Where To Stay: Stone Town

Photography: Brian Siambi and Respective Properties

ZANZIBAR SERENA HOTEL

The hotel is comprised of two historic buildings designed in traditional Swahili style, a lavish retreat that captures the elegance of a grander era since passed. An ambience of relaxed sophistication has been created in each of the 51 rooms and suites, with wood-framed louver doors opening onto private balconies with unobstructed views of the ocean. Cool white walls, high-ceilings and crisp royal blues and whites give a sense of Zanzibar’s coastal serenity and charm. The rooftop Terrace Seafood Restaurant offers freshly-caught seafood and extraordinary views of the bay while weekly authentic Swahili banquets can be enjoyed by the pool at Baharia Restaurant. Masahani Bar, on the other hand, offers signature cocktails and live performances by local Taarab bands. www.serenahotels.com

PARK HYATT ZANZIBAR

The hotel has a new and old building, the latter being dubbed the Mambo Msiige mansion which dates back to 1847 when it was built for a wealthy Omani tradesman. A good example of a traditional Zanzibar mansion, it had various functions in the following years before being transformed into the luxury hotel it is today. The new building, also known as Zamani Residence houses the rooms and restaurant characterized by towering ceilings with wooden beams, skylights and golden brass chandeliers. The owner is an avid art lover and collector and the hotel is therefore dotted with several unique pieces. For dining, the outdoor patio is the best place to enjoy the buffets while taking in all the boats and dhows in the sea. www.hyatt.com

EMERSON SPICE

This boutique hotel consists of three adjoining World Heritage site buildings in the exotic Kasbah of Zanzibar’s Stonetown. Two of the facades face a quaint square at the end of historic Tharia Street, a principal thoroughfare for walking tours of the city. The third façade looks toward the Anglican Cathedral and the slave market. Nestled among the rear facades is a squared private courtyard containing an ancient well. Dubbed the soul of Zanzibar. The main building, an inspired and lovingly restored merchant’s house has eleven stylishly furnished rooms structured around an airy central courtyard. The rooftop ‘Tea House’ hosts one of Stonetown’s most renowned restaurants offering a stylish ambiance amidst the sound of the calls to prayer from the town’s numerous mosques. Book via www.emersonspice.com