Can Czech backing and British interior design really improve on paradise? The man who conceived Zuri Zanzibar by the Indian Ocean certainly thought he could bring something new to a destination where international resort development has only got started in the past 15 years.
The hotel sits at the north-west tip of this lovely spice island, whose capital Stone Town is a fascinating mishmash of Indian, British and Middle Eastern influences. It’s an ideal place to recuperate from a Tanzanian safari, and its tiny international airport means you can bypass Dar Es Salaam to fly home.
While some resorts sit on parts of the shoreline with no usable beaches, Zuri Zanzbar’s own is an exquisite stretch of white sand, home to many of its dining options. The only drawback is reaching it via steps from the infinity pool.
Built over several levels, the top three are served by buggies on demand. The beautiful, airy lounge looks out from the top level, along with the reception and the resort’s tranquil spice garden, a lovely place to retreat with a book.
One level below lies a beautiful yoga pavilion; yoga is also on offer at the beach, along with watersports.
The rooms and larger villas are arranged in blocks around lush landscaping on the lower levels between the two main restaurants. With pleasingly tropical features like vaulted Balinese-style ceilings, outdoor showers complement the spacious indoor bathrooms with double vanity basins.
The decor is a touch urban, but bead curtains made from the colourful rolled paper used for local jewellery add a delightful African touch. Large private terraces have hammocks for another shady spot to relax.
The main Upendo restaurant above the rooms serves the best breakfast in the resort, but more inventive dishes are on offer at Maisha, an indoor-outdoor restaurant at pool level, where diners on a half-board package can choose to take meals, which includes wine with dinner.
My most enjoyable lunch was at the beach cafe serving excellent food with a rustic California vibe; next door, the hotel shop stocks well-chosen souvenirs by local artists.
Or another great treat is a sundowner at the water’s edge at sunset with copious nibbles served on a beanbag-style beach lounger — copious enough to make dinner redundant — and well worth reserving in advance.
Tropical lounging aside, no visit to Zanzibar is complete without a trip to Stone Town, for a walk through the island’s history and some serious retail therapy.
Between the atmospheric harbour and countless historical buildings with their beautiful oversized doors (including Freddie Mercury’s childhood home), Stone Town offers some of East Africa’s best jewellery and souvenir shopping; Tanzanite is the country’s own blue precious stone.
Audley Travel, which offers Zuri Zanzibar as a post-safari stay, can also arrange tours. Plan it for your last day, with the airport 15 minutes away before reluctantly flying home.
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