under the stars. Mnemba is pretty much the ultimate romantic hideaway, offering seclusion, exclusivity and immaculate service.
Why We Love It
The emphasis is strictly on barefoot luxury and total relaxation.
The Swahili House
The Swahili House started life as a 19th Century Indian merchant House, and then became a Sultan's palace before being renovated to make it the hotel that it is today. The history speaks for itself.
There are 22 rooms set around a central courtyard, all adhering to the hotel's Swahili roots. Rooms are fairly basic, yet adorned with local touches such as fabulous Zanzibar four poster beds.
The hotel's location in the centre of Stone Town is unbeatable, and guests can spend many an hour wandering around the cobbled streets re-living scenes from Arabian Nights. Many an intrepid explorer have tried to make the island their own, as is visible in the rich and colourful history which is right on the hotel's doorstep. Visit the Old Slave Market, Old Fort, Orphanage Shop and House of Wonders for an insight into Zanzibar's eclectic history.
Other activities in and around Stone Town include a Spice Tour, a trip to Jozani Forest to see the Red Colobus monkeys, and snorkelling at the Ukombe Reef.
There is a fantastic rooftop restaurant at Swahili House. Watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean with a chilled beer and some freshly caught seafood - do it the Zanzibar way and splash it with spices.
Why We Love It
The hotel's central position is perfect for exploring the delights of Stonetown.
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas
Located on the east coast of Zanzibar, White Sands Luxury Villas & Spa is a luxury beach resort on the Paje beachfront and currently the only resort in Tanzania to be hailed as a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux family.
There are just 11 private villas with either one, two or three bedrooms, and all of them have private pools, outdoor bath and roof terraces with views out to sea.
The in-house restaurant overlooks the communal pool and serves international dishes given a Zanzibari twist. This central building is also home to the bar and a rooftop lounge where guests can enjoy sundowners or fresh juices.
The spa has a sauna, a steam room and a calming waterfall and also offers a wide range of treatments, many of which use products made by the local community from seaweed, coconut and local spices in keeping with the hotel's admirable policy of sustainability and that sees the entire place powered by a wind turbine and solar panels. The restaurant also uses a good deal of home grown produce.
Paje beach itself is blessed with year-round winds and shallow waters, making it the perfect kitesurfing spot and the in-house kitesurf club can arrange equipment hire and lessons for beginners.
Why We Love It
Because they are really making an effort to involve the local community. The kitesurfing's pretty amazing as well!