Holidays in Zanzibar are perceived by many Russian tourists as too exotic, but are gradually becoming more popular. From the point of view of the resort pastime, the place is impeccable. Here, the ecology is excellent – there are still too few achievements of civilization. The climate, although tropical, is comfortable even for northerners – there is no absolutely unbearable heat. It's nice to swim and sunbathe, especially since the beaches of Zanzibar are excellent: soft white sand, a gentle entrance to the clear water of the Indian Ocean (however, you need to take into account the tide schedule and the presence / absence of sea urchins).
Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa 5*
It has an official five-star rating and has been holding the title of Tanzania's leading beach resort for 7 years. Ideally located on the oceanfront, Pinggu city center is just 1 km away. Vacationers are waiting for 89 rooms, decorated with local flavor. You can choose to stay in a room or a bungalow in a landscaped garden with exotic plants.
In the immediate vicinity – a beach with white sand and palm trees. 3 restaurants with local and international menu, 200 m – floating restaurant, beach bar and pool bar. South African, Italian and French wines are served. There are 3 swimming pools on the territory – indoor year-round, outdoor adult with a children‘s section and a children's one.
There is a superbly equipped Samawati Spa, offers literally whole body massages together and separately, there is a fitness center where you can do yoga and aerobics with a personal trainer. Athletes can go to 2 tennis courts or contact the diving center, play volleyball. You can order a “session” of fishing.
It has an excellent attitude towards small customers: there are protective barriers for kids in the right places, there is a playroom and a playground, board games and children's media, and animators work.
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This holiday destination is located between the seashore and the nature reserve in Mchangamla, a district of the city of Kizimkazi. You can settle in a room or villa with a makuti roof in the style of local traditions, with a wonderful view of the sea, among tropical greenery.
The main restaurant focuses on Mediterranean cuisine, but you can order American, local and international dishes. You can try local alcohol and drink a cocktail in the pool bar and lobby. Guests enjoy visiting The Sunset Beach Club with its own bar and seafood restaurant. The chef's pride is cooking lobster.
The beach here is artificial (as a plus, visitors note the absence of an intrusive shopping service on it). The pool is open and clean, with a hot tub. There is a common recreation area, a playground and a playroom for children.
The spa has an original jungle theme and offers a variety of massages and beauty treatments. Classes are held at the fitness center and equipment for kitesurfing, diving, snorkeling and fishing is available nearby. You can book a boat tour and see the dolphins. As the highlights of this place, vacationers noted the turtle rehabilitation center and free excursions to the village of the local Masai people.
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Essque Zalu Zanzibar 5*
Located in the resort village of Nungwi next to a luxurious rainforest. The design found harmony between modern style and Swahili traditions. There are 49 spacious and stylishly decorated rooms with sea and garden views from the balcony or terrace.
At 200 m – Nungwi Beach with white sand and all types of water activities. Also, guests often meet the sunset on it – an impressive sight, especially with a cocktail. The view from the pier is great.
There are 3 restaurants – floating Jetty offers modern Arabic dishes, in A La Carte and Market Kitchen you can taste the cuisine of different peoples of the world. Especially praise the freshest and perfectly cooked seafood. In the bars 1506 and Baobabr – cold drinks, cocktails, snacks.
The spa center offers a variety of massages, sauna and hydromassage. You can correct your figure in the fitness center. For connoisseurs of art, temporary art exhibitions are organized in the gallery. For little vacationers – a playroom, a playground, animators.
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Neptune Pwani Beach Resort & Spa 5*
This modern and pleasant retreat is located in the north-east district of Kiwengwa, surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens. Both Russians and tourists from other European countries highly appreciate the design and equipment of 154 rooms.
There are as many as 5 restaurants here: the main one is Pwani with a buffet, international, African and specific local cuisine, the menu will serve you in Italian Gusti, Indian Namaste, Thai Narai Thai, “seafood” Samaki with the opportunity to admire the ocean. There are bars by the pools, by the sea, in the lounge.
The beach is excellent, with white sand and the opportunity to do water sports: from diving to surfing. If salt water is boring, there are 2 fresh water swimming pools, indoor and outdoor with a special section for children.
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Riu Palace Zanzibar 5*
It's not for nothing that the word “palace” is in the title. Magnificent modern property with luxurious decoration near Nangwi inviting in 100 of its rooms and villas. Part of the villas with a garden, pool and jacuzzi is located on the beach. Guests consider Riu Palace one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the country.
At 150 m is the white sandy beach of Kendwa with a full range of water and beach activities. On the territory of 2 restaurants – in the main “Swedish” service, thematic Krystal with international cuisine will serve a la carte, there is a steakhouse. The food is delicious and varied. Importantly, a significant selection of high-quality alcohol, the bartender, upon request, mixes cocktails that are not on the menu.
On the territory there is a heated and open year-round view swimming pool with salt water. An extensive range of wellness services is provided: in the spa center – a sauna, a steam room, a hammam, a jacuzzi, a solarium, massage chairs, cosmetic services are provided. There is a fitness center with aerobics classes and a spa lounge for relaxation. Guests rate the work of the staff as excellent.
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Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa 5*
Paradise and “magically beautiful” (this is from the review!) Recreation area on the east coast (Kiwengwa area). 112 modernly designed and equipped rooms, there is a common terrace with a beautiful view of the Indian Ocean.
The main restaurant, Makuti, offers local and international cuisine and invites you to theme nights. The pool bar offers cocktails and snacks, the beach bar has a large selection of seafood, in the evenings The Bahari Grill is open for booking with dishes straight from the fire.
The sandy beach is maintained in perfect condition. 1 communal pool with a gradual increase in depth is open all year round, small guests are offered “water” toys. There is a spa center with a sauna and a fitness centre. There is ping pong, billiards and a tennis court. On the beach there is an opportunity to do – by reservation – diving, snorkeling, canoeing, fishing.
A playground awaits children. The impressions of the guests are the most positive – this is the case when the staff even thank them by name and note that everyone is polite and attentive: from the director to the waiter.
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Nungwi Dreams by Mantis 5*
A cozy place for those who do not like too noisy rest in the village of Nangwi (to him, as well as to a beautiful sandbar, just a few minutes walk). There are stylish, comfortable and regularly cleaned rooms, a literally family-friendly atmosphere created by the staff, a small protected beach with traditional Tanzania white sand and picturesque views of the ocean.
Diving, fishing, snorkeling, windsurfing are offered – all this is paid separately. At high tide, the beach, unfortunately, disappears – it is small. The only restaurant serves both Swedish and à la carte menus, and it is possible to order themed dinners. Also, all visitors really like the rooftop bar.
There is a fitness center on the territory, there is no spa, it’s a bit tight with entertainment, but walking tours are possible, and there is a tour desk – you can order something with departure. An outdoor pool – but some of the guests believe that its size is insufficient, and the location is unsuccessful: it is too hot to lie on the sunbeds near it, they are “not blown” by the wind, and the ceramic tiles of the “barefoot zone” are very hot. There is also no entertainment for children. In general, a place for lovers of peace and tranquility.
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TUI Blue Sea Zanzibar 5 *
The property is located near the village of Pwani Mchangani near Kiwengwa and is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. There are 157 rooms, some of them with a Jacuzzi, for lovers of privacy there is an opportunity to stay in a villa. The design of the living areas is elegant and absolutely modern, there is a spacious terrace for relaxing and socializing.
At 200 m – Kiwengwa Beach, a water sports center is located right on the territory of your vacation spot, offers windsurfing, diving, snorkeling, catamaran riding. 2 outdoor pools with children‘s area.
There are 5 restaurants: the main one with international cuisine and the Swedish line, and the African Boma with dinners also works on it. The other three are on the menu: Italian Andiamo, Asian Taste of Asia and Breeze with seafood. You can drink in 3 bars.
Dream Spa Center offers massages and oriental beauty treatments, body wraps, peelings, hammam. The fitness center offers body shaping, a tennis court and all tennis equipment. Guests can play billiards or go on a walking tour. For kids there is a play area indoors and a playground on the street, animation staff works.
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Melia Zanzibar 5*
This is a Melia property with 117 rooms and a luxurious setting in the village of Kiwengwa. Some rooms offer a terrace, others offer a spectacular seascape Spacious area with many flowering plants, you can ride on it in an electric car. Near a well-equipped beach with a snack bar and all kinds of water sports.
There is the only Spices restaurant on the territory – but on the other hand, you can choose Indian or Asian dishes, it offers services like in a steakhouse. Vacationer food is rated as excellent, a lot of seafood and a large selection of fruits and vegetables – both familiar and exotic. For those who do not want to go to the beach – 2 large and warm outdoor pools.
The spa center invites you to sauna, steam room and massages. You can do fitness, play tennis on the court, go on an excursion. Guests like excursions to the Stone Town, to the island of turtles, 11 km from the beautiful forest reserve Kichvele. There is a club for children, where animators will work with them while you relax.
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The Palms Zanzibar 5*
This holiday complex of 6 idyllic and cozy villas is located along the magnificent sandy beach. It is well-groomed, with white sand. Tropical garden attached. The Plantation House Restaurant is open throughout the day and serves local dishes. There is an excellent swimming pool, and the bar next to it is “hiding” in the shade of mango palms.
Spa-center The Sanctuary invites you to a variety of massage treatments. For lovers of outdoor activities – a fitness center, volleyball court, equipment for water sports – diving, surfing, snorkeling. There is a gift shop and a tour desk on site.
Vacationers enthusiastically speak about the attentive attitude of catering workers: all wishes are taken into account, in case of food intolerance they will not serve a dish without unwanted components, but will offer an adequate replacement. Guests are also impressed by the impeccable cleanliness, attentiveness, organization and friendly attitude of the staff. The complex is recommended as a place for a romantic getaway for couples and couples, as well as people who are simply tired of the hustle and bustle.
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Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar 5*
A massive property with 30 villas, decorated in a mix of Indian, Swahili and Arabic styles, is located along a huge beach, which is included in the top 30 of the best in the world. Each of the villas is rented separately, you will not have neighbors “in the house”. The Livingstone Terrace restaurant is open, where guests have breakfast all the time and dinner on certain days of the week.
The Ocean Lounge offers buffet lunch with salads, pizzas, a variety of appetizers and the chef's gourmet culinary experiments. Dhahabu lounge bar and Sultans evening restaurant are also available. There is a large outdoor swimming pool on site. For beauty and general wellness, the Frangipani spa is offered.
Sports holidaymakers willingly visit the gym with up-to-date simulators and the tennis court, as well as the water sports center. There you will find equipment and instructors for kitesurfing, windsurfing, diving, you can order kayaking and catamaran trips. There is a club for little vacationers.
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Matemwe Retreat 5*
Compact, calm, quiet and well-maintained holiday complex on the shores of the Indian Ocean north of Matemwe. Nearby is an interesting fishing village for visitors of local residents. You can stay in one of the spacious (150 m2) villas with a cocktail bar and a bathroom with a view.
The restaurant offers a local menu, breakfast can be ordered to the villa, dinner – to the beach. There is an outdoor swimming pool on site. The complex offers a spa and wellness centre. If you prefer a beach holiday to splashing in the pool, you will be offered water sports equipment for diving and snorkelling, canoeing and fishing opportunities.
Hiking, bike rental and quite unusual entertainment for Tanzanian resorts – horseback riding are also offered. The reviews of Russian-speaking visitors about this place are extremely positive: they praise the food, the atmosphere, and the staff.
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Moja Tuu The Luxury villas & Nature Retreat 5*
A beautiful complex of villas located in the Kiwengwa settlement provides a high level of comfort: clients admire the rooftop terraces, infinity pools, and willingly spend evenings on barbecue areas. In each bedroom there is a bed under a muslin canopy, there is also a local exotic – round beds made of saruji stone.
Kiwengwa Beach – nearby, on the territory of a common round pool with a gradual increase in depth. Sipano Beach Club is 3.9 km away. Blue Bahari Restaurant serves local cuisine throughout the day. La La Bar with a good cocktail list attracts vacationers in the evenings. The Moja Spa offers massages, beauty and rejuvenation facial and body treatments.
Athletes will enjoy a gym with ocean views, cycling, hiking, diving, windsurfing, snorkeling and fishing. Nearby is the nature reserve with tropical plants Kishvele, within 3 km there is a golf course. For young clients, there is a game room and the Rafiki club.
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The Residence Zanzibar 5*
This property has earned warm reviews: only 20 minutes from the village of Kizimkazi by car, 55 minutes from the city, and the place gives the impression of being secluded and calm. The staff is attentive. Placed here in nice villas, only 66 rooms. Near the villas there are mini-pools, but there is also a spacious common one. The beach is private, sandy, clean.
The territory pleases many visitors with its close proximity to nature: lizards, monkeys, non-venomous snakes and an international species of animals beloved by all – cats walk around near the houses. Throughout the area you can ride bicycles and electric cars.
You can eat at 2 restaurants, working both on the buffet line and on the menu: The Pavilion and The Dining Room. Both serve Mediterranean and Caribbean cuisine. The spa includes a sauna, hammam, hot tub and a variety of beauty services.
In the fitness center – yoga, there is a tennis court, ping-pong, darts, bike rental. On the beach – everything for those who like to swim and dive. Children are welcomed on the street playground and in the playroom.
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Breezes Beach Club and Spa 5*
This vacation spot on the southeast coast resembles a small corner of a green paradise: local plants grow on the territory, there are beautiful flower gardens. The center of Bwejuu is 4.9 km away. Nearby is a well-equipped white sand beach with makuti umbrellas. The rooms are decorated in eye-catching shades of ivory, there are options with a terrace.
You can eat in 3 restaurants with local and international cuisine, sit in 2 bars, breakfast is served continental and vegetarian, there is a buffet. Tea and coffee are served in the lounge area. Those looking for beauty and relaxation can look forward to Frangipani Spa and Wellness Center with spa/wellness packages. The salon has an ethnic interior in the traditions of Swahili. Beauty and massage services are offered.
For “activists” – a swimming pool, fitness center, tennis court, volleyball court, bike rental, yoga. A wide range of water activities with equipment rental: kite surfing, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, canoeing. Guests celebrate delicious food, excellent room service, friendly and attentive staff.
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