Luxury Hotels Group Blog » Zanzibar

Why You Should Visit the Island Paradise of Zanzibar

Archie Domville — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 13:22:15 +0000

The allure of the island paradise of Zanzibar is hard to resist, with its charm attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.Situated just off the coast of the east African country of Tanzania, Zanzibar has a unique beauty and appeal that other beach holiday destinations are unable to rival. The clear turquoise waters and immaculate sandy beaches look as if they’ve come straight off a postcard. One of the main reasons to visit the islands is the exciting water sports that are available, such as scuba diving, sailing and deep-sea fishing.You can swim and snorkel in the balmy waters and take a look below the surface to see the marine life that calls Zanzibar home.The archipelago is a cultural melting pot, as generations of trade relations with different countries have left their mark on the islands. There are African, Arab, Indian Persian and European influences in Zanzibar’s past and present, which can be seen as you travel around the islands.While its natural beauty and rich history add to the islands’ allure, it’s the people who live there that will make your trip one to remember. The locals are friendly, calm, helpful, philosophical and energetic, always wanting to make you smile and help you enjoy Zanzibar to the fullest.Another one of the islands’ biggest draws is the wealth of stunning accommodation. You can choose from hotels, apartments and guest houses - the choice is yours. The Zanzi Resort is a luxurious oasis on the cliffs of Kama where you can experience all the pleasures the paradise of Zanzibar has to offer. Some of the most popular excursions on the island are Dhow Safaris and spice tours. The former involves sailing in a traditional Swahili boat across the Indian Ocean. You can glide seamlessly over the waters, watch the sunset or stop off at some of the smaller islands surrounding Zanzibar.The agricultural wealth of the islands means there is an abundance of spices available. You can discover new colours, smells and tastes by joining a spice tour on your holiday, while learning why this trade is so important in Zanzibar.

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Swimming with dolphins and ancient history in magical Zanzibar

Archie Domville — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 12:21:58 +0000

Few experiences can beat swimming with wild dolphins in crystal-clear and warm waters. But how about doing just this and then returning to a luxury hotel to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean? That's exactly what's on offer in Zanzibar where, alongside some of the finest hotels on the planet, the small fishing village of Kizimkazi gives nature lovers the chance to enjoy this life-changing experience. Small boats carry tourists out from the centre of the village into the calm waters, where schools of curious and friendly bottle-nosed dolphins await. Alongside this magical experience, you can also see Zanzibar from the sea, giving you the opportunity to really appreciate its natural beauty, complete with lush forests and clean white sandy beaches. For the best chance of seeing the cute cetaceans, get your fisherman-guide to take you to Menai Bay, a picturesque rocky cove where the dolphins like to gather in the late afternoon. But friendly dolphins are not the only attraction awaiting the intrepid holidaymaker in Kizimkazi. The village may be small, but it of huge historical significance. It's here you can find the remains of a mosque, dating back almost 900 years and, since it's the earliest evidence of Islam in the whole of East Africa, is well worth a visit. What's more, the mosque is also decorated with verses from the Koran, widely regarded as the oldest examples of written Swahili anywhere in the world. Visits can be arranged at the entrance to the mosque itself, located just to the north of the main beachfront, but be sure to dress modestly with your legs and shoulders covered up before entering this ancient place of worship. And then, back to your luxury hotel to enjoy a dinner of fish caught from the very area in which you were able to tick swimming with dolphins off the bucket list.

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Zanzibar’s Forodhani Gardens: A true foodie heaven in paradise

Archie Domville — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 18:20:17 +0000

Happy couples honeymooning in Zanzibar all too often skip the island's capital, Zanzibar Town, altogether - and understandably so. After all, these little islands are arguably the closest thing to paradise on earth, with stunning white sand beaches and warm, turquoise waters inviting you to kick back, relax and forget the stresses of the world for a while. What's more, the luxury hotels dotted around the exotic archipelago have everything a couple could wish for as all-inclusive service takes care of your every need and desire. But if you do fancy a break from the pampering and want a taste of traditional island life, there's arguably no better place to get this than Forodhani Gardens, located in the heart of the oldest part of the main city, otherwise known as Stone Town. After a morning out on the seas, local fishermen come to this compact public square to sell their catch. Alongside them, entrepreneurial traders grill the catch of the day on sizzling barbecues, serving up tuna, snapper and barracuda, as well as octopus or marlin, all incredibly fresh and refreshingly cheap. But it's not just fish on sale here. Over recent years, enterprising chefs have flocked here to set up stall and offer up their own taste of paradise. Check out the famous Zanzibar Pizza, which is cooked on top of, rather than inside an oven, and topped with cream cheese and any number of colourful extras, or tuck into grilled green banana. And if that's not enough to give you a culinary fix, check out the nearby Spice Market, an explosion of colour, smells and noise as traders and shoppers jostle for attention close to the waterfront. Quite simply, this part of Stone Town really is foodie heaven - informal, vibrant and the perfect place for photographs as well as filling your stomach and seeing another side to the island. And then it's back to the poolside to snooze off lunch in luxury.

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Explore Zanzibar on the Zanzi Boat

Archie Domville — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 11:30:21 +0000

If you're looking for luxury accommodation in Zanzibar, then look no further than the Zanzi Resort.Undoubtedly one of the most popular perks of this stunning hotel is the Zanzi Boat. If you're looking for something to do with your partner, then you can be taken on a romantic sunset cruise and enjoy the serenity and splendour of the Indian Ocean without any interruptions.Or, if you're looking to learn more about the history of the local community, enjoy a trip to the Mangapwani Coral Cave, where you can also take part in snorkelling to see the beautiful creatures that reside in the waters.The captain and guide are experts on Zanzibar, so whether you're visiting the caves or heading over to Prison Island, you can really soak up the rich history of the area.If you have an idea for the perfect boat trip, this can even be arranged by the resort. You can be sure that whatever you choose, you will enjoy the perfect excursion.Zanzi Resort is an oasis on the cliffs of Zanzibar, surrounded by unimaginable beauty. The seven luxurious ocean-view villas and six African Eco garden-view bungalows are all lavishly equipped with everything that you could need for the ultimate luxury escape.Each villa boasts a private tropical garden with a gazebo-style outdoor bed, private swimming pool, outdoor shower and a path to a secluded beach. In addition, guests have the benefit of a personal concierge, who's on call 24 hours a day.This truly is the perfect destination for a peaceful and intimate island escape.

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Dumbo bells in Zanzi

Archie Domville — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 18:42:02 +0000

Visitors to the Zanzi resort can enjoy a distinctly alternative Christmas, with a magnificent trip featuring lots of sunshine, sea and sand. For those coming from Europe, it will come as a huge contrast to dark nights illuminated with twinkling lights, cold weather and the hoped-for (but seldom present) snow.Of course, in Europe it is expected that the cold conditions call for creatures perfectly suited to it, hence a whole load of reindeer - with the added capacities of levitation, time dilation and the strength to carry presents for a billion children - have become central to western ideas of the festive period.In Africa, of course, there will be no reindeer. With savannah in place of arctic tundra, it is elephants that dominate the scene.While Zanzibar itself is a relatively small and urbanised island, the kind of vast plains where elephants can roam and safaris be enjoyed are not far away on the continental mainland.That means visitors should make sure they get the chance to hop across the water and get to see these magnificent beasts. Many companies run elephant rides, which are a truly life-enhancing experience.Of course, being perched in a carriage on top of one of these mighty creatures can be a little bit nerve-wracking at first. But captive elephants are intelligent, tame and friendly creatures and while they may have huge strength, they are also gentle. Moreover, they are seldom in a hurry, and a defining feature of your ride will be the leisurely pace at which it is undertaken.Indeed, the longer you ride and the more you get used to the occasional bump, you will feel more comfortable and really enjoy the experience. Indeed, one of the great outcomes is you will come to feel totally at home in the company of one of the most imposing beasts in the jungle.So let your friends back home have their fictional reindeers and real-life cold weather. Your Christmas experience will be totally authentic and utterly memorable.

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Holiday hotspot in Zanzibar for 2015

Archie Domville — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 16:41:31 +0000

If you are unsure as to where to book your holiday, but know you would like somewhere a little bit unique and a once in a lifetime experience, then look no further than a trip to the island of Changgu, just north-west of Zanzibar.Only 800 metres long and 230 metres wide at most, the island has a history as rich as it is beautiful, and in 1893 a prison complex was actually built upon the island, hence Changgu is also referred to as Prison Island. However, no prisoners were ever housed at Changuu and today it is one of the most paradical islands on this earth, becoming a popular holiday destination.The clear waters of the Indian Ocean lap gently against the white sand beaches, making it the perfect destination if you are hoping for a bit of peace and quiet.Many actually head to the island, drawn towards the Aldabra giant tortoises that live there. Back in 1919, the British governor of the Seychelles sent four to the island as a gift, and following years of breeding, there are now more roaming the island.The amazing creatures can grow up to 122cm long for males and 91cm for the females, so are well worth seeing, especially given as you are unlikely to get a chance to see them elsewhere. Some of the tortoises actually live in the old prison, which is still standing, and you can also visit the cells if you wish, so this is an ideal place to see them.An intimate island, there is a tennis court as well as a swimming pool and a library to keep guests entertained. The old European bungalow has also been turned into a restaurant, so however long you plan on spending on the island, you are guaranteed to have a trip you will never forget.

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