For those dreaming of a trip to the Maldives and Mauritius, we’ve found another idyllic Indian Ocean paradise to add to your bucket list. The unspoiled island of Zanzibar offers all the same ingredients – turquoise waters, swaying palm trees and sandy beaches, as well as year-round warm temperatures. Located just 25 miles off Tanzania’s coastline, the coral reef-ringed island offers a rich mix of Arab, Omani and British colonial heritage and a fascinating history as a spice and trading centre. OK!’s Kirsty Hatcher headed off to explore…
Where can I stay?
The family-owned Zanzibar Collection comprises four hotels. Breezes, The Palms and Baraza are all dotted along Bwejuu Paje beach, while the group’s newest property, the all-inclusive Zawadi Hotel, sits atop a cliff overlooking the ocean, with steps down to Mswaki beach. All nine villas at this adults-only bolthole are named after an aquatic creature, and ours – called Jodari, a local fish – featured beach-chic interiors, a sun terrace and a lush garden. Just along this beautiful stretch of coastline is the Baraza Resort & Spa. The hotel decor is Arabic in style – think white arches, ceiling fans, brass lanterns and rich fabrics – inspired by the palaces of the Omani sultans, who once ruled Zanzibar. This all-inclusive luxury resort features 30 one and two bedroom villas and is set in 70 hectares of beautiful gardens overflowing with bougainvillea, jasmine and frangipani. OK!’s oceanside villa boasted a dreamy hand-carved four-poster bed, plunge pool and a freestanding bathtub.
Where can I eat?
The fusion of African, Arabic, Indian and European cultures lends itself to an exotic cuisine which sees the island’s spices – lemongrass, ginger and cinnamon – combined with local produce and seafood. One of our most memorable lunches was at The Palms, a six-villa beach retreat, where we sat under a beautiful canopy woven from palm leaves and fuchsia flowers on a deserted beach that stretched for miles. We sipped a mango daiquiri and shared grilled chicken skewers, jumbo prawns and a green banana stew, finishing off with homegrown banana, mango and cinnamon ice cream.
Where can I relax?
After our long plane journey, OK! made a beeline for the Frangipani Spa at the Baraza resort. Our treatment took place in the most opulent spa we’ve ever seen, with silk-canopied treatment beds and gold mosaic floors. Our therapist began our Balinese massage by stretching our limbs, before using essential oils packed with local spices to relieve any tension.
Sister hotel Breezes has a luxury spa too, set in tropical gardens. As Breezes is one of the island’s most popular honeymoon and wedding resorts, the spa offers several couples treatments, including the Sultan’s Bath surrounded by candles and spice-scented aromas.
Which stars will I see?
Peter and Emily Andre are island visitors. They’re involved in Emily’s father’s medical charity, Project Zanzibar, and Emily once spent four months working there. George and Amal Clooney enjoyed a romantic holiday on the island two summers ago, while Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith were in Tanzania and Zanzibar in March this year. Model Chrissy Teigen shot a Sports Illustrated cover on one of the island’s beaches last year, while Freddie Mercury was born in the capital Stone Town and his childhood home is now called Mercury House.
What can I do?
Kayaking, sailing and paddleboarding are all on offer at Breezes’ Water Club, where you’ll also find the Kite Surfing School and the Rising Sun Dive Centre, offering PADI-certified scuba diving courses. OK! loved snorkeling in the coral lagoon, where we saw a myriad of fish, and the Zawadi offers special reef shoes so you can explore the local marine life and spot starfishes and sea cucumbers. Another trip highlight was our sunset cruise on a traditional Swahili dhow boat. We travelled through the mangroves before stopping for a quick dip in the ocean and then taking in the spectacular sunset. Back on dry land, a good place to check out the local wildlife is in the Jozani National Park, where half the island’s 2,500 endangered red colobus monkeys live. Zanzibar is often referred to as the Spice Island, and you’ll learn all about this on a visit to one of the spice farms. Our guide showed us cloves, vanilla, turmeric, cardamom and lemongrass, before we smelt the leaves of a ylang-ylang tree, which he told us was used in Chanel No 5! A visit to the charming capital Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must. Wander around the narrow winding alleyways and admire the intricately carved wooden doors, hidden courtyards and bustling bazaars, where you can pick up spices, baskets, jewellery and ornaments.
The Zanzibar Collection (www.thezanzibarcollection.com) offers room rates at the Baraza Resort & Spa, staying in a two-bedroom garden-view villa, from £526 per night; Breezes Beach Club & Spa from £75 per night; Zawadi Hotel from £482 per villa per night; and The Palms from £615 per villa per night.
REPORT BY KIRSTY HATCHER
EDITED BY ANNABEL MACKIE
PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK
