Exotic Luxury in Zanzibar

Zanzibar

Exotic luxury escapes that won’t break the travel bank

BY: DANIELLA SCHOEMAN

Located just off the coast of mainland Tanzania is an archipelago of islands known as Zanzibar or Spice Island. This exotic destination offers everything you'd expect from a tropical island getaway but at a fraction of the cost of similar destinations such as Mauritius, Seychelles, or the Maldives. Travelers feel at home from the moment they arrive and receive those friendly Swahili greetings of "Jambo", “Karibu”, and "Hakuna Matata".

Translation: “Hello, you’re welcome here and there are no worries.”

Although a visit to Zanzibar is affordable, you'll still find an abundance of luxury resorts, hotels, and lodges dotted across the island. Travelers can enjoy the warm weather, a calm turquoise ocean, adventurous water sport activities, health and wellness experiences, and a unique cultural landscape in total comfort and luxury.

We recently took a journey across the entire island to get acquainted with the different regions – each special in its own way – while staying at 5 unmissable luxury escapes.

It’s rare to find a 3-star establishment that can rival 5-star properties. But that’s exactly why Seasons Lodge Zanzibar is such a gem. This family-built and family-run boutique ecolodge is situated on the Northeast coast of Zanzibar in an area known as Pongwe. Seasons Lodge Zanzibar offers you an unforgettable experience in a true slice of paradise. Here you will discover the colorful and raw beauty of Zanzibar in total peace and comfort. The eco-lodge has an admirable ethos of responsible tourism which means that everything is built with sustainable local materials by craftsmen in the community.

Upon arrival, you’ll follow the winding path under an overgrown pagoda while admiring the colorful garden full of bright blooms and catching glimpses of the sparkling ocean before reaching your personal seafront cottage. Each magical cottage is surrounded by a tropical garden and walls for privacy. The cottage opens completely on the other side offering unlimited views of the bright blue ocean from just about anywhere inside. With a covered veranda and a small private beach with two sun loungers, you just won’t want to leave your secluded paradise.

Seasons Lodge Zanzibar also has a wide variety of casual beachy public areas for you to enjoy. Lounge on a swinging bed as you take in the soothing ocean sounds while sipping on a cocktail or ice-cold beer from Temple Bar. Breakfast lunch and dinner are served here too, and all the food is sourced from organic local suppliers and prepared to perfection in the kitchen garden. The best place to sample all the flavors that the Spice Island has to offer.

Nungwi Dreams by Mantis is an ultra-luxe resort-style boutique hotel situated on the most northern tip of the island in an area called Nungwi. This unique 5-star resort hotel offers a secluded and enchanting hideaway in the most pristine location. Barefoot luxury at its best and the place to experience the true essence of Zanzibar. Every detail of the resort is designed with care from the incredible infinity pool with an endless view of the beautiful blue ocean to the impeccable rooms and suites.

The luxury rooms, suites, and villas are a stylish combination of modern convenience and Swahili chic. Each is created with your comfort in mind, and you’ll find a blissful haven in any room you choose. All the rooms offer superb views of the gardens, pool, or ocean to ensure you fully immerse yourself in the peaceful environment. Nungwi Dreams by Mantis is also the place to indulge in the most delicious seafood platters and exotic dishes whether during a festive buffet dinner or direct from the a la carte menus.

With direct access to the beach from the hotel, you can go for a swim or take a stroll along the coast with ease. Alternatively, spend the day lounging by the pool with a cocktail in hand or admire the unbelievably stunning Zanzibari sunsets while sipping a coffee on the rooftop restaurant. Nungwi Dreams by Mantis is also the perfect base for exploring the island and there are plenty of activities and tours to choose from. One of the best and closest is a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservation Pond where you’ll have an opportunity to feed and swim with these magnificent creatures.

Zanzibar Serena Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Zanzibar’s iconic Stone Town. This fascinating hotel was created by restoring two of the most historic buildings in the town; the 19th-century old ex-telecoms building and the 18th-century Chinese doctor’s building. The effect is a rather wondrous setting entirely inspired by local history and culture. During the restoration, an effort was made to maintain the original architectural integrity of the buildings along with both their interior and exterior decorative finishes. As such, each space of the hotel reflects a blend of cultural influences reminiscent of the Sultans of Zanzibar.

Besides having an exotic historical feel, the hotel also has a stunning oceanfront setting with direct beach access. There are 51 opulent rooms and suites that are completely different from any room you’ve ever seen before. Each exceptionally spacious room or suite is decorated in the traditional Swahili with large king-size four-poster beds that are fit for royalty. Another lovely feature is wood-framed louver doors with colorful stained glass inlays that open onto private balconies that offer endless views of the gorgeous Indian Ocean. The two restaurants and bars offer up delicious seafood meals, intoxicating cocktails, and other culinary delights.

Zanzibar Serena Hotel is the ideal base from which to explore the historic Stone Town. Most of the best sights and attractions are within easy walking distance and wandering around the maze-like streets is a truly fun experience. You can venture into Stone Town to interact with colorful locals as you admire palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient dhow harbors and the bright bazaars all found on this town built from coral.

On the wild remote southern coast of the Spice Island, you’ll find a small town called Kizimkazi but also the most forwardthinking boutique hotel in Zanzibar. kizikula is a 5-star hotel designed to feel like a communal home. The owners prioritized both design and sustainability creating a ‘home away from home’ feel that tempts guests to stay on long-term. This well-designed hotel is a uniquely luxurious space on a slice of paradise in one of the most rugged and secluded regions of the island. kizikula is the ideal place to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. You’ll spend plenty of time lounging in the magnificent pool enjoying uninterrupted Indian Ocean views with delicious cocktails in hand.

This intimate hotel is situated on a four-acre piece of land along the coast but consists of only nine rooms. These are in the two-story kizikula houses which blend seamlessly into the natural tropical surroundings. Locally found pink coral limestone was used to build the structures that are hidden from sight within the tropical gardens. Although each room has soft pastel-colored walls and wood-paneled ceilings, every room was designed to look different. The layout is spacious and includes gorgeous outdoor showers as well as a balcony or veranda with sea or garden views.

There is an on-site organic farm that produces most of the fruits and vegetables you’ll find on the menu, which changes daily. Each dish on offer is organic, healthy, and made from only the freshest local ingredients. The hotel may not have a beach, but it does offer guests a fun alternative way to get into the warm ocean. A stairway and natural rocky tunnel through the coral cliffs connect the hotel grounds directly to the sea. This is truly the place for adventurous souls, people looking to disconnect from the hectic pace of life, and digital nomads searching for an affordable sustainable escape.

Sharazad is a beautiful boutique hotel with two neighboring properties along Jambiani Beach in the southeast of Zanzibar. Both Sharazad Boutique Hotel and Sharazad Oasis offer the most serene settings in a popular and busy area of the island. You’ll be instantly charmed by the unassuming beauty of the hotel where barefoot luxury meets boho chic. Sharazad is decked in the vibrant colors of the island both in the outdoor communal spaces and the rooms. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens on one side and the mesmerizing blues of the Indian Ocean on the other side, the hotel is a true sanctuary for the senses. With a focus on sustainability and exclusivity, Sharazad is the perfect destination for a long-term stay.

Sharazad Boutique Hotel has a variety of accommodation options available. The Luxury Villa has six rooms and we stayed in one of the Sea View rooms with a private veranda that offered us direct beach access. The villa follows the original layout of a Riad house with a private pool in the central courtyard. All the rooms are stylishly decorated in bright colors reminiscent of the Swahili culture and feature large en-suite bathrooms. There are also three doublestory Bungalows located in another part of the property. In between the two accommodation options are the main pool, a private beach, a bar, and the restaurant. This is the place to kick off your shoes and explore the peaceful natural surroundings with a local-brewed kombucha in hand.

Dining at Sharazad is a wonderous affair and you can expect a feast for every meal. You’ll be able to order the freshest seafood perfectly prepared in the aromas and flavors found on the Spice Island. Make sure to sample the traditional local cuisine and excellent cocktails as you enjoy the soothing sounds of island life. There are plenty of activities and experiences that can be arranged during your stay as well such as water sport activities, pampering spa treatments, and day tours. Sharazad Boutique Hotel often has exciting live events happening as well, making it even more appealing to all.