Extraordinary Africa>Tanzania>Zanzibar>Zuri Zanzibar
Zuri Zanzibar is a fun, stylish 5* hotel perched across a hillside above one of Zanzibar’s prettiest beaches.
What’s Zuri really like?
Beautiful Zuri is part of a new generation of 5* hotels on Zanzibar. You arrive in the reception at the top of the property. Below you, the resort is scattered throughout the colourful tropical gardens with the beach at the bottom. Wandering down steep steps you’ll come to the airy dining room, and over the path, a bar. Winding further down you’ll pass the spa and yoga deck, and eventually come to the infinity pool and restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean. Then down on the beautiful beach there’s a further bar and watersports shop.
Scattered either side of the main path you’ll find winding pathways leading to the 56 villas and bungalows built between the palm trees and lush tropical plants. Most of the rooms are bungalows with a really natural tropical feel, plenty of wood, gentle creams and muted colours, and an outdoor shower or bathtub (there’s an indoor shower too!) And, although not all of these have a sea view, there’s a lovely sense of nature and a big verandah to relax on. All of the bungalows have evening breeze cooling (air-conditioning that’s lovely even if like us, you’re not keen on air-conditioning) wifi and satellite TV.
Up at the top of the plot there are a few interconnected bungalows which work well for families, then for a little treat the Jacuzzi Bungalows don’t have a bath, but do have a private jacuzzi. There are also a few Jacuzzi Suites in the garden, which have a sitting area as well as the jacuzzi in the deck. The Ocean Front Suite is the same size, but looks right out onto the water. There are also handful of two and three bedroomed villas in the garden and on the ocean front.
What can I do at Zuri?
One of the nice things about Zuri is that instead of being rather isolated, like so many of Zanzibar’s beach hotels, there are quite a few hotels along this stretch of beach, so it’s a great spot to go for a wander and see a bit of life. There’re people playing football and selling their wares, and plenty of swimmers- this is one of the few beaches on the island where you can swim throughout the day. From the watersports centre you can book sunset cruises, rent hobie cats or windsurfers or take a snorkelling trip to Mnemba Atoll. There are kayaks available and stand-up paddle boards, deep sea fishing trips or you can hire a catamaran for the day. There is also a PADI dive centre. For something a bit gentler, Zuri has some lovely treatments in the spa!
Giving back at Zuri:
Zuri is keen to support the island communities that surround it and has set up a tourism and hospitality training school nearby, providing vital skill for the students. Many of the products in the shop come from local sustainable enterprises, and Zuri supports both clean water and education projects in the nearby villages. Should you wish to get involved the reception can help co-ordinate any contributions that have- especially welcome are laptops for the local school, educational toys and books and also glasses
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