5 luxury places to stay for an unforgettable Zanzibar holiday

ZANZIBAR, the Spice Island off the east coast of Tanzania, is fast becoming a popular tourist destination for those seeking an alternative to other Indian Ocean destinations.

There are plenty of reasons to visit this island, and Flight Centre predicts a significant increase in demand for travel to Zanzibar as Flysafair is set to reintroduce a direct route from OR Tambo International in Johannesburg to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar.

According to Flight Centre general manager Antoinette Turner, Zanzibar is generally more affordable as a destination compared to islands like Mauritius, Seychelles and the Maldives, although this can vary based on the type of accommodation you choose.

Since Zanzibar is now within reach for many more South Africans, here are 5 luxury places to stay for a memorable holiday on the island.

andbeyond Mnemba Island

If exclusivity and privacy are what you’re looking for, andbeyond on Mnemba Island is the perfect destination. Mnemba, a private island, is a romantic hideaway ideal for couples and honeymooners.

The hideaway features 12 rustically chic beachside bandas, and the tiny 1.5km island takes 24 guests.

The size of the island makes it intimate and relaxed, and guests can enjoy sandy beaches and calm turquoise seas.

The island also offers the best snorkelling and swimming areas directly from the beach at all tides, and for the more adventurous, the best snorkelling spots on the island are accessible by a 10-minute motorboat journey.

&Beyond Mnemba Island offers the opportunity to simply unwind and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones.

After a fun-filled day discovering this island paradise, you can pamper yourself with a soul-soothing wellness treatment in the comfort of your banda or enjoy yoga at the beach, barefoot.

You can also enjoy fresh seafood and locally produced fruit, and each culinary experience is prepared according to individual tastes and served at a time and location that suits each guest perfectly.

The cost for a banda at Mnemba island starts from $1 585 (about R28 700).

Emerald Zanzibar Resort & Spa

Recently opened, Emerald Zanzibar Resort & Spa on Muyuni Beach is making a name for itself on the island. Emerald is a member of The Leading Hotels in the World, and it’s an all-inclusive package when it comes to food, making sure guests never worry about where to eat when on the island.

The resort boasts 250 modern and chic rooms on 10 hectares of land that slopes down towards the coast with direct access to the sea, and is surrounded by an oval reef which has been declared a marine conservation area.

Emerald Zanzibar’s design aesthetic features Ottoman architecture fused with African culture and Western comforts. It’s where Africa, the East and West meet, to give guests unparalleled luxury and comfort.

The resort offers a variety of cuisines with rich flavours from different cultures at its eight restaurants and bars.

As an ultimate family destination, the Emerald also has the Dolphin Kids Club, where little ones can escape in good hands, while mom and dad explore the richness of the island.

A stay at Emerald Zanzibar starts

from R24 950 a person. (Check AfricaStay for more details).

Gold Zanzibar Beach House and Spa

Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa on Kendwa beach is without a doubt the most beautiful beach on the islands. With an exposure towards the north-west of the island, this area is not affected by the tides, allowing guests to swim at any time of day.

The hotel overlooking white powdery

beach sands is an oasis of luxury and elegance where one can recuperate mind, body and spirit. The hotel features various room types, each meeting different needs and tastes, but all providing wide spaces in an intimate and relaxing atmosphere.

Its architecture is a mix of African and Arab influences translated according to contemporary design.

Guests can enjoy breathtaking sunsets from this location, and the hotel’s two bars and restaurants offer international cuisine and fresh local food.

Gold Zanzibar Beach House also has all-inclusive packages for dining offering breakfast, lunch and supper.

A stay starts from R45 456 a person (package deal on Africastay).

Diamonds Mapenzi Beach

A gem on Kiwengwa Beach is Diamonds Mapenzi. Guests can take a long walk on the beach to experience an evocative atmosphere and unforgettable landscapes. The hotel offers a relaxing atmosphere and an all-inclusive high-quality culinary experience.

Set on the east coast of Zanzibar on the Kiwengwa shoreline, Diamonds Mapenzi Beach perfectly blends in with the natural environment of the surrounding landscape, covering an area of 4 hectares with a long white beach and lush tropical gardens of palms and colourful bougainvillaea.

The resort is just 40 minutes from Zanzibar international airport and is a perfect choice for guests in search of a retreat that offers a nice mixture of relaxing fun and extensive all-inclusive services. A 7-night stay package at Diamonds Mapenzi Beach hotel starts from R19 495 a person.

Sea Cliff Resort and Spa

The makuti roofs and glowing Arabic towers of the luxurious Sea Cliff Resort & Spa, on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, forms an exotic backdrop for travellers looking forward to escaping to the tropical beauty of East Africa.

It’s set on the northern-west coast of Zanzibar, just 25 minutes from the historical magic of Stone Town, and visitors to the Sea Cliff are known to start relaxing as soon as they land in this lap of luxury. The colour scheme of cream and gold is complimented by antique furniture that reflects the ancient history of the island. Sea Cliff Resort & Spa offers tranquillity, peace and beauty, with accommodations lush with tropical-scented gardens, sparkling infinity pools, a variety of cuisine and attentive and helpful staff.

The lounges, restaurant, bars and recreation area offer panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Think breakfast overlooking the ocean, dinner under the stars and sundowners on the jetty or on your private balcony.

With a variety of activities and excursions, your days are guaranteed to be filled with sun, sea and an appreciation for the rich history of Zanzibar.

A 7-night package stay at the 5-star resort starts from R16 750 a person (Africastay).