Tropical Paradise and Culture
in the Birthplace
of Freddie Mercury

Located just over 20 miles from mainland Tanzania, the semi-autonomous group of islands, known collectively as Zanzibar, is the home of idyllic white-sand beaches, world-class scuba diving and a sumptuous fusion of cuisine. In Zanzibar life moves at a glacial pace, or pole pole, to use the Swahili. Things happen in their own time, but what is on offer is without question worth the wait. We devised a relaxation week for a group of four clients, consisting of two couples.

There is a plethora of luxury accommodation available on the island of Zanzibar and our guests first stay was at the majestic Palms Zanzibar Hotel, a truly exclusive and intimate resort located on the East Coast of the island. The hotel sits on the beachfront and boasts luxury facilities, including a large swimming pool, relaxation spa, on-site restaurant and bar as well as the opportunity to dine privately on the beach. Due to the resort’s remoteness the guests were often found wondering whether they had the whole island to themselves!

Upon arrival it was all about relaxation and the first afternoon and following day were spent making the most of the resort’s opulent facilities and the pristine local beaches. The group also enjoyed a low-tide guided coral reef safari – a fascinating voyage of discovery through the rock-pools of the reef.

The hotel’s culinary team prides itself on showcasing the best of the island’s locally grown produce in a menu that changes on a daily basis. Due to the country’s various ruling powers over the centuries, cuisine on the so-called Spice Island incorporates a myriad of cooking styles, including Indian, Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese and African. Sea food is of course high on the agenda, however, the hotel ensures it also offers a selection of continental dishes and will accommodate any dietary requirements.

Whilst on this tropical paradise the group embarked on a peaceful Swahili dhow sailing tour of the mangroves as well as a Scuba-Diving Excursion, which enabled them to explore 65,000 metres of reef and 400 different species of fish. The group also visited Mnemba Island, a private getaway off the North-East coast of Zanzibar. Here they ambled along kilometres of seemingly untouched white-sand and spent hours in the crystal-clear waters.

The second leg of the trip was spent in the UNESCO cultural heritage site and ancient city of Stone Town, on the West Coast of the island. This charming and maze-like town is full of boutique cafes, restaurants and street markets.

Amongst the cultural sites that the couples visited was the iconic House of Wonders, which houses the National Museum of History and Culture.  The group also explored a spice farm, learning all about the production and history of spices on the island and taking home some authentic souvenirs.

Here the guests stayed at the Park Hyatt Zanzibar, located on the beachfront in the heart of Stone Town. The hotel boasts world class facilities, as well as a selection of elegant restaurants showcasing authentic cuisine. All bar and dining areas have their own oceanfront terrace so the guests were delighted to take their evening meals at the hotel before exploring the city at night.

If you would like to find out about how we can create the ultimate relaxation trip to Zanzibar for you, please get in touch.