Breezes Beach Club is an hour’s drive south west of the airport and set in tropical gardens and towering palms that run along a stunning stretch of paper-white beach. Being one of Zanzibar’s few privately-run hotels, there are 70 large, tastefully decorated bedrooms, all adding to the romance and friendliness of this classic location. For fine dining, there are restaurants and candlelit dinners available overlooking the ocean - a lovely way to savour the taste of exotic spices and fresh fish. Some of the many activities include the swimming pool, floodlit tennis court, scuba-diving, water-sports and fitness centres. For those who want relaxation, the Frangipani Spa offers a variety of treatments and therapies to soothe away any stress or exhaustion. There is also the ‘Kili Foot Treatment’ and ‘Après Safari Treatment’ for real post-safari pampering.

The Palms lies next door to Breezes Beach Club and is Zanzibar’s only luxury boutique hotel offering the facilities of a 5 star private resort and run by a wonderful family. The collection of six beautiful villas is designed with the utmost attention to detail, creating an atmosphere of relaxation and understated elegance. At 140 square metres each, the villas form a refuge for those in search of tranquillity. The Sanctuary Spa provides a variety of treatments and therapies which are aimed at soothing away the negative impacts of modern lifestyle such as stress and exhaustion, as well as ‘bumpy road’ muscle rejuvenation, using western and exotic techniques.

Bluebay Beach Resort is located on the east coast, 30 minutes from Stone Town. It has 88 delightful bedrooms and is set in 25 acres of swaying palms and lush gardens, all looking out towards the sandy beach and ocean. With restaurants, bars, shops, fitness and diving-centres, floodlit tennis courts, many water-sport facilities, large swimming pools and evening entertainment, you could be busy for days or simply relax and soak up the sun. Night entertainment even includes an open-air disco and acrobatics. A new spa has been added to the resort and creates a harmonious spot with exotic plants, splashing water and a tropical feel. As you look out over the ocean, therapists tailor massages to your requirements and even mix local spices and fruits to create a perfect mixture to help rejuvenate the body and elevate the mind.

Zamani Kempinski Resort enjoys a commanding beachfront on the island’s prestigious east coast. Set in 30 acres of landscaped gardens and designed with materials native to the island, the resort spares no expense and has 110 world-class bedrooms with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Apart from the excellent cuisine served and activities available, there is also the pampering offered in the Mandara Health and Beauty Spa, a sanctuary for the mind, body and soul. It consists of six private treatment rooms, a magnificent 60 metre outdoor swimming pool and pool bar, a fully equipped fitness centre with yoga and aerobics, as well as a 23 metre outdoor lap pool.

Tours to Consider

Historical Stone Town
A fascinating excursion that winds through narrow bustling streets and alleyways, fish and former slave markets, consulates, the old fort and historical houses. It highlights the Arab, Indian, Persian and European influences on this vibrant capital.

The Spice Tour
A look at small traditional farms in the rural areas that grow cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, cardamom and other spices as well as medicinal and ornamental plants and tropical fruits. It is a rare experience and leaves you in no doubt as to why Zanzibar is referred to as the Spice Island.

Prison Island
A short boat trip to this historic prison with its giant tortoises provides an insight into how it was for slaves here during the 1800’s. Today you can look around the prison as well as swim and snorkel in the beautiful surrounding waters.

Josani Forest
This area is famous for the endemic Kirks red colobus monkey. The guided tour follows a fascinating nature trail through Zanzibar’s last remaining natural indigenous forest. There are many varieties of birds, antelope and monkey species to enjoy.

Dolphin Adventures
This tour takes you to Kizimkazi, one of Zanzibar’s earlier capitals, where old Shirazi ruins remain. From here continue to the fishing village and board a small motorised boat in search of resident dolphins.

Mangapwani Beach
A beautiful private beach that is perfect to escape the hustle and bustle of Stone Town. Take a dhow journey here to enjoy sun, sand, sea and sumptuous seafood, cooked right on the beach. There are also the old Slave Caves to explore.

The Blue Safari
Depart by traditional dhow on a full-day excursion to explore picturesque bays and uninhabited islands, snorkelling and searching for humpback and bottlenose dolphins. A delicious lunch will be served on a small island or sand bar, followed by time to enjoy sailing an Ngalawa, made from a single mango tree.